Cinnamon applesauce can be given to dogs but in small portions. Make it an occasional treat since the meal contains additives that need to be moderated so as not to affect your dog’s health.
When consumed in large amounts, cinnamon can cause your dog serious health consequences. Therefore, it will be safe to add only a teaspoon of cinnamon to the applesauce for your dog. Not that cinnamon is toxic, but it will be beneficial if offered in a small amount.
It is advisable to make the cinnamon applesauce yourself. This way, you will remove any dangerous substances and limit the ingredients for a healthier dish. But, of course, your end game is ensuring your furry friend enjoys the meal and gains some nutrients from it.
Giving your dog homemade cinnamon applesauce is the healthiest option to help you choose and regulate the additives you put as ingredients in the applesauce. While making the apple sauce, remove the seeds and core since they can also be harmful.
Can Dogs Eat Cinnamon Applesauce?
Despite applesauce and cinnamon being nontoxic to dogs, avoid buying from a store since store-bought sauce contains chemical additives and sugar on top of cinnamon.
Cinnamon is a very nutritious spice for both dogs and people. It can aid with swelling, arthritis, and joint discomfort. This spice also helps regulate your dog’s blood sugar and insulin levels. It does so by reducing the sugar absorption rate.
Adding 1/8 teaspoon of cinnamon will boost the applesauce flavor for a 15-pound dog. However, before offering the treat to your dog, you must ensure the cinnamon powder is fully mixed with the applesauce to avoid making your dog feel irritated in its mouth and lungs. Also, avoid giving your dog cinnamon sticks, which can make it sick.
Is Apple Sauce Good For Dogs?
In moderation, it is safe to give your dog unsweetened apple sauce. It is offered as a puree and can be an occasional dog treat.
However, you have to consider some precautions as a pet owner before giving it to your dog. First, the apple puree should comprise 5% of your dog’s daily meal intake. This will be about two spoonfuls a day.
Also, please do not give it to a puppy. A puppy’s digestive system cannot process the apple sauce properly since it has not developed enough. So wait until your pup reaches adulthood before introducing the fruit puree as part of their diet.
Benefits of Apple Sauce For Your Dog
Apple sauce puree comes with several benefits like:
1. Antioxidant-rich
Apples are rich in antioxidants that help protect against cell oxidation and free radical damage that lead to cancer in dogs.
2. Improves your dog’s bone and nail health
Apples contain calcium and phosphorus that helps your dog to have healthy bones, teeth, and nails.
3. Low on calories
This fruit puree is the best to offer your dog if you want it to maintain its weight or cut down a bit. Unsweetened apple sauce is very low in calories and fats.
4. Regulates cholesterol
Pectin is a soluble fiber found in apples that will help lower cholesterol levels in your dog.
5. Relieves constipation
When it comes to dietary fiber, apple sauce is a great producer. It will help your dog maintain regular bowel movements and also relieve constipation.
6. Rich in vitamin
Apple sauce contains both vitamin A and vitamin C. vitamin A will help strengthen the immune system and skin health of your dog. Vitamin C will aid your dog’s bone development and help treat osteoarthritis.
Tips for Feeding Your Dog Apple Sauce Safely
Not all human food can be taken by dogs. Therefore, before giving your dog cinnamon apple sauce, consult with the vet first. The veterinarian will give you the go-ahead on whether to add this fruit puree to your dog’s diet.
1. Buy unsweetened varieties
If you do not have a homemade apple sauce and are considering buying from the store, look for those made from organic apples and do not have added sugar and artificial preservatives. Unfortunately, the non-organic are not completely safe since they contain pesticides and artificial sweeteners that harm your dog.
2. Discard the apple core and seeds
When making the apple puree refrain from using the apple core and seeds, it can be a major choking hazard despite how tempting it can be to toss the core to your dog as a snack.
3. Serve in moderation
The applesauce should be an occasional treat in your dog’s diet. Give it in small portions, like two spoonfuls per day.
4. Only cook the apples
Apple seeds contain cyanide which can be toxic to your dog. Before cooking, remove the seeds and stem.
How to Prepare a Homemade Cinnamon Applesauce
The best part about preparing cinnamon apple source at home is that you get to control the taste, sugar level, and texture. If you have a sweet tooth or prefer a tart flavor, you can try a variety of apples.
Ingredients
- 4 medium apples
- ½ cup of water
- ½ tablespoon of grounded cinnamon
Instructions
Step 1: peel and remove the core and seeds from the apple. Quarterly cut the apples and place them in one large pot to heat over medium-high heat. Add cinnamon to the mixture.
Step 2: cook the apples for about 20 minutes until they are soft and tender to mash or blend easily.
Step 3: Gently mash the apples using a masher or fork. Alternatively, you can puree the mix using a blender to your preferred chunkiness.
Step 4: let it cool in the refrigerator before serving it to your dog.
Serving Tips for Cinnamon Applesauce
Mostly cinnamon applesauce is served plain. However, you can add a few combinations to make your furry friend undoubtedly enjoy the meal.
- If you want a dense flavor, you can add plain organic yogurt.
- For senior dogs, you can add dry kibble to the mix to moisten it for easier chewing.
- You can place the puree in ice trays during summer days to make popsicles.
- You can bake them into muffins.
How to Store Leftover Cinnamon Applesauce
You can safely store cinnamon apple sauce for up to two weeks in the refrigerator. Wrap the puree in an airtight container and place it in the fridge after use.
Also, you can opt to freeze it in the freezer. You can use a freezer zip bag or freezer-safe container with a lid to hold the puree and place it in the freezer for at least two months.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. My dog is diabetic. Is cinnamon applesauce safe for him?
Yes, in moderation, cinnamon applesauce is safe for a dog with diabetes. You can add to it foods with more protein and fiber.
Avoid store-bought applesauce since they contain sweeteners that are bad for your dog’s health. Before purchasing, keenly go through the ingredients.
2. Does cinnamon applesauce have added sugar?
For homemade cinnamon applesauce, there are no added sugars. The puree will only have the natural sugar from the apple. However, store-bought cinnamon applesauce can contain corn syrup and high fructose corn syrup added sugars to sweeten the sauce.
If you want to make the applesauce sweeter, add healthier sweeteners.
Conclusion
Cinnamon applesauce is a nutritious, fun treat to add to your dog’s diet. Your dog will get the best nutrition. Making cinnamon applesauce at home is the best way to control the sugar content. It has an easy recipe, one that is cheap and simple.