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Applesauce and Cats: Is It a Safe Treat

Mar 03,2025 | puaintapets

Many cat owners wonder whether certain human foods are safe for their feline friends. One common question is: Can cats eat applesauce? While apples themselves are non-toxic to cats, applesauce can be a different story depending on the ingredients.

Applesauce to Cat

Is Applesauce Safe for Cats?

✅ Yes, But Only in Small Amounts

Plain, unsweetened applesauce is not toxic to cats, but it should only be given in tiny amounts as an occasional treat.

However, many store-bought applesauce products contain added sugar, artificial sweeteners, and preservatives, which can be harmful to cats.

Applesauce to Cats

Nutritional Value of Applesauce

Applesauce (unsweetened) contains:

✅ Vitamin C – Supports the immune system.
✅ Fiber – Aids digestion in small amounts.
✅ Antioxidants – Helps fight oxidative stress.
❌ High Sugar Content – Even in natural applesauce, fruit sugars can be excessive for cats.

Risks of Feeding Applesauce to Cats

Feeding applesauce to cats can pose several risks, including:

Digestive issues

Diarrhea and vomiting: Cats have a sensitive digestive system, and the high fiber content in applesauce can cause gastrointestinal upset, leading to diarrhea and vomiting.
Constipation: In some cases, the fiber in applesauce can have the opposite effect and cause constipation, especially if the cat is not used to consuming fiber-rich foods.

Also Read: Understanding Feline Constipation

Nutritional imbalance

Excessive sugar: Most commercial applesauce contains added sugars, which can be harmful to cats. Cats are obligate carnivores and do not require carbohydrates in their diet. Excessive sugar intake can lead to obesity, diabetes, and dental problems.
Lack of essential nutrients: Applesauce does not provide all the essential nutrients that cats need. Feeding too much applesauce can displace the cat's regular diet, leading to a deficiency in important nutrients such as protein, taurine, and arachidonic acid.

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Toxicity

Cyanide poisoning: Apple seeds and stems contain cyanide, which can be toxic to cats if ingested in large amounts. While the flesh of the apple is generally safe, it is important to remove all seeds and stems before feeding applesauce to cats.
Additives and preservatives: Some commercial applesauce products may contain additives, preservatives, and artificial sweeteners that can be harmful to cats. These substances can cause allergic reactions, digestive problems, and other health issues.

Choking hazard

Large pieces: If the applesauce contains large pieces of apple, it can pose a choking hazard to cats, especially if they are not used to chewing food properly.

To avoid these risks, it is recommended to feed cats only small amounts of homemade applesauce without any added sugars, preservatives, or spices. If using store-bought applesauce, choose a brand that is 100% pure applesauce with no added ingredients. Always monitor your cat's reaction after feeding applesauce and consult a veterinarian if any abnormal symptoms occur.

cat and apple

What Happens When a Cat Eats an Apple Core?

The following may occur when a cat eats an apple core:

Risk of poisoning

Apple cores contain cyanide and cats ingesting them may develop symptoms of poisoning such as vomiting, diarrhoea, breathing difficulties and convulsions.

Digestive problems

Apple cores are not easily digested by cats and may lead to problems such as indigestion, constipation or intestinal obstruction.

Choking risk

If cats do not chew the apple core sufficiently when swallowing, it may lead to choking.

Other risks

Pesticides or other harmful substances may remain on the surface of apple cores, which may cause poisoning or other health problems if ingested by cats.

If a cat accidentally ingests an apple core, the cat should be observed immediately for symptoms, and if abnormal symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhoea and breathing difficulties occur, medical attention should be sought immediately. Meanwhile, in order to prevent cats from eating apple cores, they should be properly disposed of and kept out of the reach of cats.

How to Feed Applesauce to Cats Safely?

To feed applesauce to cats safely, follow these guidelines:

1.Choose the right applesauce

Homemade or natural: Opt for homemade applesauce without any added sugars, preservatives, or spices. If using store-bought, choose a brand that is 100% pure applesauce with no added ingredients.
Avoid additives: Do not use applesauce that contains artificial sweeteners, such as xylitol, which can be toxic to cats.

2.Prepare the applesauce

Fresh and ripe: Use fresh, ripe apples to make the applesauce. Wash the apples thoroughly to remove any pesticides or dirt.
Peel and core: Peel the apples and remove the cores, as the seeds can be harmful to cats.
Cook and puree: Cook the apples until they are soft and then puree them in a blender or food processor. Do not add any salt, sugar, or other seasonings.

3.Feed in moderation

Small amounts: Cats are carnivores and do not require a large amount of fruits in their diet. Offer a small amount of applesauce as an occasional treat, not as a regular part of their diet.
Mix with regular food: You can mix a small amount of applesauce with your cat's regular wet or dry food to make it more appealing.

4.Monitor your cat's reaction

Watch for signs of intolerance: After feeding your cat applesauce, observe them for any signs of vomiting, diarrhea, or other signs of gastrointestinal distress. If any of these symptoms occur, discontinue feeding applesauce and consult your veterinarian.
Allergic reactions: Some cats may be allergic to apples. Watch for signs of itching, swelling, or difficulty breathing, which could indicate an allergic reaction.

By following these guidelines, you can safely feed applesauce to your cat as an occasional treat. However, it's important to remember that cats have specific dietary needs, and their main source of nutrition should come from high-quality cat food.

FAQs

How much applesauce can I give my cat?

It is best to start with no more than a teaspoon and not exceed a tablespoon per day, depending on your cat's size and overall health.

My cat seems to like applesauce. Can I make it a regular part of their diet?

No. Applesauce should only be an occasional treat due to the potential risks associated with it. Cats' main diet should still consist of high - quality cat food.

Can I give my cat applesauce with added fruits or nuts?

Absolutely not. Added fruits like raisins (which are toxic to cats) or nuts can be extremely dangerous for your cat. Only plain, unsweetened applesauce should be considered.

Conclusion

So, can cats eat applesauce? Yes, but only in small amounts, and only if it’s plain and unsweetened. However, due to its high sugar content and potential additives, applesauce is not an ideal treat for cats.

If you want to give your cat fruit, fresh apple slices (peeled and seedless) are a much safer option. Always monitor your cat for any digestive issues and consult a vet if you’re unsure about adding new foods to their diet.