As a dog owner, you may often wonder what foods are safe for your furry friend. One such food is apple sauce. While dogs can technically eat apple sauce, there are pros and cons to consider before feeding it.
Dogs can eat apple sauce, but it’s essential to remember that store-bought varieties may contain added sugars and preservatives that could harm your dog’s health. If you want to feed your dog apple sauce:
- Ensure it is unsweetened and contains no artificial ingredients or flavourings.
- Remember to only give small amounts of apple sauce as a treat, not a regular part of their diet.
- As with any new food, consult your veterinarian before feeding your dog apple sauce or other human foods.
Pros of Dogs Eating Apple Sauce
Applesauce contains vitamins A and C, which can benefit your dog’s health. Additionally, apples contain fibre that helps digestion and promotes healthy bowel movements in dogs.
Cons of Dogs Eating Apple Sauce
One primary concern when feeding dogs apple sauce is the high sugar content in wide store-bought varieties. Too much sugar can lead to weight gain, dental problems like cavities or gum disease, and even diabetes in some cases.
What Type of Apple Foods Alternatives Can Dogs Eat?
If you’re looking for an alternative way to feed your dog apples without giving them too much sugar at once, consider offering fresh slices instead of processed sauces or juices. Also, make homemade baked treats using unsweetened applesauce as one ingredient.
Health Risks of Too Much Sugar for Dogs
Like humans, consuming too much sugar regularly can lead to various health issues, including obesity and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). In addition, excessive sugary snacks or drinks may cause digestive upset such as diarrhoea or vomiting in some pets.
Healthy Other Options
Luckily, plenty of other healthy options are available if your pup wants to enjoy the benefits of eating fruit! Some tasty alternatives include:
- Blueberries: packed full of antioxidants
- Bananas: loaded with potassium
- Watermelon: consists mainly of water, so excellent hydration source
- Cantaloupe: high levels of Vitamin A & C
- Strawberries: low calorie but still deliciously sweet-, raspberries- good source of fibre
Homemade Apple Sauce Safe for Dogs
Homemade apple sauce is a great way to give your dog the benefits of apples without added sugars or artificial sweeteners. Here’s a simple recipe for making unsweetened homemade apple sauce:
Ingredients:
– 4 medium-sized apples (any variety)
– Water
Instructions:
1. Wash and peel the apples, then remove their cores.
2. Cut the apples into small pieces and place them in a pot.
3. Add enough water to cover the bottom of the pot (about 1/4 inch).
4. Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat, then reduce it to low heat and let it simmer for about 20 minutes, occasionally stirring until all pieces are soft.
5. Remove from heat once they’re fully cooked through
6. Mash or puree with an immersion blender until you get a smooth consistency.
Once cooled down completely, store in an air-tight container in the fridge for up to one week.
That’s it! You now have homemade unsweetened apple sauce that you can feed your furry friend as an occasional treat or mix in with their regular meals as long as there are no dietary restrictions advised by the veterinarian present.
Conclusion
While apple sauce isn’t necessarily harmful if given sparingly, just be mindful about how it’s prepared and the sugar content. As always, it’s best to consult your veterinarian if you have any concerns about introducing new foods into your dog’s diet.
