Can Dogs Eat Applesauce? | Is Applesauce Good for Dogs?
From infants getting getting spoon-fed their breakfast, to kids having a snack in the school lunchroom, to adults having a side dish with their dinner, we love applesauce no matter our age! Applesauce is a great sweet, healthy snack for us. Can our love for this treat be shared with our dogs? Can dogs eat applesauce too?
Can Dogs Eat Applesauce? (The Short Answer)
We know that Apples are typically safe for dogs to eat (as long as you know which parts to give and which to avoid!) Not surprisingly, so is applesauce! That doesn’t mean that you should go ahead and feed your dog a whole jar of any kind of applesauce though. There are things you should consider and know before sharing this treat with your pup. Keep reading to find out what kind of applesauce you should be feeding your dog and how much if it is appropriate.
It’s important to remember, that even with the best of intentions, accidents happen and dogs can easily eat things they shouldn’t. Unfortunately, even if those accidents aren’t fatal, they can result in huge, unexpected veterinary expenses. That’s why we recommend all responsible dog owners get a free, online pet insurance quote from Healthy Paws.
Is Applesauce Good For Dogs?
We’ve already answered the question, “can dogs eat applesauce?” Now, let’s learn about the benefits of feeding your dog this food! Is applesauce good for dogs?
Plain, unsweetened applesauce, much like plain apples, have plenty of nutritional value for dogs. Applesauce contains lots of fiber, calcium, vitamins, and antioxidants. All of these result in important health benefits for your dog like healthier bones, a well-regulated digestive system, a stronger immune system, and plenty of others. Keep in mind that your dog should be getting all these from their daily dog food.
Applesauce is also a low-calorie snack that can help dogs who need to lose a few pounds do so while still consuming tasty, sweet treats!
Is Applesauce Bad for Dogs?
There are a few very important things to remember before feeding your dog applesauce. First off is that when we say that applesauce is a healthy snack for your dog, we are referring to plain, unsweetened applesauce. There are a lot of sugary, flavored applesauce varieties out there which are not only unhealthy for your dog but could contain dangerous sweeteners, chemicals, and preservatives. For one more step in the right direction, opt for organic applesauce.
The second thing to remember when it comes to feeding your dog applesauce is to do so in moderation. Since applesauce has a lot of sugar, it’s best to keep portions to a minimal amount and just feed a couple spoonfuls here and there. Moderation will avoid upset stomachs and diarrhea. Too much apple sauce can also lead to dehydration. For this reason, it’s recommended that you do NOT feed applesauce to young puppies.
Varieties of Applesauce & Applesauce Products:
Can Dogs Eat Applesauce with Cinnamon? / Can Dogs Eat Cinnamon Applesauce?
Cinnamon is healthy for dogs and can actually help regulate their blood sugar as well as lower their insulin resistance. Adding a small amount of cinnamon to your pup’s applesauce will make the treat tastier and healthier. However, many commercial cinnamon applesauce flavors also come with added sugar, preservatives, and other unhealthy chemicals. Don’t feed those to your dog. It’s so much better to mix them yourself!
Can Dogs Eat Unsweetened Applesauce?
Yes! Unsweetened applesauce is the only healthy type of applesauce that you should be feeding your dog. Keep in mind that unsweetened is different than sugar-free. Sugar-free commercial applesauce often has artificial sweeteners added that can be toxic for dogs.
Can Dogs Eat Strawberry Applesauce?
Strawberries are another healthy, tasty treat for dogs. Blending in strawberries by themselves would be safe way to add a new taste to your dog’s applesauce! However, keep in mind that commercial strawberry applesauce flavors often have added sugar and chemicals and should be avoided. If you are able to find it in a plain, unsweetened variety you are good to go!
Is Mott’s Applesauce Safe for Your Pup?
As long as it is plain, unsweetened there is no reason why dogs shouldn’t be able to eat Mott’s applesauce or any other brand of applesauce!
In Conclusion: Can Dogs Eat Applesauce?
So, can dogs eat applesauce after all? As with many things, applesauce is a great treat for your dog in moderation. Opt for plain, unsweetened varieties and avoid feeding it to young puppies. As long as you follow those basic rules and always check the ingredients list, this is a great option for a tasty, healthy snack for your dog.
Want to Learn More?
Check out these related articles from our “Read Before You Feed” series for more advice on safe foods for dogs!
Disclaimer: We are not veterinarians and this article should not be taken as medical or veterinary advice. If you have any questions about your pet’s health or dietary needs, please contact your local veterinarian.
