Apple sauce or applesauce is a purée made of apples. It can be made with peeled or unpeeled apples and maybe spiced or sweetened. It is a low-fat source of vitamins and can serve as a sweet, nutritious snack between meals.

Apples vary in their sweetness level, depending on the variety and how late in the season they are picked. The amount of sugar you will want to add will depend on how sweet your apples are, and how sweet you like your applesauce. 

There is a common misconception that applesauce is a healthy and safe treat for dogs, but applesauce might not be because it contains added sugar and preservatives that can be harmful to dogs and some dogs may have trouble digesting applesauce because it is high in fibre.

Despite knowing this, some dog owners are still curious about feeding their dogs applesauce and in this article, we will educate you more on how to give your dogs applesauce and how to safely give it to them

Some dog owners are curious about giving their dogs applesauce as a treat. If you are considering giving your dog applesauce, it is important to read the label and ensure that it does not contain any harmful ingredients. It is also a good idea to start with a small amount to see how your dog reacts and to monitor them for any signs of digestive discomfort.

It is best to stick with dog-friendly treats and avoid feeding your dog human food unless recommended by a veterinarian. Your veterinarian is in the best position to tell you how to administer this applesauce to your dogs.

Can Dogs Eat Applesauce? Safety, Benefits, And Considerations Of Feeding Applesauce To Dogs

Applesauce can be safe for dogs but in small quantities, it is important and advisable to read labels to ensure that anything you give to your dog doesn’t contain harmful ingredients.  Applesauce often contains added sugar and preservatives that can be harmful to dogs.

When you think of giving your dogs applesauce, it’s advisable to give them a small quantity and monitor them for any sign of digestive discomforts like vomiting, or diarrhoea, it’s best you stop 

Let’s quickly look at the benefits of applesauce

1. Vitamin A

Vitamin A supplements are a great energy booster for dogs with minor deficiencies.  Essential for good eyesight and a healthy immune system. Supplementation can also promote a healthier, shinier coat and clearer skin. 

If a dog does not get enough Vitamin A in their diet, you will first notice that their skin and coat do not look healthy or they may suffer from night blindness.  Muscles will deteriorate and your dog will feel weak.  

Vitamin A is especially important for pregnant females and puppies because growing puppies require it for growth, muscle and neurological development.

2. Vitamin C

Vitamin C is among the many vitamins and minerals that are important for dogs. It boosts the immune system, helps absorb iron and repairs cells. It is an antioxidant that can fight harmful free radicals, reduce inflammation, and prevent cognitive decline associated with ageing.

This vitamin is naturally produced by your dog’s body, but they may benefit from a little extra, so unlike pet parents, your dog doesn’t require a glass of orange juice every day to reach their daily dose of vitamin C.

3. Antioxidant

Applesauce contains antioxidants called phytochemicals. Applesauce is full of antioxidants called phytochemicals. Apples are especially rich in the phytochemicals quercetin, catechin, chlorogenic acid and anthocyanin.

These antioxidants may help to reduce your risk of cancer, diabetes, and heart disease. Making fresh applesauce using whole fruit, including the skin, helps to ensure that you get the most antioxidants possible.

4. Fiber:  

Applesauce contains about the same amount of fibre as whole apples. The fibre is soluble, which helps to lower your blood cholesterol levels.

Read More: Can Dogs Eat Cucumbers? Unveiling The Nutritional Facts, Health Benefits, And Serving Tips For Canines [2023 Edition]

Health Considerations And Precautions

The impact of applesauce on dogs with specific health conditions can vary. For example, dogs with diabetes should avoid applesauce due to its high sugar content. Even unsweetened applesauce contains natural sugars that can cause a spike in blood sugar levels.

Dogs with digestive sensitivities may also have trouble digesting applesauce due to its high fiber content. While fiber is important for regulating digestion, too much fiber can cause digestive upset and diarrhea in some dogs.

If you have a dog with a specific health condition, it is important to consult with a veterinarian before feeding them applesauce or any other human food. 

Your veterinarian can provide guidance on the best diet for your dog based on their individual health needs.

In general, it is best to stick with dog-friendly treats and avoid feeding your dog human food unless recommended by a veterinarian. While apples themselves are safe for dogs to eat, it is important to be cautious when it comes to applesauce and other human foods.

Another point you should note is that consulting with a veterinarian before introducing applesauce or any other human food into a dog’s diet is important for several reasons.

First, dogs have different nutritional needs than humans, and feeding them a diet that is not balanced and complete can lead to health problems. A veterinarian can provide guidance on the best diet for your dog based on their individual nutritional needs.

Secondly, dogs with specific health conditions may have dietary restrictions that make it unsafe to feed them certain foods. For example, dogs with diabetes should avoid foods that are high in sugar, such as applesauce.

Third, some dogs may have trouble digesting certain foods, including applesauce, due to their high fibre content. A veterinarian can help determine if applesauce is safe for your dog to eat based on their individual digestive health.

Finally, consulting with a veterinarian before introducing applesauce or any other human food into a dog’s diet is important to ensure that your dog is receiving a balanced and complete diet that meets their individual nutritional needs and is safe for their specific health conditions.

Alternative To Applesauce 

Apples are a nutritious and healthy snack for dogs, and there are many ways to incorporate them into a dog’s diet. While applesauce may not be the best option for dogs with certain health conditions, there are other ways to offer apples that are safe and healthy for dogs.

One of the easiest ways to offer apples to dogs is to give them fresh apple slices. Apples are a good source of fibre, vitamins, and minerals, and can provide a healthy snack for dogs. However, it is important to remove the seeds and core of the apple before giving it to your dog, as these parts can be harmful if ingested.

Another way to incorporate apples into a dog’s diet is to make homemade apple treats. There are many recipes available online for apple dog treats, which can be made with simple ingredients like apples, oats, and peanut butter. Homemade treats are a good option for dogs with dietary restrictions or allergies, as you can control the ingredients and ensure that the treats are safe and healthy for your dog.

When making homemade apple treats, it is important to use unsweetened applesauce or fresh apples, as sweetened applesauce can contain high levels of sugar that are not healthy for dogs. You can also add other dog-friendly ingredients to the treats, such as pumpkin or sweet potato, to provide additional fiber and nutrients.

Another way to incorporate apples into a dog’s diet is to add them to their regular meals. You can chop up fresh apples and mix them in with your dog’s kibble, or add them to homemade dog food recipes. However, it is important to monitor your dog’s overall calorie intake and ensure that they are not consuming too many calories from apples or other fruits.

In addition to being a healthy snack, apples can also provide dental benefits for dogs. Chewing on fresh apple slices can help clean your dog’s teeth and reduce the risk of dental problems like tartar and plaque buildup. However, it is important to supervise your dog while they are eating apples, as large pieces can pose a choking hazard.

When feeding your dog apples, it is important to do so in moderation. While apples are a healthy snack, they should not make up a large portion of your dog’s diet. It is also important to remove the seeds and core of the apple, as these parts can be harmful if ingested.

In conclusion, there are many ways to incorporate apples into a dog’s diet, including fresh apple slices, homemade apple treats, and adding apples to regular meals. Apples are a healthy and nutritious snack for

On average, a 1/2-cup (122-gram) serving of unsweetened applesauce contains 

• Calories: 51
• Protein: 0.2 grams
• Fat: 0.1 grams
• Carbs: 13.7 grams
• Fiber: 1.3 grams
• Sugar: 11.5 grams
• Sodium: less than 1% of the Daily Value (DV)
• Copper: 4% of the DV
• Iron: 2% of the DV
• Folate: 1% of the DV
• Potassium: 2% of the DV
• Magnesium: 1% of the DV
• Thiamine: 3% of the DV
• Riboflavin: 2% of the DV
• Vitamin B6: 2% of the DV
• Vitamin C: 1% of the DV
• Vitamin E: 1% of the DV

Let’s look at some healthy Dog Treat Recipes 

1. Homemade applesauce

Makes eight 1/2-cup (122-gram) servings.

Ingredients

• 3 pounds (1.4 kg) of apples
• 3/4 cup (177 mL) of water
• 2 tbsp (30 mL) of lemon juice
• 1/2 tsp (1.2 grams) of ground cinnamon (optional)

Directions

• Rinse the apples and remove any stickers.
• Core, peel, and quarter the apples.
• Place all ingredients in a large saucepan and bring them to a light boil over medium-high heat.
• Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and simmer for 10–20 minutes.
• Remove the mixture from the heat once the apples are soft and cooked through.
• Allow to cool to room temperature and then process the mixture into a purée using the tool of your choice. Consider a fork, food mill, potato masher, food processor, stand blender, or immersion blender 

2. Grain-free Peanut Butter Dog Treat

Ingredients 

• 2 cups gluten-free baking flour (you can use wheat flour if your pup doesn’t need a grain-free diet*)
• 3/4 cup peanut butter
• 3/4 cup chicken or beef broth
• 1 egg

Instructions 

• Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Meanwhile, combine all ingredients until a dough forms. It should be firm enough to stand up to cutting with a knife or cookie cutter — you can thicken it up with more flour or peanut butter if needed. Alternatively, add more broth (a little at a time) if the dough is crumbly and too dry.
• Roll out dough to about 1/2-inch thickness and cut it into squares or use a cookie cutter to make shapes.
• Bake for about 20 minutes on a greased cookie sheet. Let cool completely before serving. Store in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks.

3. Cheesy Bacon Dog Treats

Ingredients 

• 1 1/2 cups quick oats
• 3–4 strips bacon, cooked until extra crispy and then crumbled
• 3/4 cup shredded mild cheddar cheese
• 1 egg
• 1/4 cup chicken broth (optional)

Instructions 

• Preheat the oven to 350°F. Combine all ingredients except chicken broth. If the dough is too dry and crumbly to work with, add chicken broth a little at a time until the dough is moist enough to shape.
• Roll out dough to 1/2-inch thickness and cut into squares or use a cookie cutter.
• Bake the treats for 15–20 minutes or until golden brown, then let them cool before giving to your dogs.
• Store in the fridge for up to 5 days.

4. Homemade Dog Treats 

Ingredients 

• 1 Cup Pumpkin Puree
• 1/3 Cup Peanut Butter No Xylitol
• 2 large Eggs
• 2 1/2 Cups Whole Wheat Flour
• ¾ Teaspoon Cinnamon

Instructions

• Preheat the oven to 350° and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
• In the bowl of a mixer use the paddle attachment to combine the pumpkin, peanut butter, and eggs at medium-high speed.
• Add in the flour and cinnamon and mix until a stiff dough has formed.
• Turn the dough out on a lightly floured surface and roll out to ¼ inch thick. Use cookie cutters to cut your desired shapes.
• Bake for about 20-25 minutes, until the edges begin to turn golden brown. Allow cooling completely.

Nutrition

Serves: 24

Calories73kcal (4%)

Carbohydrates11g (4%)

Protein3g (6%)

Fat3g (5%)

Saturated Fat1g (5%)

Polyunsaturated Fat1g

Monounsaturated Fat1g

Trans Fat1g

Cholesterol16mg (5%)

Sodium23mg (1%)

Potassium96mg (3%)

Fiber2g (8%)

Sugar1g (1%)

Vitamin A1613IU (32%)

Vitamin C1mg (1%)

Calcium11mg (1%)

Iron1mg (6%)

5. Dog Treat 

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup all natural peanut butter
• 1/3 cup pumpkin puree
• 1 large egg
• 1 1/4 cup almond flour I use Bob’s Red Mill Super Fine
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
• Optional Glaze
• 1/3 cup natural peanut butter
• 2 tablespoons melted coconut oil
• 1/2 teaspoon turmeric

Instructions

• Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with a silicone baking mat or parchment paper and set aside. In a medium-sized bowl combine peanut butter, pumpkin puree and egg; stir until well combined. You can use a hand-held electric mixer, if preferred
• Add in almond flour, cinnamon, and turmeric and stir again until everything has come together into a dough. NOTE: The dough will be sticky.
• Scoop a heaping teaspoon of dough into your palms and gently roll and shape into a disc-shaped cookie. Place on the baking sheet and continue until you have 20 cookies on the tray. Use a fork to create a crisscross on top of each treat. It helps if the fork is wet so it doesn’t stick to the dough.
• Bake for 20 minutes or until the dog treats are set and golden brown around the edges.
• Optional: Combine peanut butter, melted coconut and turmeric in a small bowl and mix well. Transfer into a small zip-top bag, remove all the air and seal. Cut a tiny piece off of the corner and drizzle the glaze over each cookie.

6. Dog Cookies Recipe 

Ingredients

• 1 1/3 cups (188g) all-purpose flour (scoop and level to measure)
• 3/4 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup (105g) granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup (110g) packed light brown sugar
• 3/4 cup (185g) creamy peanut butter
• 1 large egg
• 1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions

• Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Line two 18 by 13-inch baking sheets with silicone baking liners or parchment paper. 
• In a medium mixing bowl whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
• In the bowl of an electric stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment cream together butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until combined.
• Mix in peanut butter then blend in egg and vanilla. With mixer set on low speed slowly add in flour mixture and mix just until combined. 
• Scoop dough out and shape into balls (30 grams each or nearly 2 Tbsp) then place on baking sheets spacing them 2 inches apart.
• Using a long-pronged fork flatten cookies slightly then turn the fork going the opposite direction and flatten just slightly again (it should create that crisscross pattern).
• Bake cookies in a preheated oven, one sheet at a time, for about 9 minutes (cookies will appear pale and slightly under-baked, they’ll continue to cook slightly as they cool). 
• Let cool on a baking sheet for 5 minutes then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Store cookies and an airtight container

7. Homemade Cinnamon Bun Dog Biscuits

Ingredients:

• 2 cups (500 mL) whole wheat flour
• 1 tsp. (5 mL) baking powder
• 1/4 tsp. (2 mL) salt
• 1/2 cup (125 mL) water or milk
• 1/4 cup (60 mL) canola oil
• 1 large egg
• 2 Tbsp. (30 mL) Honey
• 1 tsp. (5 mL) cinnamon
• 1/4 cup (60 mL) finely chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F.
2. In a large bowl, combine flour, baking powder, and salt. In a small bowl stir together water, oil, and egg. Add to the dry ingredients and stir just until you have a soft dough.
3. On a lightly floured surface, roll or pat the dough into a rectangle that measures roughly 8×14-inch. Drizzle with honey and sprinkle with cinnamon and nuts, if using. Starting from a long edge, roll up jelly-roll style and pinch the edge to seal. Using a sharp serrated knife or (even better) dental floss, slice half an inch thick and place slices cut side down on a cookie sheet that has been sprayed with nonstick spray.
4. Bake for about 15 minutes, until springy to the touch. Wait until they have cooled completely before you spread them with cream cheese.
5. Makes about 2 dozen biscuits. Store extra in a tightly covered container and freeze. If they are frosted, store the container in the fridge.

8. Apple Pie Bites For Dogs

You can replace the flour in this recipe with two cups of any flour you like. Oat flour is always a nice gluten-free option, and you can blitz rolled oats in your food processor to create the flour in just seconds.

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Yield: 48 cookies

Ingredients:

• 2 apples, cored and diced or grated
• 1 Tbsp cinnamon
• 1 Tbsp Honey (optional but tasty)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 Tbsp coconut oil
• 1 cup almond flour
• 1/2 cup tapioca flour
• 1/4 cup coconut flour
• 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1/4 cup milk
• 1 Egg

Optional: 1/4 cup grated parmesan or cheddar

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350º
2. Set your oven racks to a central position with room to use multiple trays if you like.
3. Wash, core, and dice or grate the apples.
4. To your diced apple, add the cinnamon, vanilla, honey, and coconut oil and stir thoroughly.
5. Add the flour and baking powder next, stirring to combine. This will resemble a crumble more than a cookie dough, don’t be alarmed!
6. Add the milk and egg, and give it a final stir.
7. Drop small spoonfuls of cookie dough onto parchment lined cookie sheet.
8. You can either leave the dough in spherical form or press down lightly with a fork to create a flatter, crunchier cookie.
9. Bake for 20 minutes, or until the tops attain some golden color and there are some crunchy bits on the edges, but the bottom isn’t too browned.

9. . Gingerbread Dough Treat

Ingredients

• ¾ cup unsulphured molasses
• ¾ cup butter
• ¾ cup dark brown sugar
• 4 ½ cups flour, plus more for rolling surface
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp baking soda
• 3 ½ tsp ground ginger
• 2 tsp cinnamon
• 1 egg, lightly beaten
• Royal icing (optional)
• Sprinkles, cinnamon candies, or any other decorations of your choice (optional)

Directions

• In a medium saucepan, heat the molasses to the simmering point. Remove from the heat and stir in the butter until it melts. Stir in the brown sugar. Allow to cool.
• In a large mixing bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, salt, baking soda, ginger and cinnamon. Add the cooled molasses and the egg to the flour mixture and mix very well until a dough forms. You may need to use your hands to really incorporate the wet mixture into the dry mixture.
• Wrap dough in wax or parchment paper and chill for 1-2 hours, or until firm enough to roll.
• Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Transfer chilled dough to a lightly floured rolling surface and roll out the dough to one-quarter inch thickness. Roll out a quarter of the dough at a time.
• Cut cookies with your choice of cookie cutter. I chose a traditional gingerbread man, but you can get creative with any kind of cookie cutter you’d like.
• Transfer cut dough to a baking sheet that has been lightly greased with nonstick cooking spray or lined with a silicone baking sheet. Bake at 350 degrees F for 12-15 minutes. The cookies will puff up, but won’t spread much.
• Cool completely on a rack before decorating with royal icing, decorative sprinkles and candies.

Conclusion 

In conclusion, while applesauce is generally safe for dogs to eat, it is important to consider the ingredients and nutritional value before offering it to your dog.

If you do decide to offer applesauce to your dog, it is important to do so in moderation, choose a brand that is made with natural ingredients and contains no added sugar or artificial sweeteners. 

Fresh apples are a healthy and nutritious snack for dogs, and can provide a variety of vitamins, minerals, and fiber. However, it is important to remove the seeds and core of the apple before offering it to your dog, as these parts can be harmful if ingested.

If you have any concerns about your dog’s diet or nutritional needs, it is best to consult with your veterinarian for personalized recommendations and advice.

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