Store-bought applesauce often sneaks in added sugar, preservatives or sweeteners, and some sugar-free versions contain xylitol, which is highly toxic to dogs. Making it at home takes one ingredient and about 20 minutes. Use it in training treats, as a food topper or frozen as a lickable snack.
We made and filmed this recipe in our own kitchen. Watch the video, then cook along.
Quick summary
| Recipe at a glance | |
|---|---|
| Yield | About 480 g (2 cups) |
| Cooking method | Stovetop |
| Simmer time | 15-20 minutes |
| Texture | Smooth or chunky, your choice |
| Used in | Mini Autumn Crunch Training Nibbles, food toppers, frozen treats |
| Storage | Up to 7 days in the fridge, up to 3 months in the freezer |
The one rule you can’t skip
Remove every core and every seed. Apple seeds contain amygdalin, which can release cyanide when chewed. The stems should go too.
Ingredients
- 4 medium sweet apples, about 700 g (Gala, Fuji or Honeycrisp are sweet enough that you never need sugar)
- 60-80 ml (1/4-1/3 cup) water, just enough to stop the apples sticking
- Optional: a tiny pinch of ground Ceylon cinnamon (never nutmeg)
Instructions
- Peel the apples. Use a vegetable peeler. The skin has fiber, but peeling gives a silky puree that won’t make treat doughs chunky.
- Core and chop. Quarter the apples and cut out the cores and all seeds. Chop the flesh into even 2.5 cm (1 inch) chunks.
- Simmer. Put the apples and water in a medium saucepan. Cover and bring to a gentle simmer over medium-low heat. Cook for 15-20 minutes, stirring now and then, until the pieces are completely tender and collapse under a fork.
- Cool. Remove from the heat and let it cool for 10 minutes.
- Mash or blend. Mash with a potato masher for a textured sauce, or blend until completely smooth.
How to store dog-safe applesauce
- Fridge: keep it in an airtight glass jar for up to 7 days.
- Freezer: spoon 15-30 ml (1-2 tbsp) portions into ice-cube trays and freeze for up to 3 months.
Thaw cubes overnight in the fridge for baking, or hand one over straight from the freezer as a cold lick-and-chew treat.
How much applesauce can my dog have?
Apples contain natural sugar, so treat applesauce as an occasional extra. A teaspoon for small dogs or a tablespoon for large dogs is plenty, and all treats together should stay under 10% of daily calories. Check with your vet first if your dog is diabetic or overweight.
Frequently asked questions
Can dogs eat store-bought applesauce?
Only plain, unsweetened applesauce with no xylitol, preservatives or spices. Read the label carefully. Homemade is the easiest way to be sure.
Is cinnamon safe for dogs?
A tiny pinch of Ceylon cinnamon is generally considered safe. Never use nutmeg, which is toxic to dogs, and avoid spice blends like apple pie spice.
Which apples are best for dogs?
Sweet varieties such as Gala, Fuji and Honeycrisp work best because they need no added sugar. Always peel, core and remove every seed.
Recipes that use this applesauce
Want all eight recipes in one place? Download our free Homemade Autumn Dog Treats PDF.
These treats are occasional snacks, not complete meals. If your dog has diabetes, pancreatitis, kidney disease, or food allergies, check with your vet before trying a new recipe.
