Can Dogs Eat Applesauce?

Can Dogs Eat Applesauce?



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Dog

 Applesauce is a desert made by turning cooked apples into a mash or puree. This is a semi-solid sauce made from cooked apples, liquid (such as cider or water) and spices such as cinnamon, mace and coriander. Sugar or honey may be added to if desired. This delicacy is eaten in many ways. It can be eaten on its own or used alongside other dishes such as meats and vegetables. It can be used in salad dressings, smoothies, and even baked foods. This puree is nutritious as it contains antioxidants, flavonoids, and vitamins. We enjoy this dish, let us find out if it can be served to our furry friends.

CAN DOGS EAT APPLESAUCE?

Our dogs can be served applesauce, but, there are some things that must be taken into consideration before feeding it to your pet. Applesauce is nutritious. It is a healthy treat for your dogs as it is loaded with antioxidants, vitamins, and mineral elements such as calcium, magnesium, potassium and phosphorus. It also contains foliate. It is an amazing source of dietary fiber which helps in digestion. There are a lot of health benefits our canine friends stand to gain from applesauce but there are some conditions that must be considered such as the type of applesauce that is safe for their consumption (homemade or store-bought), at what age it is safe for them to take it, the quantity safe for their consumption, and many other factors. Aside these factors, dogs can be served applesauce as a treat. 

Applesauce

HEALTH BENEFITS OF APPLESAUCE?

 Applesauce is loaded with substances that are beneficial to the health of our furry friends. It contains antioxidants, flavonoids, vitamins, mineral elements (such as copper, potassium, magnesium, calcium, phosphorus and foliate), dietary fibers and many more:

  • Antioxidants and Flavonoids: Applesauce is loaded with antioxidants. These antioxidants are called phytochemicals. They reduce the risk of cancer and other chronic health conditions like heart diseases, diabetes and asthma. Flavonoids are anti-inflammatory in action. They fight against allergic reactions. To get the most antioxidants from applesauce, unpeeled apples should be used.
  • Vitamins: There are a few vitamins present in applesauce. They are vitamins A, B (B2, B6), C and E.
  • Vitamin A (Retinol); this boosts the immune system of your pooch. It supports and gives them a healthy skin and fur. It also helps vital organs of their body to function properly. Examples are the kidneys, lungs and brain. It promotes healthy eyesight especially in older dogs.
  • Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin); this supports and improves digestion. It helps in the breakdown of food and turning them into energy needed for proper body functioning. If this vitamin is deficient or absent, there will be difficulty in the digestion of food. This vitamin also supports the growth and repair of your dog’s DNA there by maintaining general health.
  • Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine): this helps your dog’s growth by facilitating protein synthesis. It helps in the proper absorption of fats and proteins. It helps in the proper and healthy functioning of the brain. It also helps in the production of red blood cells.
  • Mineral elements: Applesauce contains certain mineral elements that play vital roles in the health and body of your canine friends. They are copper, potassium, magnesium, calcium and phosphorus.
  • Copper; this mineral element helps in the production of blood cells and absorption of iron their body. Its deficiency can lead to anemia. 
  •  Potassium; this helps in the proper and normal functioning of the heart, nerves and muscles. When potassium is deficient, there will be frequent tiredness and loss of appetite.
  • Magnesium; this helps in protein generation and energy generation, nervous and muscle regulation in your dog’s body. It also helps to keep the heart of your pet healthy.
  • Calcium; calcium as a mineral element helps in the growth and maintenance of healthy bones and teeth. It helps in the proper building and functioning of the muscles. It supports the nervous system as well as a healthy heart.
  • Phosphorus; this helps your dog’s metabolism and also in the development of healthy bones and teeth.
  • Dietary fibers: this helps to keep a healthy digestive system as it aids digestion regulate the bowels.
Applesauce

NOTES OF CAUTION.

  • Consult your vet to know the health status of your dog(s) before introducing something new their diet.
  • Do not feed your dog store-bought applesauce because they may contain added sugar and other additives that may not be healthy for your pet. Added sugar is not good for your dog as it can diarrhea and your pet may be allergic to the additives. Plain homemade applesauce is advised.
  • Get rid of the seeds and stem of the apple. The seeds contains cynaide which is harmful to your pet. The stem pose choking hazards.
  • Applesauce should not be fed to puppies because their digestive system is not developed well enough to digest it. Only serve to adults.
  • Applesauce should not exceed 5% of your dog’s daily meal. This means, at most, two spoonful of applesauce.
  • It should be served occasionally to your furry friends as excess can cause belly ache and diarrhea. 

HOW TO SERVE YOUR DOG APPLESAUCE.

  • Wash the apples thoroughly and slice.
  • Get rid of the seeds and stem.
  • Cook the apples in half cup of water with about two spoons of honey on medium heat for about twenty minutes.
  • Puree the result until there is a smooth consistency too avoid choking hazards.
  • Serve in small amount as a treat not a meal. At most two spoonful.

RULES OF ADVICE.

  • Consult your vet first before introducing something new to your dog’s diet.
  • Make sure the spices you want to use are healthy for your dog’s system (for example, allergies). 
  • If you choose to add spices and honey to your homemade applesauce, let them be in moderation and stir the spices properly and thoroughly. They can irritate your pet’s lungs and mouth if not properly stired.
  • Do not serve applesauce to puppies.
  • Get rid of the seeds and stem.
  • Serve your dog in moderation.
Dog

HOW MUCH APPLESAUCE CAN A DOG EAT?

 The quantity of applesauce served to your pet should not exceed 5% of their daily diet. This means, at most two spoonful.

FINAL WORDS.

 Applesauce can be used occasionally as a treat for our furry friends. It is nutritious and healthy but must be served in moderation. Always confirm from your vet if the health status of your pet can tolerate the inclusion of a new treat into their diet before serving it to them.



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