Can Cats Eat Applesauce? Vet-Reviewed Facts & Considerations

Applesauce is considered safe for kids and adults, but is applesauce safe for cats? The short answer is that while it is safe to give applesauce to cats in small amounts, 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 crushed apples. The apples are skinned and ground into an almost liquid consistency. The 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 reduce the risk of an adverse reaction.

Can Cats Eat Applesauce?

Many cats will eat applesauce, and although they cannot taste the sweet flavor, they 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 or added sugars, it is not harmful to feed it to your cat in small amounts and on occasion. The ASPCA lists apples as a toxic plant, which refers to the leaves, twigs, and seeds.¹ These parts of the apple tree contain cyanide and could potentially poison your cat if large amounts are consumed.

The category also includes inedible apples like crab apples. Raw red apple is safe for cats and contains a high amount of fiber, antioxidants, and certain vitamins. 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.

A cat’s digestive system cannot effectively deal with excessive sugar. Moreover, regularly consuming sugar can increase the risk of tooth decay and obesity in your cat, making them more susceptible to disease. The preservatives in some brands of applesauce can also harm your pet.

Is Applesauce Good for My Cat?

While applesauce is not necessarily harmful to your cat, it’s not good for them. Cats are carnivores, and they do not require carbohydrates in their diet. However, cats require an unusually high amount of protein in their diet. According to PetMD, the AAFCO’s established minimum protein requirement may need to be increased.

Knowing that your cat probably needs more protein seems like a good reason not 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. An experienced veterinarian can aid you in a selection process for the best food option for your cat.

Can I Make Applesauce?

Making homemade applesauce can be a great way to ensure that your cat gets the most natural version without harmful chemicals or preservatives. We have searched the internet for this recipe from Sugar The Golden Retriever.

Once chilled, you can treat your cat with a small portion of this homemade applesauce. The only ingredient in this recipe we haven’t discussed is honey. Honey is safe for cats, but it could be skipped. Since cats can’t taste sweet flavors, anyway, there is no sense in including them.

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Summary

It is not necessary to feed applesauce to your cat, but if you must, we recommend giving your cat only small amounts of homemade applesauce occasionally. 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 brands with no added sugars or artificial sweeteners. If possible, give your cat a high-protein treat instead.

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• Also see: Can Cats Eat Apples? Vet-Reviewed Nutritional Facts & FAQ