Dogs are members of the family, and we want to make sure they’re getting the best possible food and treats. That’s why we’ve put together this recipe for homemade applesauce for dogs. It’s easy to follow and your dog will love it!
Not only is this applesauce good for your dog, but it’s also affordable. You can make a big batch for just a few dollars – much cheaper than buying store-bought applesauce.
And it’s healthier too since there are no added ingredients that are unhealthy for dogs.
Follow our simple homemade applesauce recipe below and start making your own applesauce for dogs today!
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Can dogs eat applesauce?
The short answer is yes, dogs can eat apples and they can eat plain applesauce. However, there are a few things you should keep in mind before feeding your dog applesauce.
First, make sure you are feeding your dog unsweetened applesauce. Dogs shouldn’t eat sugar, so it’s important to check the label before feeding them any applesauce.
Second, feed your dog applesauce in moderation. Too much of any fruit can cause stomach upset in dogs, so it’s best to give them just a small amount as a special treat.
Is homemade applesauce good for dogs?
Yes, homemade applesauce is good for dogs. It’s made with all-natural ingredients and there are no added sugars or artificial sweeteners.
Plus, applesauce is a great source of dietary fiber and vitamin c. So go ahead and give this recipe a try!
How To Make Applesauce For Dogs
Homemade applesauce for dogs is simple to make. All it takes is a couple of steps and some time. But the end result is a delicious, healthy snack your dog will love!
Ingredients list
You’ll need just a couple of ingredients to make this easy recipe. Here’s what you’ll need:
- fresh apples
- water
You can make this recipe with just a few apples to as many as fit in your pan leaving the top couple of inches free.
The more apples you use, the more water you will need. You need enough water to not burn the apples to the bottom of the pan.
How to prepare the apples
Start by washing the apples. You’ll want to remove any dirt or pesticides that may be on the apple skin.
Then, core the apples and cut them into small pieces. You can leave the skin on or remove it, depending on your preference.
I personally prefer using peeled apples for my applesauce, whether I’m making it for myself or my dogs.
The first time I made applesauce I peeled, cored, and chopped the apples by hand (with help of my husband and kids). It was a time-consuming process.
Then I heard about the apple peeler, corer, and slicer and it has saved so much time.
Just put the apple on it, crank the handle and you soon have a spiral of peeled apples.
Cut it down the middle and you have nicely cut pieces of apple with minimal work.
It makes the process of prepping apples so much easier. The only downside is that it can make a bit of a mess with the peels and juice, especially if the apple is a juicy one.
But I will take the mess over the pain in my hands, especially if I’m doing a big batch of apple sauce.
Cooking the applesauce
Once your apples are prepped, it’s time to cook them down into a sauce.
Place the apples in a large pot with water. You’ll want to add enough water to cover the bottom inch or so of the pan to prevent the apples from sticking and burning.
I started with frozen apples and added too much water in the photo above.
Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally.
Once it reaches a boil, turn the heat down to low and let it simmer for 30-45 minutes, or until the apples are soft.
Stir the mixture occasionally to make sure the apples aren’t sticking to the bottom of the pan.
Once the apples are soft, use a potato masher to mash them into a chunky sauce. Alternatively, you can use an immersion blender to blend it into a smooth sauce.
If you plan on using this sauce in homemade dog treats, a smooth sauce is easier to work with.
If you don’t have an immersion blender, you can run it through a food processor or blender. Just be careful when transferring it to the blender as it is very hot.
Slow cooker instructions
If you don’t want to cook your applesauce on the stove, you can also make it in a slow cooker.
To do this, place the apples and enough water to cover the bottom of the slow cooker. Put the cover on and turn it to high.
Allow it to cook for 3 to 4 hours. Once the cooking time is done, stir the apples and mash them with a potato masher. If you want a smoother sauce run an immersion blender through it or run it through a blender.
If it’s too runny, let it cook longer with the cover partially open. Keep an eye on it so it doesn’t thicken too much.
Serving and storing the applesauce
Let the applesauce cool before serving it to your dog. You can either give them the sauce as is or add it to their dog food at meal times.
If you’re using it in homemade treats, add it to the recipe as directed.
Applesauce can be stored in a sealed container in the fridge for up to a week. Or you can keep it in the freezer for future use. For best taste, use within 6 months.
To freeze, let the sauce cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Then pop it in the freezer.
For storing applesauce I like to use pyrex containers, plastic storage containers, or canning jars.
If you use the canning jars, you can stick them in the freezer without having to go through the canning process.
When you’re ready to use it, thaw it in the fridge overnight or defrost it in the microwave. Just make sure there aren’t any hot spots before giving it to your dog.
How much applesauce should you give your dog?
As with any treat, your dog should only get small amounts of applesauce as an occasional treat. It should make up no more than 5% of your dog’s diet. For most dogs, this ends up being just a spoonful or two per day.
Also, hold off on giving puppies applesauce, their digestive system isn’t ready to handle applesauce yet. Wait until they are older.
Making your own applesauce for dogs is a great way to ensure they’re getting a healthy, homemade treat. Not only is it easy to do, but you can also use it to make other homemade dog treats.
Do you make applesauce for your dogs? What’s their favorite way to eat it? Let me know in the comments below.
Happy cooking!
Check out my other homemade dog treat recipes!
Homemade Oatmeal Applesauce Dog Treats
The Best Recipe for Frozen Applesauce Dog Treats
