- Scientific Name: Malus pumila
- Common Name: Apple
- Dangerous Compounds: Cyanide (apple seeds)
- Toxic to Dogs: Apples no – seeds yes
- Common Symptoms to applesauce: None
Can Dogs Eat Applesauce?
Yes, dogs can eat applesauce. It is beneficial, safe and healthy for them just make sure that the apples used are organic. If you prefer to add this to your pet's daily diet, be sure to curb on the sugar to prevent obesity.
There are many fresh fruits that can be nutritionally beneficial for your dog, including apples. Apples come in all different varieties but they all offer similar health benefits.
Apples are not dangerous for your dog to eat, except for the seeds which contain cyanide. The fruit of the apple, as well as applesauce, however, is completely safe.
Health Benefits of Applesauce
Apples contain plenty of dietary fiber as well as vitamin C, phosphorus, and calcium. The nutritional benefits of applesauce may vary a little bit, depending on how it is made.
You shouldn’t feed your dog applesauce that has been sweetened, but unsweetened applesauce is perfectly safe and healthy. Here is an overview of the health benefits your dog can derive from eating apples and unsweetened applesauce:
- Apples are rich in soluble fiber which is important for encouraging regular digestion – it also helps to safeguard against diarrhea and constipation.
- Apples are low in calories and fat so they can be used as a healthy, low-calorie treat or as a nutritional supplement for dogs who need to lose weight.
- Apples contain Vitamin C which plays an important role in supporting the healthy development of bones and muscles, particularly in puppies.
- Apples are rich in Vitamin A which has been shown to improve skin and coat health – it also supports your dog’s immune system.
- Apples contain a number of different antioxidants that help to protect against free-radical damage and may also support his eye, bone, immune, and skin health.
- Apples are rich in calcium which is essential for healthy bones, nails, and teeth – it also supports your dog’s heart health.
- Apples contain phosphorus which works with calcium to support bone health, particularly in developing puppies.
Again, the nutritional content of applesauce will vary depending on how it is made. If you want your dog to receive the maximum benefit, consider making your own unsweetened applesauce at home. You’ll find recipes for unsweetened applesauce and for homemade dog treats using applesauce below.
Tips for Feeding Apples and Applesauce to Your Dog
It is perfectly safe to feed your dog fresh apples as long as you only feed him the flesh. The core of the apple could potentially be a choking hazard for your dog, plus it contains the seeds which could be poisonous due to their cyanide content.
Some veterinarians also recommend against feeding your dog apple stems, so your best bet is to stick with the fresh fruit itself or unsweetened applesauce made from the fruit of fresh apples.
Make sure you don’t feed your dog any applesauce that contains sugar or any kind of coloring agent or preservatives.
As is true with any fresh fruit or vegetable, apples and applesauce should be fed as an occasional treat, making up no more than 5% of your dog’s daily intake.
The easiest way to feed your dog fresh apples is to simply slice them up and offer them to your dog whole. You can also chop the apples and mix them into your dog’s food – the same goes with unsweetened applesauce.
To give your dog a tasty and refreshing summertime treat, try chilling the apple slices. Though apples are healthy for your dog, he could develop a stomachache or diarrhea if you feed him too many apples – this is largely due to the fiber content of the apples.
Applesauce is cooked which means that the fiber has broken down a little bit, so your dog is unlikely to experience digestive issues from eating applesauce.
Homemade Recipes for Dogs Using Applesauce
You can never be too careful about what you feed your dog, so if you want to feed your dog applesauce you should think about making it yourself. That is the only way to guarantee that the applesauce doesn’t contain any sugar, food coloring, or preservatives.
Below you will find a simple recipe for homemade applesauce as well as some dog treats you can make using an applesauce:
Dog Safe Applesauce
Ingredients
- 4 Apples (use different varieties such as Honey Crisp, Gala, Mcintosh, Green & Red Delicious)
- 2-4 tbsp Honey
- 2/3 cup Water
Instructions
- Peel & slice the apples.
- Place sliced apples in a crock pot.
- Add honey & water.
- Cook on high for 3-4 hours.
Notes
Applesauce Dog Biscuits
Equipment
- oven
- cookie cutters
Ingredients
- 3 cups Whole wheat flour
- 2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup applesauce, unsweetened
- 1 egg
- 1/2 cup water
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees
- Mix all ingredients until just blended
- roll out dough to 1/4" thickness, and cut into bite size pieces or use cookie cutters
- Bake for 40 minutes, and cool for 2 hours.
Carrot and Applesauce Chewies
Equipment
- oven
- Mixer
Ingredients
- 2 cups Whole wheat flour
- 2 tsp Baking powder
- 1/2 cup Applesauce
- 1/2 cup  Finely shredded carrot
- 1 cup Oatmeal (old fashioned)
- 1 Egg  lightly beaten
- 1/4 cup Milk
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 325 degrees F
- Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper or spray with non-stick spray
- In medium bow, whisk together flour and baking powder
- In mixer bowl add applesauce, carrot and oatmeal and half of flour mixture
- Mix on low speed and gradually add the remaining flour mixture
- Drizzle in the egg and milk
- Mix on medium speed until well combined
- Scoop 2 tablespoon portions onto prepared baking sheet. (They do not spread much during baking, they stay in the scooped shape.)
- Bake for about 15 minutes or until lightly browned on the outside but still soft on the inside
- Remove and allow to cool
- Keep in airtight container for up to 5 days or freeze
What Is The Best Dog Treat With Applesauce?
We recommend you to try this Organic Dog Cookies with applesauce from Because Animals due to its high quality ingredients and reviews. Garnering 4.9 out of 5 stars from Chewy is an impressive feat.
Can My Dog Eat Applesauce?
Applesauce is best served in small amounts, as a treat rather than a meal. (Serving too many fruits or vegetables can cause digestive upset in dogs.) Applesauce should constitute no more than 5 percent of your dog's diet. Avoid giving applesauce to puppies; their digestive systems aren't ready for apples.
Are Dogs Allergic To Applesauce?
Apples are wonderful crunchy treats for your dog. Apple seeds, however, contain cyanide so your dog should not be allowed to eat the core. Though the effects of a few apple seeds will likely not harm your dog, the deleterious effects can accumulate over time if allowed to eat apple seeds regularly.
Can dogs eat sugar free applesauce?
Apples contain plenty of dietary fiber as well as vitamin C, phosphorus, and calcium. The nutritional benefits of applesauce may vary a little bit, depending on how it is made. You shouldn't feed your dog applesauce that has been sweetened, but unsweetened applesauce is perfectly safe and healthy.