Applesauce is a simple recipe that’s loved by children and adults alike. It’s one of the most popular ways to eat apples! That’s why it’s not surprising if you wonder if dogs consume applesauce too.
But as you know, we shouldn’t give all of the food we eat to our pets. Sometimes, the foods we enjoy aren’t good for dogs because they have different nutritional needs. Also, some of these human foods can lead to problems in their digestive system.
For this reason, you must make sure that your pet friend gets the best possible nutrition since you want it to be safe and sound. So, this brings us to the main question: Can dogs eat applesauce?
Short Answer
Yes, plain applesauce contains many nutrients that have health benefits for dogs. As they can safely consume apples, dogs can also eat unsweetened applesauce.
However, it doesn’t mean you should give them a full bowl of this treat right away. Instead, you can provide your dog applesauce but in moderation. And before sharing this cool treat with your pet, there are certain things to know and consider.
Read on to learn about the benefits, types of applesauce, and more!
Why Dogs Can Eat Applesauce
Your pet can consume applesauce because it’s delicious and offers several health benefits. Perhaps a bowl of applesauce from time to time may keep the doctor away!
Now, let’s consider the benefits applesauce can bring to your dog.
Acts as a Moisturizer and Cleanser
Due to its high water content, applesauce helps in your dog’s hydration. In addition, it’s wonderful in hot summers; your dog will love you even more.
The high water content of applesauce also helps dogs purify themselves and eliminate toxins from their bodies, thereby preventing kidney problems.
Has Antioxidant Properties
Since applesauce is made from apples, it’ll have antioxidant properties that’ll help maintain your dog’s joints and bone health and slow down certain diseases.
Boosts the Immune System and Skin
The variety of vitamins in apples, including vitamin C, as well as their minerals, such as calcium and phosphorus, favors the strengthening of your dog’s immunity. So eating applesauce will make your dog more resistant to diseases.
Besides preserving your pet’s health, your dog’s external appearance (skin and hair) will look healthier and brighter.
Enhances Digestion
Another reason dogs can munch applesauce is that the apple is an easily digestible fruit. In addition, it has a lot of fiber, which helps your pet pass out poop easily. It’s also recommended in many cases where the dog suffers from digestive problems.
Less Risk of Allergies
Applesauce is made from a fruit that doesn’t usually cause any allergic reaction. So, it’s recommended for many dogs or young puppies with a food allergy. However, you need to consult with your pet’s vet as each case is special.
Applesauce: Store-Bought or Homemade?
Without a doubt, making homemade applesauce is the healthiest option. This measure would help prevent feeding your pet with applesauce that contains harmful additives or preservatives.
Also, preparing the dog’s treat yourself will allow you to remove the apple seeds and core, which are quite dangerous to your dog. They could cause a choking hazard, especially to young puppies.
However, this doesn’t mean that you can’t feed your dogs store-bought apple sauce; you can but under certain conditions. For instance, you need to buy the unsweetened variety or brand of applesauce. So you’ll have to read the labels to check the product’s ingredients carefully. Most store-bought applesauce contains too much sugar or high fructose corn syrup.
Remember that excessive sugar is harmful to dogs as much as it’s to humans. Your pet doesn’t get any nutritional value from sugar; instead, it predisposes the animal to diabetes, digestive upset, and a weak immune system. Additionally, your dog could get obese when it consumes applesauce with extra sugar. So, as you watch your sugar intake, ensure you do the same for your dog.
What Brands of Applesauce Is Good for Dogs?
Whatever brand you choose, it’s important to make sure it’s unsweetened and has no artificial additives. Some brands that offer healthy applesauce are Mott’s, Santa Crus, GoGo squeeZ, and Eden. However, take care because they might provide both unsweetened and sweetened applesauce.
For example, if you opt for Mott’s brand, make sure to buy the unsweetened type as no sugar is added during production. However, you have to be careful not to feed your dog above the recommended amount, as Mott’s unsweetened applesauce is packed with ascorbic acid (vitamin C). Excessive consumption of vitamin C could affect your pet’s sensitive digestive system.
But you don’t have to worry about artificial flavors, sweeteners, or food coloring in Mott’s unsweetened applesauce.
Another great option is the Eden brand. It provides organic applesauce, not only unsweetened, so it’d be as if your canine friend is eating apples inCan-Dogs-Eat-Applesauce the form of sauce without any additives.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can Dogs Eat Cinnamon Applesauce?
Cinamon on its own isn’t harmful to your furry friend. Therefore, your dogs can consume this tasty treat, but it has to be in moderation. This is because consuming too much of this food could pose a threat to your dog’s health.
Will Applesauce Make My Dog Poop Frequently?
Yes, your dog will use the potty more times than usual after eating a good size of applesauce. This is because apples are a great source of fiber for humans and dogs alike. Human foods that contain soluble fiber enhance bowel movement for dogs too. So, expect to clean up more dog poop after giving your canine companion some sweet treats!
How Much Applesauce Can My Dog Eat?
Applesauce is best served in small quantities as a treat rather than a meal. Serving too many fruits or vegetables can cause digestive problems in dogs. Therefore, the applesauce shouldn’t make up more than 5% of your dog’s diet.
Is Applesauce Good for Dogs With Diarrhea?
Yes, giving fresh apples or some homemade applesauce to a dog with diarrhea is effective, thanks to a component called pectin that’s very good against this problem. Pectin is a type of soluble fiber present in the skin of apples that’s capable of absorbing gastric juices and helps eliminate bad cholesterol and toxins. Also, it helps in cases of diarrhea.
Moreover, apples are recommended for all kinds of intestinal problems, such as colitis or gastritis in dogs.
Is There Any Dog Treats Like Applesauce?
Yes, there are other healthy treats to be given to your dog if you don’t want it to eat applesauce. For example, homemade dog treats like peanut butter snacks made with carrots or pieces of meat are great for your canine.
Can Dogs Eat Strawberry Applesauce?
Although dogs eat strawberry applesauce, you’re advised to avoid feeding your dog with it as strawberry applesauce contains too much sugar.
Can Puppies Eat Applesauce?
Yes, they can. Because of its smooth consistency and nutritional benefits, applesauce is a suitable treat for puppies that are still learning to eat prepared food.
Bottom Line
So, can dogs eat applesauce? Yes, your dog can munch unsweetened applesauce. However, you have to be careful when buying it for your pet because the market is saturated with sugar-laden brands of this treat. A better alternative is to resort to homemade applesauce with no added sugar and with all the apple seeds removed for the safety of your canine friend.
Keep in mind that applesauce should be an occasional treat to dogs. So don’t let them eat it every day.