Does your dog love apples? If he does, he will surely enjoy the taste of applesauce. This fresh-tasting and smooth sauce makes for a perfect after-dinner treat. But we’d like to know if dogs can eat it without ending up with an upset stomach.
We know that apples are generally harmless for doggies, as long as we don’t give them the core. Apple seeds contain cyanide that can be toxic to dogs. So what about applesauce? Let’s discover whether it is yay or nay for them.
Can Dogs Have Applesauce?
Yes, since applesauce is basically just boiled apples. However, you should avoid giving it to puppies as their digestive systems may not be capable enough to handle apples.
Will it be fine to give applesauce to dog regularly? Yes, but make sure you give him moderate quantities. Better make your own dog-safe applesauce if you are unsure about the canned varieties. The canned ones may contain flavorings and sweeteners that may harm your pet.
Some store-bought varieties of applesauce contain high fructose corn syrup that can add unwanted calories to you and to your dog. While some manufacturers add vitamin C to their products, that will not make a big difference to your dog because canines are capable of producing vitamin C on their own.
Applesauce Ingredients to Avoid
Not all types of applesauce are created equal. There are several ways of making applesauce, and some of us incorporate other ingredients besides apples. Most of us also add sugar to the sauce to give it an extra sweetness.
Other than sugar, the most common add-ons are apple cider, nutmeg, cinnamon sticks, and lemon. Apple cider vinegar and cinnamon are both non-toxic to dogs in moderate amounts, but lemon and nutmeg are both harmful to them. In general, citrus fruits may have chemicals that can be deadly for canines. Lemons contain psoralens that could harm dog once it gets mixed with the fruit’s acid.
The Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, UK’s leading animal welfare charity, warned about giving lemons to dogs. Lemons are not wholesome treats for them. Their consumption may cause your dog to vomit, be depressed, or have diarrhea.
On the other hand, nutmeg is deemed harmful for dogs because of its Myristicin content. This compound is a psychoactive substance that can cause convulsions and palpitations. This substance can also induce body pain.
Apart from nutmeg and lemon, there are other things added in applesauce that could harm your dog. Here is a list of them:
- Agave nectar – sometimes used as a sugar alternative, agave is considered mildly toxic for dogs because it contains oxalate crystals that can injure your pet’s mouth and throat.
- Golden raisins – those who want to upgrade their sauce add some raisins into the mix. While they can make the sauce yummier in an instant, they can actually be deadly for your pets. Raisins are known to cause acute renal failure in dogs.
- Allspice – the aroma of allspice draws a similarity to nutmeg and cinnamon. But allspice is an entirely unique spice that can also cause diarrhea in dogs.
- High-fructose corn syrup – it’s just another moniker for sugar, but it is cheaper so many people use it as an alternative. There are claims that high-fructose corn syrup is worse than sugar. Regardless of the fact that high-fructose corn syrup is sweeter and has more fat, dogs are not meant to consume sugar.
The Best Applesauce for Dogs
The best kind of applesauce for canines is one made without any sweeteners. If you want to create a sugar-free dish, choose sweet varieties of apples such as Fuji, Red Delicious, and Golden Delicious.
Do you want to make a healthier treat for dog? You may try slow-cooking. The gentle heat of slow-cooking brings out the flavors of apples. Plus, it only takes 15 minutes to do. Slow-cooking your apples doesn’t just give you a better-tasting applesauce, it also gives you a better texture.
Can Dogs Eat Fermented Applesauce?
Fermented applesauce is made just like the normal one, but you have to add a few more ingredients to it. Besides, fermenting usually involves waiting for a day or two before you begin to consume it.
Fermented food is not really bad for dogs, but you have to keep an eye on the amount you give to them. If you are planning to add it to your dog’s regular diet, make sure to give him only small amounts. If you are worried fermented applesauce may be bad for your pet, it’s best to consult a veterinarian before including it to dog’s diet.
Benefits of Applesauce for Canines
Apples offer tons of health benefits for canines. Half a cup of applesauce contains around 63 calories. Most of its caloric content comes from carbohydrates and sugars. As long as you keep it unsweetened, applesauce has no fat and contains only tiny amounts of sodium.
Although it lacks protein, it still contains decent amounts of fiber that can be helpful to dogs. Apples, the main ingredient of your applesauce, are excellent sources of vitamin A and vitamin C, the latter contributing to a healthy skin.
Apple is rich in antioxidants, so it can help in strengthening your dog’s immunity. The quercetin in this fruit helps in building the natural defenses of your dog’s body. It is a sweet treat that you can give your pet without feeling guilty since it fights diabetes and cholesterol.
Because apples have a low content of protein and fat, they can be one of the best treats for senior dogs. They can also be given to them that are prone to certain diseases. Apple can be a healthy treat for dogs that need to have a low-fat diet.
Doggie Snacks with Applesauce
Pork and Applesauce Dog Food – people in Sweden and Britain usually use applesauce as a condiment for roast pork. But you can also buy a dog-friendly version. There is a brand of kibble offering this tasty treat for them. It can be served to dogs daily, as long as the amount follows the recommended intake per body weight.
Peanut Butter and Applesauce Cookies – dogs love peanut butter, so adding it to the applesauce will give the cookies a more delectable taste. This dish can be prepared in as fast as 25 minutes and only requires five ingredients. Besides the applesauce and peanut butter, it has whole wheat flour, quick-cook oats, and baking powder. It is up to you if you like to include a bit of coconut oil or olive oil to avoid the cookie from being crumbly.
Carrot Oat Applesauce Treats – this doggie snack is one of those treats that are very easy to make. Did we mention it only uses four ingredients, namely oats, applesauce, finely grated carrot, and all-purpose flour? You only need to combine them, wait for 20 minutes and your dog’s cookies are ready for serving!
Applesauce Dog Biscuits – if you are not a huge fan of store-bought dog treats, you can incorporate applesauce into your doggie’s biscuits. This is done by mixing whole wheat flour, ground cinnamon, unsweetened applesauce, water, and egg altogether. Cut them into bite-size pieces before you put them in the oven. Just a tip for feeding biscuits to your dog: make sure you don’t give him any before or after meals. The best times to offer treats to your dog is in between meals. This is to ensure he eats his food and will not end up malnourished.
Frozen Applesauce Dog Treat – frozen treats are refreshing for doggies, especially during the hot summer months. Show your pet some love and keep him cool with a frozen applesauce dog treat. The unsweetened applesauce is made flavorful with the addition of plain yogurt and a teaspoon of cinnamon. This recipe uses brewer’s yeast that has many health benefits for canines. It contains great amounts of antioxidants that can give them a shinier and healthy-looking skin.
Conclusion
Applesauce is a safe treat for doggies. Just make sure the apples were peeled and cored before bringing them to boil. Dogs can safely consume the peels but too much of them can lead to stomach problems. On the other hand, the seeds are toxic for dogs, so keep an eye when giving apples to them.
When giving your pup canned applesauce, read the label and make sure it does not contain harmful ingredients for your pet. Unsweetened organic applesauce is the best one for him. Your dog doesn’t really need artificial sweeteners and you must avoid adding artificial sweeteners that are deemed toxic to canines. You can even ditch the sugar because apples are already sweet on their own.
If you are making the sauce at home, keep the dish as simple as possible. Store it properly so your dog can still safely consume it next time. It can be kept in the fridge for up to a week. You can even keep it for a year if you freeze it. If it is store-bought, check the label. Canned applesauce usually lasts for a year.
