Catster is reader-supported. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. Learn more.

Can Cats Eat Applesauce? Vet-Reviewed Facts & Considerations

Written by: Christian Adams

Last Updated on February 14, 2024 by Catster Editorial Team

Can Cats Eat APPLE SAUCE

Can Cats Eat Applesauce? Vet-Reviewed Facts & Considerations

VET APPROVED

Dr. Paola Cuevas Photo

REVIEWED & FACT-CHECKED BY

Dr. Paola Cuevas

MVZ (Veterinarian)

The information is current and up-to-date in accordance with the latest veterinarian research.

Learn more »

Applesauce is considered safe for kids and adults, but is it safe to give to 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.

yarn ball divider

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.

Do 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.

Applesauce and apples
Image By: neelam279, Pixabay

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. 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.

apple sauce
Image Credit: Pixabay

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.

Ingredients
  • Four red apples
  • 3 tbsp. of honey
  • â…” cup water
Directions
  • 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 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.

Hepper 360 Cat Feeder, Stainless Steel, Anti-Chew...
  • NO MESS - The 360° tray on this cat food and water bowl set has a raised design to catch and...
  • WHISKER FRIENDLY - Shallow and wide metal containers with flat bottoms ensure your kitty can enjoy...
  • CHEW-SAFE MATERIALS - Kittens and cats love chewing on silicone and soft rubber - but it's a choking...

Learning about what your cat can and cannot eat is a crucial part of keeping them happy and healthy! Choosing a bowl to serve cat-friendly foods in is another important decision pet owners face. Satisfy the specific needs of your cat with the innovative design of the Hepper NomNom Cat Bowl. Learn why it’s our (and our cats!) favorite food and water dish here.

At Catster, we’ve admired Hepper for many years and decided to take a controlling ownership interest so that we could benefit from the outstanding designs of this cool cat company!

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.

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 Catster24 to SAVE 40% on Smalls cat food!


Featured Image Credit: Pexels

Get Catster in your inbox!

Stay informed! Get tips and exclusive deals.
Catster Editors Choice Badge
Shopping Cart

Pangolia

© Pangolia Pte. Ltd. All rights reserved.