Can Dogs Eat Applesauce? What Vets Say

While applesauce can be a delicious snack for dogs, it's important to know the nutritional content, potential downsides, and how to best incorporate it into your dog's diet. In general, unsweetened applesauce can be a good source of fiber, antioxidants, and vitamins for dogs, but it should only be used as a supplement to your dog's regular diet, and it should be free of any extra ingredients like sugar or artificial sweeteners.

We'll cover what veterinarians have to say about whether or not applesauce is a good option for dogs. This will include a deep dive into the pros and cons based on things like your dog's weight, any health issues they may have, and their individual dietary needs. This way, you can be sure you have the most up-to-date information to decide whether or not—and under what circumstances—you should give your dog applesauce as an occasional treat.

DIY Applesauce Dog Treats

If you want to spoil your dog with a healthy, affordable treat, making your own applesauce dog treats at home is a great option. Most applesauce dog treat recipes call for just a few basic ingredients like unsweetened applesauce, oat flour, and eggs, and the steps are pretty similar: mix the ingredients to form a dough, roll out the dough, cut it into fun shapes, and bake until the treats are golden and crispy.

You can mix things up by adding a bit of cinnamon or using other ingredients like chia seeds or quick oats instead of old-fashioned oats. Making your own treats also means you can make sure they don’t contain any additives or preservatives that could be harmful to your dog, which are often found in store-bought dog treats.

Plus, you can customize your homemade dog treats to your dog’s dietary needs and taste preferences. For instance, if you use unsweetened applesauce, the treats will be lower in sugar. And if you make them at home, you can make sure they’re as crunchy or soft as your dog likes. On top of that, homemade dog treats are a budget-friendly way to give your dog a healthy treat.

Nutritional Benefits of Applesauce for Dogs

Applesauce can be a healthy part of a dog's diet if it is given in moderation. According to Pumpkin®, applesauce is full of antioxidants, like vitamin C, which can help boost a dog's immune system and keep them healthy. It also contains important vitamins, fiber to help with digestion, and is low in calories, which means it can be good for dogs who are on a diet.

The Salty Pot also explains that applesauce can be a good way to help keep dogs healthy, especially during the winter months. If you make your own applesauce, you can control the ingredients and make sure that it doesn't contain any harmful additives that are sometimes found in store-bought applesauce.

That said, Spoiled Hounds warns that applesauce should not be used as a substitute for a well-balanced, complete dog food diet because it doesn't contain other important nutrients that dogs need. Instead, it should be used in moderation, with small dogs getting 1-2 tablespoons and larger dogs getting a few tablespoons as an occasional treat.

Even though applesauce can be good for dogs, pet parents should always talk to their vet before giving it or any other new food to their dog, especially if their dog has any health issues that require them to be on a special diet.

Can Dogs with Certain Health Problems Have Applesauce?

For diabetic dogs, applesauce can be a good option for a healthy treat because of its low sugar and high fiber content, which can help control blood sugar levels. As Rawz Natural Pet Food explains, fiber slows the absorption of glucose and reduces sudden blood sugar spikes after eating, so it's a great thing to add to a diabetic dog's diet. That said, Mar Vista Animal Medical Center notes that it's important to control the portion size and that applesauce should only be a small part of a diabetic dog's daily caloric intake.

On the other hand, WagWalking points out that some dogs may be allergic to apples, and that the symptoms of an apple allergy can include itching, swelling, and difficulty breathing. For dogs with food allergies or sensitivities, applesauce may not be a good option at all. As with any new food, it's important to monitor for signs of digestive issues, such as vomiting or diarrhea.

As Dog Wonders World stresses, it's always best to talk to your vet before making any major changes to your dog's diet, especially if they have a health issue. With the right precautions and advice, many dogs can enjoy applesauce as an occasional treat.

Potential Dangers and Safety Concerns of Feeding Applesauce to Dogs

Although unsweetened applesauce can be a healthy treat for dogs, there are some potential dangers and safety concerns to keep in mind. Petco notes that many store-bought applesauce brands contain added sugars, preservatives, or artificial sweeteners like xylitol, which is toxic to dogs. Even natural applesauce should be given in moderation due to its high fiber and sugar content, which can cause digestive problems like diarrhea and vomiting if consumed in large amounts.

The American Kennel Club explains that puppies tend to have more sensitive stomachs, so it's best to introduce applesauce to them slowly and in small quantities. In addition, Petful warns that any applesauce that contains ingredients like raisins, which are poisonous to dogs, should be avoided. As with any new food, it's important to look out for signs of an allergic reaction, including itching, swelling, or difficulty breathing.

If you're aware of these dangers and take the necessary safety measures, you can give your dog applesauce as a treat without any issues. That said, you should always talk to your vet before you make any major changes to your dog's diet.

How Much Applesauce Can Dogs Have and How to Serve It

The amount of applesauce you can give your dog will depend on their size. Spoiled Hounds suggests that small dogs can have 1-2 tablespoons, while a few tablespoons is fine for larger dogs, as an occasional treat. They also note that no more than 5% of a dog's daily caloric intake should come from applesauce to prevent stomach upset.

There are many ways to incorporate applesauce into your dog's diet. Pupford recommends mixing it in with dry kibble, yogurt, or pumpkin puree, or even freezing it to make dog-friendly popsicles. If your dog is a picky eater, The Salty Pot points out that applesauce can be a good way to hide medications or supplements in your dog's food.

If you store homemade applesauce in the fridge, it will stay fresh for 4-5 days, while the Spoiled Hounds article suggests freezing it in ice cube trays or airtight containers if you want to keep it for 3 months or longer. By making sure you give your dog the right amount and thinking outside the box when it comes to serving ideas, applesauce can be a great way to give your dog some variety and extra nutrients.

The Verdict: Can Dogs Have Applesauce?

If given as an occasional treat in moderation, plain unsweetened applesauce can be a source of some nutritional value for dogs. That said, it should never be used as a substitute for a complete, balanced diet that's tailored to a dog's specific nutritional needs. Applesauce doesn't provide all of the essential nutrients dogs need and should only be a small part of a dog's diet.

As with any new food, it's important to introduce applesauce to your dog's diet gradually, monitor for any negative side effects, and talk to your vet - especially if your dog has any underlying health conditions. With some care, applesauce can be a convenient, cost-effective way to mix things up for your dog and treat them to a healthy, delicious snack.