The full answer
Applesauce is cooked and mashed apple, and plain unsweetened applesauce is a gentle treat for dogs. It is soft, easy to digest for most dogs, and sometimes used to hide pills or fill a lick mat.
Choose carefully. Many store-bought applesauces contain added sugar, and some contain spices such as cinnamon or nutmeg. Sugar-free or reduced-sugar products may contain artificial sweeteners, and any product containing xylitol is dangerous. Look for a label that lists only apples, or make your own.
Because it is still fruit sugar, applesauce should be a small treat. Too much may cause loose stools.
Is Applesauce Good for Dogs?
Applesauce provides some fibre and vitamins, but cooking and mashing reduce the fibre compared to whole apple.
Potential benefits
- Soft texture is gentle on teeth
- Easy to use for hiding medication or filling lick mats
- Provides some fibre and vitamins
Risks and Things to Know
- Sweetened versions contain too much sugar
- Spiced varieties may include nutmeg
- Sugar-free versions may contain xylitol
- Too much fruit sugar can cause loose stools
How much is okay?
A spoonful or two is plenty for most dogs, less for small ones. Treats should be a small part of the day's food.
Ask your vet if your dog has diabetes or needs a special diet.
How Should I Prepare It?
- Choose unsweetened applesauce with only apples in the ingredients.
- Serve a spoonful at room temperature or frozen on a lick mat.
- Check the label for xylitol.