Use Caution
Medium dog serving: 1 tablespoon
Key warning: applesauce with added sugar, sugar-free applesauce (check for xylitol), spiced applesauce, large amounts
Can Dogs Eat Applesauce? Caution — Unsweetened Only, Check for Xylitol
This food requires caution. Read the details carefully before feeding.
Plain unsweetened applesauce without added sugar artificial sweeteners or spices is safe for dogs in small amounts. Most commercial applesauce contains added sugar — always check labels. Check for xylitol in sugar-free varieties. Small amounts of plain unsweetened applesauce are appropriate.
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Warning Signs & Symptoms
Added sugar in most commercial applesauce: too high in sugar. Xylitol in sugar-free varieties: liver failure — check label. Spiced applesauce: cinnamon in large amounts is not good for dogs. Large amounts: digestive upset from high sugar and fiber.
If Your Dog Ate This
Check for xylitol immediately. Call vet if xylitol-containing applesauce consumed.
Safe to Feed
plain unsweetened applesauce only — one ingredient ideally
What to Avoid
applesauce with added sugar, sugar-free applesauce (check for xylitol), spiced applesauce, large amounts
Preparation & Serving
Unsweetened only. Check label for sugar and xylitol. Small amounts as food topper.
Potential Health Benefits
Same benefits as cooked apple — fiber vitamins in convenient form.
Safer Alternatives
- apples-safe
Did you know?
Applesauce was one of the first commercially mass-produced foods in American history — Mott's began commercial production in 1842 in New York. The process of cooking apples down to sauce with added sugar became standard in American cooking as a way to preserve the apple harvest before refrigeration. The Mott's Unsweetened variety introduced in the 1980s in response to health-conscious consumers is the variety appropriate for dogs — the original sweetened version contains more added sugar than most dog treats.
Portions & nutrition
- Serving (small dog)
- 1 teaspoon
- Serving (medium dog)
- 1 tablespoon
- Serving (large dog)
- 2 tablespoons
- Calories (per 100g)
- 48
- Safe frequency
- Occasionally as food topper
Source
What You Need to Know
Plain unsweetened applesauce is convenient for mixing medications or as a food topper. Most commercial applesauce contains significant added sugar — Mott's Unsweetened is an example of an appropriate variety. Sugar-free applesauce may contain xylitol — always check the label. Small amounts of plain unsweetened applesauce are not harmful.
This food requires care — if your dog has eaten a large amount read our emergency guide
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