Can Cats Eat Applesauce, Packaged or Fresh?

Cats eat all sorts of rubbish. Dried leaves, a string of thread, and sometimes even a fly! Wouldn’t it better to feed your cat something healthy? Like, say applesauce which is high in fiber and easy to digest. So to answer your question – can cats eat applesauce? Yes, they can!

What is Applesauce?

Applesauce, in simple terms, is mashed apples. It is mixed in with other ingredients such as fruit pulp or cinnamon. But mainly, it’s an apple in a pureed form. I know this from experience, by chewing apple is a task. It’s hard, chewy, and often gives one bleeding gums.

You don’t want your cat to jump through hoops to eat an apple, right? So the next best thing is feeding your cat applesauce.

Applesauce is a famous snack for kids as well. Because they’d refuse to eat plain apples. A pureed and sweet sauce is the best way to get someone to “eat their fruits.” And being high in fiber, they do a lot for digestion and regular bowel movements.

Avoid using ingredients like caramel which are sweeteners to make applesauce. Unless you’re making the applesauce for yourself! You cat needs everything natural and safe. Low-calorie, too, to prevent weight gain or obesity or diabetes. How does that sound?

Can Cats Eat Applesauce?

It’s true that your cat doesn’t really need applesauce. But it’s good if you feed it to them. Though they’re obligate carnivores, the dietary fiber would do them good. Helping with constipation, indigestion, and other health concerns.

Ensure your cat’s diet comprises mainly of animal sources such as proteins. And with a little serving of applesauce on the side, 1-2 times a week is ideal. It will help cats digest their food better. That is, without increasing their daily caloric value.

The smooth and slippery texture of applesauce is easy to digest. It gets absorbed quicker than a raw apple. And it helps with softening the stools in case your cat is constipated.

The bade side, though, it too much fiber and sugar intake. Apples are sweet and applesauce even more so. You can choose the most natural and hearty applesauce pack. Or make one yourself if you want no sugar or preservatives.

Excessive fiber intake in cats can lead to loose stools or diarrhea. Meanwhile, excessive sugar can lead to heart conditions or obesity. Cats do not metabolize sugar completely. So even a little serving of sugar daily can lead to weight gain.

Hence, stick to feeding your cat 1-2 spoons of applesauce 1-2 times a week.

A Word of Caution

There are two things you need to keep in mind. First, cats shouldn’t eat packaged applesauce. It contains chemicals, preservatives, and unnatural coloring. Second, cats shouldn’t eat the seed of an apple.

The seed contains a harmful and poisonous substance. So if you’re pureeing the apple yourself, remove the seeds first. This also includes the core and unripe parts of an apple. They contain cyanide which is toxic and life-threatening.

Make sure you wash the apples properly. To get rid of any pesticides or fertilizers on the surface of the fruit. Anything that could possibly irritate your cat must be avoided responsibly.

How Should I Serve Applesauce?

Applesauce bought from a supermarket may contain chemicals. These chemicals, artificial coloring, and preservatives are not good for a cat. It can cause digestive issues, irritability, or an allergic reaction.

Consider making your own applesauce at home. You can mash a few small pieces of apple. Add other fresh fruit purees that cats can eat such as cherries, blueberries, or peaches. This gives your cat the natural fiber intake while limiting sugar.

Introduce your cat to applesauce with a lick. If your cat likes it and doesn’t show any signs of discomfort. You can go ahead and feed your cat the rest of the small serving. Do this once or twice in a week and your cat will be fine.

You’re not completely out of the woods, yet! If your cat has a thyroid problem or weight gain issue. Contact your vet for assistance and professional opinion on the matter. While moderation is key for feeding apples to cats. You need to make sure it’s healthy and safe.

Your cat’s metabolism may be different than another’s. So if it suits somebody else’s cat. It shouldn’t indicate that it will be for your cat as well. Take small steps and build a healthy rapport to enrich your cat’s diet. Just don’t go all in!

Final Thoughts

I won’t deny the deliciousness of applesauce. It’s hearty, jelly-like, and soft. And there’s no reason why your cat wouldn’t love it. However, it’s a better idea to feed applesauce that is homemade. And in small quantities, no doubt.

Apples contain vitamin C that has antioxidant properties. It contains dietary fiber which aids in digestion. And it contains fructose which removes harmful toxins from the body.

While all of this is true, you need to be cautious. The closest you can come to feeding your cat applesauce is small quantities. Not as a source of meeting your cat’s daily nutritional requirements. But as a source of long-term health and satisfaction.

It’s time to ditch the old ways of treating your cat. Skip using packaged and processed treats and go healthy! Your cat will thank you for it and your wallet will too. We all know how expensive and hard-to-keep-up-with pet foods can be.

Do You Want to Know More Tips and Trick on TopTipsForHer?

1. Can Cats Eat Cherries and How to Feed Them?
2. Can Cats Eat Cabbage? Is It Safe for Cats? (The Most Useful Tips)

Sources:
1. https://www.petconsider.com/can-cats-eat-applesauce-safely/
2. https://multibreeds.com/can-cats-eat-applesauce/
3. https://canigivemycat.com/applesauce