Can Dogs Eat Applesauce? Best Types (& Ingredients To Avoid) (2024)

A Golden Retriever eating out of a silver bowl with a plant in the background.

Many people like to share their favorite foods with their pets. Unfortunately, dogs cannot tolerate many of the same foods we eat.

Most people know that foods such as chocolate and alcohol are a major no-no, but what about relatively healthy sweets like applesauce?

Can dogs eat applesauce? Applesauce is not bad for dogs, but it can be too acidic to feed them daily. As long as the applesauce contains no added sugars, cinnamon, or fruit mixtures that are harmful to dogs, it’s fine to feed applesauce to your dog occasionally or use it in dog treat recipes.

If fed in moderation, applesauce can be a healthy treat that aids in digestion and gives your dog a boost of vitamins and nutrients.

If you are thinking about feeding applesauce to your dog but want to make sure it’s a safe option and need to know appropriate serving sizes, read on to learn more about it. 

Is Applesauce Safe for Dogs?

Many human foods are not safe for dogs and contain ingredients that can be harmful to them. Plain, unsweetened applesauce is safe for dogs as long as it is offered to them in moderation.

Can Dogs Eat Unsweetened Applesauce?

Dogs can eat unsweetened applesauce as long as it does not contain any other ingredients that may be harmful to them.

Unsweetened applesauce does not contain any added sugars or artificial sweeteners.

Still, it can sometimes contain other ingredients such as spices, preservatives, and even other fruits, like raisins, that may be harmful to your dog.

Always check the label to make sure the applesauce is only made with ingredients that are safe for dogs. 

Benefits of Applesauce for Dogs

Unsweetened applesauce can have many benefits for dogs. It is packed with antioxidants that help control free radicals in the dog’s body.

It is also low in sodium and full of phosphorus and calcium. The high fiber content means it can be easily digested and even help prevent constipation.

It has also been found to reduce the risk of diabetes, improve memory, and boost heart health. 

Applesauce Ingredients To Avoid

Applesauce can contain some ingredients that are harmful or unsafe for dogs. It’s best to avoid feeding your dog applesauce that contains any of these ingredients. 

  • Cinnamon
  • Sugar
  • Artificial sweeteners
  • Artificial preservatives
  • Other fruit additives

Can Dogs Eat Applesauce With Cinnamon?

Dogs should not eat applesauce that contains cinnamon. Cinnamon is not directly toxic to dogs, but it can cause some problems for them.

It can make their mouths incredibly dry and affect their sense of smell. It can also cause high blood pressure, increased heart rate, and even seizures.

Some dogs can be allergic to cinnamon and have a severe reaction to it. It’s best to avoid feeding your dog applesauce with cinnamon. 

What Is the Best Applesauce for Dogs?

The best applesauce for dogs is any applesauce that you make homemade. This allows you to control what ingredients go into it so that you know your dog is not eating anything harmful.

If you must feed your dog applesauce that has already been prepared, make sure you feed him organic applesauce that contains no sweeteners, seasonings, or added sugar.

Fresh applesauce in a bowl surrounded by cinnamon sticks and whole apples.

How Much Applesauce Can I Give My Dog?

Applesauce should only be given to your dog in moderation.

If you are feeding it to your dog to help aid in digestion, feed small dogs under 10 pounds no more than ¼ a cup and feed larger dogs half a cup.

Is Applesauce Good for Dog’s Upset Stomach?

Applesauce can be a good way to treat a dog’s upset stomach. Apple sauce contains pectin, which can help with diarrhea and stomach pain.

It can also help reduce nausea and constipation.

Applesauce for Dog’s Diarrhea

Applesauce can help firm up a dog’s stool if he is suffering from diarrhea. Pectin and soluble fiber firms up the stool and helps reduce stomach pain and stomach cramps.

How To Feed Applesauce to Your Dog

If you are going to feed applesauce to your dog, there are a few ways you can do it. Dogs can eat apple sauce directly as long as it does not contain any harmful ingredients.

If your dog will not eat plain applesauce, you can add it to their dog food. You can also bake treats and dog food at home using applesauce as an ingredient.

The applesauce acts as a binding agent to hold food together and adds some acidity and sweetness that dogs enjoy.

Can Puppies Eat Applesauce?

Puppies can eat applesauce as long as it is given to them in moderation. Puppies should only eat applesauce if they are weaned and eating kibble on their own.

Only offer small amounts to your puppy to make sure he can tolerate it before you feed him larger servings.

Related Questions: 

Can Dogs Eat Apple Skin?

Apple skins can be safe for dogs as long as they are only offered in moderation and are cut up into small pieces so that they do not become a choking hazard.

Apple skins are high in vitamins A and C, and they can help aid in digestion.

Can Dogs Eat Apple Pie?

Apple pie is made with many ingredients that are not safe for dogs. The butter and sugar in the crust and pie filling can make a dog sick and cause a number of health problems.

Apple pie also often contains cinnamon and nutmeg, which can cause severe allergic reactions in dogs. It’s best to avoid feeding your dog apple pie.

Wrapping It Up 

Applesauce can be a safe snack for dogs as long as it is fed in moderation and does not contain any ingredients that are considered harmful to dogs.

Always monitor your dog anytime he is eating a new food to ensure he does not have a serious reaction.