Last Updated on July 9, 2023 by admin
Can a Cat Eat Apples? What About Applesauce?
Cats can eat apples safely as long as it is the flesh. Although it isn’t ideal or recommended for cats, a small piece here and there should cause no issues. You should not let your cat consume or chew apple stems, leaves, or seeds since these contain a low amount of cyanide.
As the popular saying goes, “an apple a day keeps the doctor away”. However, this is not true for cats or humans. The best choice for cats will always be cat food and cat treats that provide a complete and balanced source of nutrition specifically tailored to cats.
It is also important to remember that cats do not really taste sweetness and have much less taste buds than humans or even dogs. For most healthy cats there is no need to eat apples.
Don’t Let Your Cat Eat Apple Stems, Leaves, or Seeds
Even though the flesh is safe there are some risks with feeding cats apples. It is not recommended to feed your cat apple stems, leaves, or seeds. Each apple seed naturally contains a trace amount of cyanide in the form of amygdalin. These parts contain a low level of cyanide which is poisonous to cats. If your cat consumes any of these parts, contact your veterinarian immediately. To ensure safety for your cat, wash the apple thoroughly before feeding them. Although apple skin or peels are considered but may be hard for a cat to digest. Also apple skin may have trace levels of insecticides so it’s better to peel the apples or wash them thoroughly.
Can Cats Have Applesauce
Yes, cats can technically eat applesauce, but it is not recommended as a regular part of their diet due to its high sugar content and potential digestive issues. Some cats may also be allergic to or have difficulty digesting applesauce. It is best to consult with a veterinarian before feeding applesauce to your cat, as their diet should primarily consist of meat-based foods.
Are Apples Poisonous to Cats
Yes, apples can be poisonous to cats because the leaves, twigs, and seeds of the apple tree contain cyanide, which can be toxic to cats. However, raw red apple is safe for cats to consume in moderation and can provide them with a high amount of fiber. Apple pie itself is not poisonous for cats, but consuming too many apples can be toxic and lead to symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. It is important to note that cats can be allergic to apple pie, but the main concern is the potential toxicity of the apples themselves. Therefore, it is best to avoid giving cats apple seeds, leaves, and stems. Apple jello can be safe for cats as long as it does not contain sweeteners like xylitol or excessive sugar.
Nutritional Breakdown of Apples
A typical serving of an apple contains around 95 calories mainly from the 25 grams of carbohydrates it contains and 1 gram of protein. Apples have no fat content which makes it a great healthy snack for humans. The health benefits of apples sadly do not apply to cats.
What Are the Benefits of Feeding Your Cat Apples?
There are no known health benefits or research studies to support any health benefits from apples for cats. While apples are generally considered safe for cats and should be fine for cats to eat, remember that cats are obligate carnivores. Sure, cats can eat a small portion of apple but it’s not the best food for cats.
There are studies of using apple pomace, which is a by-product of apple processing, such as juice and cider production. It is made up of skin, flesh, seeds and stems, and contains around 8% of pectic substances which are important raw materials for pectin production. The study looked at apple pomace as a source of fiber to reduce “the energy density of food for obese cats” and found that the “digestibility of crude protein decreased considerably”. So while mixing apple pomace into cat food helped reduce the number of calories obese cats absorb from cat food, it also prevented them from digesting all of the protein contained. As a result, the study recommended adding other forms of palatable fibrous components for the same effect.
Is It Safe for Cats to Eat Apples?
Apples are safe and not toxic to cats and can be a part of their diet in moderation. Be sure to use only the flesh. The stem, leaves and seeds of an apple contain small amounts of cyanide which can be dangerous, so these parts should be removed before feeding apples to your cat. Some cats may have digestive problems when eating apples so it’s best to introduce them slowly into your cat’s diet. If you decide to feed your cat apples make sure they are cut into small pieces and avoid feeding them too often.
How Do I Prepare an Apple for My Cat to Eat?
To prepare the apple for your cat to eat, it’s best to wash it thoroughly with water before cutting a portion of it into bite-sized pieces that are easy for your cat to consume. Be sure to avoid giving your cat the stem, leaves or seeds as they contain cyanide which is toxic for cats. Additionally, some apples may be treated with pesticides or sprayed with a resin called shellac to give them shine, which is pet safe, but make sure you wash them properly. Finally, start by offering small amounts of apple as some sensitive felines might have digestive problems from eating them.
How Much Apple Should I Give My Cat?
Cats can safely eat apples but it’s important to do so in moderation. Apples should only be given occasionally and in small amounts. If your cat eats 250 calories per day, no more than 25 of those calories should come from treats, including apples. The average large apple contains ten grams of sugar which is equivalent to two teaspoons, so cats should not have an entire apple in one sitting. It’s best to offer just a few small pieces at a time and make sure the seeds are removed before giving it to your cat. Before introducing apples into your cat’s diet, talk to your veterinarian first to ensure they are healthy enough for it.
Are There Any Other Fruits Cats Can Eat Safely?
Cats can eat a variety of fruits, but not all of them are safe. Apples are a safe and healthy snack for cats, but there are other fruit options that cats can enjoy as well. Bananas, blueberries, strawberries, raspberries and even oranges are all safe for cats to eat in moderation. When feeding your cat any type of fruit, make sure to cut it into small pieces to avoid choking hazards. It is important to note that some fruits contain more sugar than others and should be fed sparingly.
What Fruits or Plant-based Harmful Foods Are Harmful to Cats?
If you allow your cat to eat human foods, take time to educate yourself on foods that cats shouldn’t eat. It is important to know which fruits can be harmful to cats. Citrus fruits such as lemons, limes, oranges and clementines contain citric acid and essential oils that can cause digestive upset. Cherries have pits that contain cyanide and are toxic to cats. Onions, garlic, grapes, raisins and currants can also be dangerous. Kidney failure can occur when cats eat grapes or raisins. High sugar and carbohydrate fruits like bananas, pineapples and strawberries are high in calories and should be avoided. Macadamia nuts should never be given to cats as they can be toxic. Make sure they don’t eat these foods or any food products that contain them. A healthy snack for your cat is usually something meat based.
Can a Cat Overdose on Apples or Other Fruits?
Even though it is not recommended to give apples to cats, the general rule for any treats is that do not eat more than 10 percent of their caloric requirements. Many foods are safe for cats but best to avoid feeding your cat. While the flesh of apples is not especially unhealthy for cats, the high amount of sugar can throw off your cat’s daily diet. A cat doesn’t need that many carbs yet many commercial cat food brands add corn and other carb heavy ingredients to save on costs while meeting caloric requirements.
An average adult cat needs 200–240 calories per day while a typical apple is around 100 calories.
Are There Any Alternatives to Feeding Your Cat Fruit and Vegetables?
Are you looking for alternatives to feeding your cat fruit and vegetables? While fruits and vegetables can provide essential vitamins, minerals and other nutrients, it is important to remember that cats are carnivores. Fruits should only be given occasionally and in small amounts as treats. Some safe fruits that cats may enjoy include strawberries, melon, bananas, pears, blueberries, nectarines and peeled apple slices (without the seeds). Vegetables can also provide added nutrition but are not necessary for a cat’s diet. Safe veggies include green beans, carrots, cooked pumpkin or squash and steamed broccoli or cauliflower florets. Apples (with the seeds removed) can also be a good source of fiber for your feline friend if fed sparingly. As always, if you have any questions or concerns about what to feed your pet consult with your veterinarian before adding anything new to their diet.
Can Cats Eat Applesauce?
Apple sauce is a purée made from apples. Other ingredients may include strips of lemon peel, lemon juice, maple syrup and cinnamon for taste. Cats are carnivores, and while applesauce is not necessarily harmful to them, it’s not necessarily beneficial either. Prepackaged applesauce contains a high concentration of preservatives that are best avoided. Apple juice should be avoided as it contains too much sugar for cats’ digestive systems. The same goes for apple pie.
Can Cats Eat Dried Apples?
While dried apples are not all that different from regular apples nutritionally speaking it lacks moisture and cats have a hard enough time maintaining hydration. Also many dried apple recipes include sprinkling with cinnamon. While cinnamon is not considered toxic in small doses at larger doses it can harmful in larger doses.
Can Cats Drink Apple Juice?
Apple juice can wreak havoc on blood sugar even in humans. It is also not recommended for cats due to its high sugar content. Cats do handle sugar as well as humans so it is best to avoid giving them juice. Apple juice also contains very little nutritional value for cats, making it an unnecessary addition to their diet.
Final Words
It is safe to say that most fruits like apples should not be fed to cats. While apples are not toxic, whatever the benefits of apples for cats it simply does not compete with specifically formulated cat food. Cats should not eat a lot of fruit because cats don’t thrive on a fruit or vegetable heavy diet. Apples also contain a lot of carbohydrates which will cause weight gain in many cats if given in large quantities on top of their normal diet. While apples are considered generally safe for cats their leaves, stems, and seeds contain very small amounts of cyanide. As a general rule it is not good for cats to eat fruit. Even if your cat has a special thing for apples it is best to keep such treats to a minimum.