Applesauce is considered by many to be as safe as any food could be, but is it safe to give to cats? The short answer is that it is perfectly safe to give cats applesauce in small amounts, but there are many things to consider before you do and many questions to ask yourself. Applesauce is available in several varieties, and some additives and flavorings are not beneficial to cats.
What Is Applesauce?
Applesauce, by definition, is simply crushed apples. The apples are skinned and ground into an almost liquid consistency. These apples are commonly mixed with other ingredients, including preservatives, sugar, and other flavoring ingredients, like cinnamon.
Like any processed food, some brands use several ingredients, and others use as few ingredients as possible to provide a healthier product. Fewer ingredients are always better to prevent reactions.
Do Cats Eat Applesauce?
Many cats will eat applesauce and seem to enjoy it. They may even seek it out once they are accustomed to eating it. However, there is an essential point to remember. Cats are carnivores and don’t require fruit in their diet.
Is Applesauce Harmful to My Cat?
If you use all-natural applesauce with no preservatives, it is not harmful to feed your cat. The ASPCA lists apples as a toxic plant, which refers to the leaves, twigs, and seeds. These parts of the apple tree contain cyanide and can poison your cat. The category also includes inedible apples like the crab apple. Raw red apple is safe for cats and contains a high amount of fiber, which could help with constipation or even regular digestion if given in small quantities once or twice a week. Too much fiber can also lead to digestive cramps.
Cinnamon is another common ingredient in applesauce, and it is safe for cats to consume. The primary concern about applesauce is the amount of sugar it contains and if it has any harmful chemicals or preservatives. Sugar can increase obesity rapidly in your cat, and preservatives can harm your pet in many ways.
Is Applesauce Good for My Cat?
While applesauce is not necessarily harmful to your cat, it’s not necessarily good for them. Cats are carnivores, which means they do not require carbohydrates in their diet. However, cats require an unusually high amount of protein in their diet, and according to PetMD, our calculations may need to increase.
Knowing that your cat probably needs more protein seems like a missed opportunity to give them a carbohydrate. There may be a small number of vitamins in applesauce, and fiber can be helpful, but in most cases, a high-protein snack would be a better choice.
Can I Make Applesauce?
Making homemade applesauce can be a great way to ensure your cat gets the highest quality treat without harmful chemicals or preservatives. We have searched the internet for this recipe from Sugar The Golden Retriever.
- Four red apples
- 3 tbsp of Honey
- â…” cup water
- Peel and slice all four apples, removing the core and seeds.
- Place the sliced apples into a crockpot.
- Add the honey and water to the crockpot.
- Cover the crockpot and cook on high for 4 hours.
- Carefully pour the hot sauce into a blender.
- Blend to a smooth consistency.
- Pour into a storage bowl, cover, and chill.
Once chilled, you can treat your cat with a small portion of this homemade applesauce. The only ingredient in this recipe we didn’t discuss is honey. Honey is safe for cats and provides a nutritious alternative to many other sweeteners.
Summary
We recommend giving your cat only small amounts of applesauce occasionally. If your cat becomes constipated, a small portion every 3 days may help get things back to normal. If possible, use the recipe we provided to make homemade applesauce. If not, look at the ingredients listed on the applesauce package to avoid harmful chemicals or preservatives, especially BHT and BHA. Always purchase organic, low-sugar brands. When possible, give them a high-protein treat instead.
We hope you have enjoyed reading and have learned something new. If we have helped you, please share this guide to feeding your cat applesauce on Facebook and Twitter.
While sharing human food with your cat is not always safe, we have a solution that will keep you both smiling.
We've currently got a 40% discount to share on the HUMAN-GRADE premium cat food that ranked number #1 in our reviews! CLICK HERE & use code EXCITEDCATS2023 to SAVE 40% on Smalls cat food!
Featured Image Credit: Pexels
