If you have brought a new puppy or dog into your home, then chances are you are trying to keep them on a healthy and balanced diet.
Something that sounds a lot easier than it is, especially when your new pooch pays more attention to the food on your plate than the food they have in their bowl.
In situations where you are confronted by a whimpering and emotional dog, you may even consider giving them a bit of your ice cream or cheese just to cheer them up. But are you allowed to?
Dogs may be man’s best friend, but that doesn’t mean that they have the same dietary requirements as us, or that they can even eat the same food without becoming seriously ill.
So if you are wondering what foods you can give your beloved pooch, then we have everything you need to know.
Down below we have gathered some useful information concerning dogs and their relationship to applesauce – whether they can eat it and what effect the condiment has on their health.
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Can Dogs Eat Applesauce?
Chances are we have all tasted applesauce at some point in our lives, with the sauce being a staple condiment in many households across the country.
Many of us may have eaten the stuff by the bowl-full when we were children and now may use it to garnish our pork chops during a family dinner.
Made from sweet and tangy apples, the sauce is known for its rich flavour and contains a variety of vitamins and minerals.
Applesauce is now widely considered a light and healthy foodstuff, one that is known to have high levels of fibre and nutrients. But does this mean that you can give applesauce to your dog?
Well, the short and simple answer is yes, you can give applesauce to your dog. In fact, applesauce is a great way to make sure your dog is getting all the vitamins they need in their diet.
However, this does not mean that all applesauce brands are suitable for your pooch, as some contain high levels of sugar, artificial flavours and toxic preservatives.
If you are interested in adding applesauce to your puppy’s diet, then you need to make sure that you are only buying organic applesauce that is free from any artificial ingredients.
Of course, there is no guarantee that your dog will even like applesauce, so don’t be surprised if your pooch turns up its nose.
Does My Dog Like Applesauce?
The process of giving your dog new foods to try can be a slow and yet educational experience, as it will help you to understand your dog’s body language, as well as their preferences when it comes to food.
Whether your dog likes or dislikes something will become clear right away, as the dog will exhibit certain behaviours to convey their approval or distaste.
If you give your dog a bowl of applesauce and they immediately begin wolfing it down, then you know you have a winner on your hands. When a dog is quick to eat the food you give them, then this shows they are happy and excited about the meal.
Many dogs will also begin to whine once they have finished eating, which is essentially their way of asking you for more. Other noticeable behaviour to look out for includes drooling when they see the applesauce and general alertness when you open the jar.
However, if your dog doesn’t like applesauce, then they will also make this very clear. When a dog dislikes a food, or is hesitant to try it, this usually means that they are not attracted by the smell and will oftentimes result in them abandoning the bowl.
Sometimes dogs will also play with food that they don’t want to eat, which suggests that they believe the food to be inedible and some kind of toy. If your dog reacts by snarling at the applesauce, then this is just another example of their disinterest.
Is Applesauce Good For Dogs?
As we have previously mentioned, applesauce is packed with high levels of fibre, which can be particularly beneficial to your pooch’s health.
Fibre can help to improve your dog’s digestive system, which can make eating and expelling food a more pleasurable experience. Because of this, applesauce can also be used as a cheap and easy medicine for when your dog is suffering from diarrhoea or constipation.
Surprisingly, applesauce is also very low in calories, which means it can be used to make sure your dog is getting all the nutrients they need, without having to be concerned about the animal’s weight.
The fruity condiment is also high in Vitamin C, which can be very beneficial to your dog’s muscles and bones. So if you own a puppy, applesauce is a great way to ensure their healthy growth.
Applesauce is also known to contain high levels of Vitamin A, which comes primarily from the apples used to make it.
Because of this, applesauce can also help to improve the quality of your dog’s skin, while also strengthening their immune system. Apples are also known to contain phosphorus, antioxidants and calcium – which help to promote healthy bones, teeth and nails.
Should Dogs Eat Applesauce?
Applesauce is a great way to make sure your dog is getting all the minerals and vitamins that they need, however, you still need to be wary of the type of applesauce you are purchasing.
If you are interested in adding applesauce into your puppy’s diet, then you need to make sure you are only using organic and natural brands.
Many commercial brands can contain vast amounts of sugar and artificial ingredients, which can be damaging to your dog’s health and promote obesity.
The apples used in these manufactured sauces will also be covered in various pesticides, which can be particularly dangerous when ingested by your dog.
So if you wish to ensure your dog’s health and safety, organic apple sauce is the only kind you should buy. As it will be low in sugar and contain only natural ingredients that will provide your dog with all the healthy nutrients they need to stay fit and active.