Can Dogs Eat Applesauce Safely?

So, can dogs eat applesauce? The answer is both yes and no. And, as with most things, moderation is key.

Key Takeaways

Dogs digest applesauce with no problems. ✔️
Applesauce is good for dogs at any age. ✔️
The healthiest option is to make homemade applesauce yourself! ✔️
Too much applesauce can result in diarrhea. ❌

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Can Dogs Eat Applesauce?

Applesauce is basically apples that have been pressed or puréed. It’s often used in baking and desserts, on the side with meat, as a sauce over ice cream (or just eaten right out of the jar). So, can dogs eat applesauce?

Yes! In fact, applesauce is high in dietary fiber, vitamins A and C, potassium, and other antioxidants. It may aid with weight reduction and digestion – all while being a sweet treat. But, you need to get unsweetened applesauce without any added sugar or salt. As always, check with your veterinarian if you have more doubts.

You can read more about dogs and apples, here!

How Dogs Digest Applesauce

Dogs are able to digest applesauce, because they have something called pectinase. It breaks down pectin, which is a type of carbohydrate found in fruits and vegetables. In other words, dogs are able to digest applesauce because they predisposed to do it.

The Benefits of Applesauce for Dogs

All the nutrients applesauce has are beneficial to your dog’s health.

The high amount of vitamin C in applesauce can help boost your dog’s immune system.
Potassium can help regulate blood pressure.
Magnesium is important for nerve function and muscle contraction.

How Too Much Applesauce Is Bad for Dogs

Can dogs eat applesauce in big amounts? No. Have you noticed your pooch having too many toilet breaks during his daily walk? Perhaps, he is eating too much, which is causing him diarrhea. Apples are only safe for dogs to eat if they’re properly prepared and given in small quantities.

Is Applesauce Safe for Puppies?

Even though applesauce is healthy, it could be harmful to your puppy at times. Since little pups have delicate linings, the sauce may even cause a stomachache or diarrhea. You will want to make sure the applesauce is fresh and has not been sitting out of its container for hours at a time before feeding it to your puppy.

If possible, avoid giving any commercial brand sauces unless you know what ingredients were used, because those can contain artificial sweeteners or preservatives. Organic applesauce is the best for dogs!

How to Make Homemade Applesauce for Your Dog

Ingredients:

One pound of apples (any type will do)
A quarter cup of water
Two tablespoons of honey (not sugar)
Half a teaspoon of ground cinnamon (yes, cinnamon is safe for dogs!)

Instructions:

Start by peeling and chopping the apples into small pieces.
Place the chopped apples in a pot with the water and honey, and cook over medium heat until they’re soft.
Add the cinnamon, stir well, and remove from heat.
Let the applesauce cool before serving it to your dog.

Unsweetened Applesauce for Sweet Dogs

Can dogs eat applesauce? Yes! Not only is it packed with vitamins, minerals and antioxidants, but it’s also low in calories and easy to digest. However, puppies should not eat too much applesauce as their digestive system isn’t fully developed yet.