Applesauce may seem like a harmless and healthy snack for your cat, but it can actually cause more harm than good. Learn about the hidden dangers.
I love applesauce. It’s sweet, smooth, and refreshing. I often eat it as a dessert or a snack when I crave something fruity. But as much as I love applesauce, I would never share it with my cat.
Why? Because applesauce is not good for cats. In fact, it can be downright dangerous.
You may think that applesauce is just crushed apples, and apples are safe for cats, right? Well, not exactly.
Applesauce is more than just apples. It usually contains added sugar, preservatives, and spices that can harm your cat’s health.
In this article, I will explain why you shouldn’t feed applesauce to your cat and what you can do instead. I will also answer some common questions about applesauce to cats that you may have.
The Dangers of Applesauce for Cats
Here are some of the reasons why applesauce is bad for cats:
Applesauce is high in sugar
Cats don’t need sugar in their diet. They can’t even taste sweetness because they lack the receptors for it. Sugar can cause obesity, diabetes, dental problems, and other health issues in cats.
Applesauce can also upset your cat’s stomach and cause diarrhea or vomiting.
Applesauce may contain preservatives and chemicals
Some brands of applesauce use artificial ingredients to extend the shelf life and enhance the flavor of their products. These ingredients can be toxic to cats and cause allergic reactions, liver damage, kidney failure, or even death.
Applesauce may contain spices that are harmful to cats
Cinnamon is a common spice that is added to applesauce to give it a warm and cozy taste. However, cinnamon can be dangerous for cats. It can irritate their mouth and throat, lower their blood sugar, and damage their liver.
Other spices that are often found in applesauce, such as nutmeg, cloves, or ginger, can also be harmful to cats.
Applesauce is not nutritious for cats
Cats are obligate carnivores, which means they need animal-based protein and fat to survive and thrive.
Applesauce does not provide any of these essential nutrients for cats. It only provides carbohydrates, which cats don’t need and can’t digest well. Feeding your cat too much applesauce can lead to nutritional deficiencies and health problems.
What to Do Instead of Feeding Applesauce to Your Cat?
If you want to treat your cat with something sweet and fruity, there are better alternatives than applesauce. Here are some tips on what to do instead:
Choose natural or homemade applesauce with no added sugar or ingredients
If you really want to give your cat some applesauce, make sure it is unsweetened and unflavored. You can also make your own applesauce by cooking peeled and chopped apples until soft and mash them with a fork or a blender.
However, even natural or homemade applesauce should be given sparingly and occasionally to your cat.
Offer fresh apple slices or cubes as a treat
Fresh apple is safer than applesauce for cats because it does not contain any sugar or additives. It also provides some fiber and antioxidants that can benefit your cat’s health.
However, make sure to remove the skin, seeds, and core of the apple before giving it to your cat. These parts can contain cyanide, which is poisonous to cats.
Find other healthy treats for your cat
There are many other treats that you can give your cat that are more suitable for their dietary needs. For example, you can give them some cooked meat, fish, eggs, cheese, or yogurt as a treat.
These foods are high in protein and fat that cats need. You can also give them some commercial cat treats that are specially formulated for their health and well-being.
Conclusion
Applesauce may seem like a harmless and healthy snack for your cat, but it can actually cause more harm than good.
Applesauce is high in sugar, preservatives, and spices that can harm your cat’s health. It is also not nutritious for cats who need animal-based protein and fat.