An apple a day keeps the doctor away.

This is a fairly old adage which means that consuming apples (or fruits in general) may help to keep diseases at bay. However, can feeding your dog apples regularly reduce the number of visits to the vet?

Dogs can safely eat apples. Apples do not contain any chemicals known to be toxic to dogs. Besides, the fruits are chockfull of nutrients that could benefit your pooch in some way.

Now that apples are safe for dogs, can dogs have applesauce too?

Yes, they can. Applesauce contains apple as their primary ingredient. That makes it safe and even potentially nutritious for dogs. However, there are certain precautions to take before feeding applesauce to your dog. For instance, applesauce is only safe for dogs in moderation. Giving your dog an excess of this food could trigger a host of adverse effects. Besides, applesauce might contain ingredients known to be toxic to dogs. That’s especially true for store-bought applesauce.

Read on for more insights into dogs and applesauce.

Are Apples Good For Dogs?

Apples are non-toxic to dogs. These fruits also contain plenty of nutrients that dogs can enjoy.

Besides, apples are incredibly low in calories. That makes them a perfect recommendation for dogs with weight problems.

Lastly, studies have shown that the act of chewing apples can help clean a dog’s teeth.

However, apples are not entirely risk-free for dogs. The fruits can present some dangers to your canine friend. That’s especially if fed with careless abandon.

It’s also worth noting that like most fruits, there are several ways to consume apples. One such method is by making the fruit into applesauce.

Is applesauce as healthy as an apple too?

Applesauce cooked without any additives is just as healthy as whole apples. You only need to ensure the sauce is cooked in moderate heat to avoid destroying its essential minerals and vitamins.

But is applesauce safe for dogs?

Applesauce is safe and nutritious to dogs. However, it’s best to familiarize ourselves with this food even before determining whether we can safely give it to dogs or not.

More About Applesauce

What Is Applesauce?

Applesauce simply refers to a sauce made of apples.

Applesauce can be made with either peeled or unpeeled apples. You can also prepare the sauce using different varieties, such as sweet and sour apples.

Applesauce can be sweetened or not. There’s also the option of adding spices or consuming the sauce unspiced.

Preparation

Applesauce is generally prepared by cooking fresh apples with water or apple cider.

The degree of acidity of the apples used determines the nature of the resulting purée. Highly acidic apples, such as Bramley apple, render finer purée.

The sauce may also include sweeteners and spices. Sugar is the most commonly used sweetener, whereas spices can include cinnamon, allspice, strawberry, and even garlic and onion.

Applesauce may include additional ingredients, depending on desired shelf life. These ingredients range from preservatives like brine (concentrated salt solution) to acidifiers like lemon juice, citric acid, and ascorbic acid (vitamin C). Brine helps preserve the food’s shelf life, whereas acidifiers mainly preserve the color.

And while applesauce is typically prepared by boiling, other cooking methods like baking may be used. When baking applesauce, the fruit is peeled and cured first before the cooking begins.

Last update on 2024-04-20 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Can I Give My Dog Applesauce? A Look at the Potential Health Benefits of Applesauce for Dogs

Applesauce (unsweetened and unspiced) contains nearly the same nutritional elements as whole apples. On average, a half-cup serving (about 122 grams) of unsweetened applesauce boasts the following nutrients:

• Calories – 51
• Proteins – 0.2 grams
• Carbohydrates – 13.7 grams
• Dietary fiber – 1.3 grams
• Sugar – 11.5 grams
• Fat – 0.1 grams
• Water – 73 grams
• Vitamin A – 2% of the recommended daily value (RDV)
• Vitamin B1 (Thiamin/Thiamine) – 3% of the RDV
• Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin) – 2% of the RDV
• Vitamin B6 – 2% of the RDV
• Folate – 1% of the RDV
• Vitamin C – 1% of the RDV
• Vitamin E – 1% of the RDV
• Copper – 4% of the RDV
• Iron – 2% of the RDV
• Potassium – 2% of the RDV
• Magnesium – 1% of the RDV
• Sodium – Less than 1% of the RDV

NOTE: The above percentages are based on the recommended daily intake for humans. But as you’re about to find out, many of the nutrients in apples can benefit your dog too.

Below are some of the potential health benefits of applesauce for dogs, based on the nutrients in this sauce;

1. Applesauce May Support Your Dog’s Digestion

Applesauce is loaded with dietary fiber. Fiber performs several crucial roles in an animal’s body. But the most significant one is supporting digestion.

The fiber in applesauce may support your dog’s digestion by helping nourish his gut-friendly bacteria, otherwise known as gut microbiome.

Research indicates that keeping gut microbiome well-nourished is a way of guarding against various digestive and metabolic disorders, such as a leaky gut and inflammatory bowel disease.

Fiber may also relieve constipation in dogs. That’s due to its ability to add bulk to stool. Bulkier stools increase the frequency of your dog’s bowel activity, consequently helping to treat constipation and upset stomach.

Can dogs eat applesauce for constipation? And what about dogs with upset stomach, can dogs have applesauce for upset stomach too?

Relieving constipation and upset stomach are some of the primary functions of fiber-rich diets like applesauce. Therefore, dogs can definitely eat applesauce for either problem.

So, will applesauce help my dog poop?

Applesauce contains fiber, a nutrient known to create stool-bulking effects, resulting in frequent bowel activity. Therefore, it goes that applesauce can make your dog poop.

2. Applesauce May Treat Diarrhea

BRAT and CRAM diets are typically given to children with diarrhea and upset stomach. It turns out that applesauce is the main antidiarrheal ingredient in these diets.

So, can dogs eat applesauce for diarrhea?

Dogs with diarrhea can benefit immensely from eating applesauce. However, remember to exercise moderation while using applesauce for diarrhea in dogs. That’s because the sauce is loaded with fiber. Note that too much fiber can create a laxative effect, which could worsen diarrhea instead of relieving it.

3. Applesauce May Promote Hydration

More than 70% of regular applesauce comprises water. Feeding moisture-dense foods to dogs is a proactive way of averting dehydration. Such foods are particularly beneficial for fussy drinkers.

If you’re worried that your canine friend isn’t drinking as much as he should, you might consider supplementing his diet with applesauce. But as we’ve repeatedly reiterated, keep the portions low to prevent your dog from developing any adverse effects.

4. Applesauce May Aid Weight Loss

Sauces are synonymous with weight gain. Fortunately, applesauce is an exception.

Applesauce is incredibly low in both calories and fat. You can supplement your dog’s diet with this sauce without worrying about your canine friend packing up more weight.

Besides, the high fiber and water content in applesauce can help reduce the food quantities that your dog can consume in one sitting. That’s because fiber- and moisture-rich diets generally trigger a feeling of fullness faster and for longer. This might help prevent unintentional weight gain in dogs.

Can dogs with pancreatitis eat applesauce?

Pancreatitis is an inflammation of the pancreas. The condition usually presents gastrointestinal symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal discomfort. Pancreatitis is also known to be aggravated by fatty diets. So, the fact that applesauce is low in fat makes it potentially safe for dogs with pancreatitis.

Last update on 2024-04-19 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

5. Applesauce May Boost Your Dog’s Immunity

Virtually all fruits and fruit-based diets are loaded with antioxidants. And applesauce is no exception.

Antioxidants are compounds that boost immunity by preventing oxidative damage to body cells – a negative phenomenon caused by too much free radicals in the body. Oxidative damage is a leading cause of chronic diseases like heart disease, diabetes, and cancer.

Fortunately, supplementing your dog’s diet with applesauce may help to keep these diseases at bay.

Applesauce is loaded with vitamin C, an antioxidant involved in the healthy development of bones and muscles. The sauce also contains vitamin A, another powerful antioxidant that can help to maintain the health of your dog’s eyes and skin.

Is Applesauce Good For Dogs?

Applesauce is generally good for dogs. The sauce doesn’t contain any compounds known to be toxic to dogs. Applesauce is also chockfull of vitamins and minerals, many of which could offer medical and nutritional benefits to your dog.

But as we indicated at the beginning, applesauce is only safe and beneficial to dogs if fed in moderation. An excess of this fruit could trigger several adverse effects (more on that in the next section).

It’s also important to note that applesauce varies in nutrients depending on several factors. Common ones include;

• The apple varieties used
• How the apples were processed after harvesting
• The cooking method used
• Whether the apples were cooked with or without their peels and seeds
• The types and amounts of additives the sauce contains

Common Side Effects of Apples for Dogs

1. Upset Stomach

Dogs are omnivores. Unlike their feline housemates, a dog can comfortably snack on most fruits and vegetables.

However, dogs require more animal than plant products in their diets. That explains why feeding too much applesauce to your canine friend may cause an upset stomach.

Symptoms to watch out for include;

• Nausea and vomiting
• Appetite loss
• Diarrhea
• Abdominal discomfort

The severity of the complications resulting from consuming applesauce will depend on your dog’s age. That begs the question, can puppies have applesauce?

Puppies can enjoy many of the nutritional elements in applesauce the same way as adult dogs. But due to their rather sensitive stomachs, puppies could develop more severe side effects from eating applesauce. If you must share applesauce with your pups, keep the portions even lower than you would for adult dogs.

Other factors determining the severity of applesauce side effects in dogs include whether the animal is sick, pregnant, or nursing.

Can dogs have applesauce when sick?

It all depends on the disease. Sicknesses that generally present diarrheal symptoms can be managed effectively using applesauce. But the same cannot be said of all medical conditions.

What of pregnant and nursing dogs? Can they eat applesauce too?

Applesauce is high in folate and iron, two of the top minerals required by expecting and nursing mothers. So, you can share applesauce with pregnant dogs and even nursing ones as a way of upping their intake of these vital minerals. However, since pregnant and nursing dogs generally have compromised immunity, they’re better off eating applesauce in moderation.

2. Uncontrolled Blood Sugar Spikes

Applesauce is high in carbohydrates. A 122-gram serving of the sauce contains as much as 13.7 grams of carbs, 11.5 grams of which comprises sugar.

High-carb diets are adversely linked to blood sugar spikes. And high blood sugar levels is a leading cause of diabetes and obesity, as well as heart and cardiovascular diseases.

So, can diabetic dogs eat applesauce?

Applesauce is loaded with antioxidants that may guard against certain chronic diseases. However, diabetic dogs should stay away from this sauce. That’s because of the high sugar levels in applesauce, which could worsen diabetes symptoms.

Is unsweetened applesauce good for dogs with diabetes then?

Sugar is the main problem with applesauce for diabetic and obese dogs. The good news is that applesauce can be sweetened or unsweetened. But can overweight dogs eat unsweetened applesauce? What of diabetic dogs, can diabetic dogs eat unsweetened applesauce?

Yes, overweight and diabetic dogs can definitely eat unsweetened applesauce in moderation.

3. Dental and Oral Problems

Besides increasing the risks of diabetes and obesity, sugar-rich foods may also hurt your dog’s teeth. When consumed, such foods offer a breeding ground for plaque and other harmful bacteria.

Does unsweetened applesauce hurt my dog’s teeth?

Unsweetened applesauce will not hurt your dog’s teeth. The problem is usually with the high sugar content in sweetened applesauce.

Can dogs eat unsweetened applesauce in their food?

By all indications, unsweetened applesauce is safer and more beneficial to dogs than sweetened applesauce.

Last update on 2024-04-19 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

4. Allergic Reactions

Canine allergies aren’t uncommon, especially when it comes to eating foods that are not typically part of their diet. But can dogs be allergic to applesauce?

Although the risks of applesauce allergies in dogs are rare, they aren’t completely impossible. Your dog may still develop allergic reactions from eating applesauce. The symptoms can range from vomiting and diarrhea to sneezing, coughing, and even skin rash.

Most dogs will develop applesauce allergy if consuming this sauce for the first time. That’s another reason to exercise moderation when feeding applesauce to dogs.

Some dogs may also develop allergy to the other ingredients in applesauce and not the apple itself. For instance, spices like onion and garlic are toxic to dogs. Consuming these spices could trigger a severe disease called Heinz-body anemia. Salt isn’t safe either. This condiment is known to trigger sodium-ion poisoning in dogs, a medical condition that can damage your dog’s kidneys.

Perhaps you’ve always been wondering, can dogs with kidney disease eat applesauce?

Applesauce prepared with too much salt may cause sodium-ion poisoning in dogs, a disease that could harm your dog’s kidneys. It’s worse if your dog is already suffering from kidney disease.

What Kind Of Applesauce Can Dogs Eat?

As we’ve already indicated, dogs should eat unsweetened applesauce. That’s because sweetened applesauce could hurt their teeth while also increasing the risks of diabetes and obesity.

Fortunately, it’s not difficult to find the best unsweetened applesauce. Trader Joe’s Organic Unsweetened Applesauce and Green Coast Pet Unsweetened Applesauce for Dogs are some of the best products to try out when looking for unsweetened applesauce for your pooch.

Besides being unsweetened, both products contain several other ingredients known to be safe and beneficial to dogs.

Secondly, dogs should preferably consume homemade as opposed to store-bought applesauce. The main reason experts recommend homemade applesauce for dogs is that it usually doesn’t contain compounds known to be toxic to dogs, such as salt and garlic.

Can dogs eat store-bought applesauce?

As we’ve just indicated, you’re better off giving your dog homemade than store-bought applesauce. That said, your canine friend can still eat store-purchased applesauce. You only have to ensure the sauce comes from a reputable brand. Which begs the question, what brand of applesauce is good for dogs?

The best brands of applesauce are generally those who prepare their sauce with minimal chemical additives. Examples of brands producing healthy applesauce for dogs include Trader’s Joe, Green Coast, Mott’s, GoGo squeeZ, Santa Crus, and Eden.

Can dogs eat Mott’s applesauce?

We’ve just identified Mott’s as one of the leading brands that produces healthy applesauce. So, it goes that dogs can eat Mott’s applesauce. Just ensure you opt for unsweetened products.

Can dogs eat Mott’s no-sugar-added applesauce?

Mott’s unsweetened applesauce is actually the best applesauce to give to your dog.

Last update on 2024-04-20 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Can dogs eat Kirkland applesauce?

Dogs can eat Kirkland applesauce provided that the sauce is unsweetened.

And what of GoGo squeeZ applesauce, can dogs eat GoGo squeeZ applesauce? Is GoGo squeeZ applesauce good for dogs?

Yes, GoGo squeeZ is one of the many manufacturers of healthy applesauce for humans and dogs alike.

Can dogs eat strawberry applesauce?

Dogs can safely consume strawberries. So, strawberry-flavored applesauce are equally safe for dogs.

Can dogs eat cinnamon applesauce?

Cinnamon is also safe for dogs, which makes cinnamon-flavored applesauce healthy for them too.

Can dogs eat blueberry applesauce?

Dogs can eat blueberries. So, blueberry applesauce is perfectly safe for dogs.

Can dogs eat cherry applesauce?

Dogs can eat cherry applesauce too. However, keep the portions low as too much cherry might cause cyanide poisoning in dogs.

Can dogs eat pear applesauce?

Pears add to the long list of fruits that dogs can eat, which consequently means that dogs can eat pear applesauce too.

Can dogs eat peach applesauce?

Yes they can. Both peach and apple are safe and nutritious to dogs.

Can dogs eat applesauce with ascorbic acid or is ascorbic acid in applesauce bad for dogs?

Ascorbic acid is another name for vitamin C. This vitamin is safe and even beneficial to dogs if fed in moderation.

Can dogs have frozen applesauce?

Dogs can eat frozen applesauce. However, ensure you warm the sauce first as your dog’s teeth is highly sensitive to frozen foods.

What kind of apples work best with unsweetened applesauce?

Highly acidic apples would work best with unsweetened applesauce. That’s because the sour taste takes the place of sugary taste, making the apples taste just as yummy.

How to Make Applesauce for Dogs

The best way to make applesauce for dogs is to begin by washing the fruits. You then peel them and remove their seeds.

After that, boil the apples in moderate heat. This ensures the fruits retain most of their nutritional elements. While you’re at it, avoid adding any ingredients known to be toxic to dogs, such as salt, sugar, fat, and spices like onion and garlic.

Lastly, serve the applesauce to your dog sparingly. This begs the question, how much applesauce can I feed my dog?

There’s no standard of measure for the quantity of applesauce to give your dog. It mainly depends on factors like the dog’s age, breed, and general health condition.

How often should dogs eat applesauce? Can dogs eat unsweetened applesauce every day?

Dogs shouldn’t eat applesauce (sweetened or unsweetened) every day. Only feed applesauce to your dog as an occasional treat.

You might have always wondered, can dogs eat applesauce safely every day?

Again, it’s recommended to give your dog applesauce only as an occasional treat.

Conclusion

Applesauce can provide numerous health and nutritional benefits to dogs. However, since apple isn’t a common ingredient in dog food, it’s best to exercise moderation while serving applesauce to your canine friend.

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