Homemade Apple Dog Treats
These homemade apple dog treats use a simple, from-scratch method and a short ingredient list. The dough comes together easily and bakes into small treats without added fillers or complicated steps.
If you’re looking for more easy dog treat recipes made the same way, you might also like my sweet potato dog treats and my latte for dogs, which follow the same straightforward, bake-at-home approach.
Let’s talk about this recipe
These homemade apple dog treats keep things simple — just three basic ingredients mixed into an easy dough and baked into crunchy, bite-sized snacks. No complicated steps, no unnecessary extras, just a straightforward homemade treat you can make anytime.
They’re easy to keep on hand as a simple homemade treat. And if you’re looking for a more celebratory dog treat for birthdays or special occasions, my peanut butter bacon pupcakes are a fun option to try next.
Why this method works
- Made with just three simple ingredients dogs recognize, with no fillers or unnecessary extras.
- Easy enough to make anytime, so homemade treats stay practical instead of feeling like a project.
- Real, recognizable food ingredients you can see and understand from start to finish.
- Naturally apple-forward aroma that develops as the treats bake.
- Oats provide structure and crunch, giving the treats a firm texture once baked.
Ingredients you’ll need
- Oat flour: Oat flour provides structure and helps the treats bake into a firm, crunchy texture. You can make it at home by grinding rolled oats in a food processor until finely ground. It’s a pantry ingredient I regularly use in homemade dog treat recipes.
- Applesauce: Use unsweetened applesauce made with only apples and water, without added sugar or flavorings. It blends smoothly into the dough and adds natural apple flavor to the finished treats.
See recipe card below for full information on ingredients and quantities.
Make it your own
- Add a small amount of cinnamon, to lightly adjust aroma using plain ground cinnamon and keeping the amount minimal.
- Swap pumpkin purée for applesauce, to change the flavor while maintaining a similar dough texture.
- Stir in a small amount of peanut butter, to vary flavor and richness using a simple, plain peanut butter with peanuts as the only ingredient.
- Mix in finely grated carrot or zucchini, to introduce variety while keeping the preparation method the same.
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How to make apple dog treats
Making these treats is as easy as it gets — just mix, roll, cut, and bake.
Step 1: Mix all ingredients together and let rest for 20 minutes.
Step 2: Form into a ball and place on a floured surface.
Step 3: Roll out to ½ inch thick.
Step 4: Cut with your favorite cookie cutter.
Step 5: Place treats on a silicone-lined baking sheet.
Step 6: Bake for 15 minutes, turn, then bake 15 more. Cool on tray before serving.
Recipe FAQs
No — fresh apples won’t work here. They don’t give the moisture and binding to the mixture that applesauce does, so the dough won’t come together.
Oat flour works well in this recipe because it creates a consistent dough and bakes evenly. Other flours, such as whole wheat or brown rice flour, can also be used as long as the texture and consistency remain similar.
The finished treats can be stored in an airtight container or frozen for longer storage.
These treats are intended as a small homemade add-on and aren’t meant to replace standard meals.
How these treats are handled
These homemade apple dog treats are designed to be prepared in small portions and used as a simple, from-scratch treat. They’re easy to keep on hand and can be served separately from regular meals.
These treats are intended as an occasional homemade addition and aren’t meant to replace standard feeding routines.
Tips for consistent results
- Flour generously: This dough is sticky, so use plenty of oat flour when rolling it out to prevent it from clinging to your surface.
- Flip halfway through baking: Turning them once while baking is necessary — otherwise the underside will burn before they are fully baked.
- Cool completely: Let the treats cool right on the tray so they finish setting up and firm slightly as they rest.
- Store smart: Keep on the counter for a week, refrigerate for two, or freeze to make them last longer.
Other pet treat recipes you’ll love
Homemade Pill Pockets For Dogs
Homemade Cat Treats Recipe
Pumpkin Cat Treats Recipe
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Apple Dog Treats Recipe
Ingredients
- 3 cups oat flour
- 1 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 2 large eggs
Instructions
- Mix ingredients: Combine all ingredients in a mixing bowl. Stir until the mixture comes together into a coarse, sticky dough.
- Rest the dough: Let the dough rest for about 20 minutes to allow the flour to absorb the moisture and become easier to handle.
- Prepare the surface: Generously flour your work surface and your hands to prevent sticking.
- Form the dough: Shape the dough into a ball and place it on the floured surface. Generously flour the top of the dough.
- Roll out: Roll the dough evenly to about ½ inch thick. Add more flour as needed to keep it from sticking to the rolling pin.
- Cut shapes: Use a cookie cutter to cut out treats. Gather and reroll any scraps until all dough is used.
- Bake first side: Place the treats on a silicone-lined baking sheet and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15 minutes.
- Flip and bake again: Turn each treat over and bake for another 15 minutes.
- Cool completely: Allow the treats to cool fully on the baking sheet before serving or storing.
Notes
- Flour generously when rolling: This dough is soft and sticky, so extra flour keeps it workable and easy to handle.
- Watch bake time closely: These treats can burn easily in the oven. Remove them once they feel set and lightly golden.
- Make your own oat flour: It’s quick, economical, and easy — just pulse rolled oats in a food processor until finely ground.
- Freeze for later: For long-term storage, freeze the treats on a tray first, then transfer them to an airtight container.
- Treats, not meals: These are intended to be used as treats and are not meant to replace regular meals.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
These homemade apple dog treats are such a win — simple ingredients, great flavor, and so much better than store-bought. When I sold dog treats at outdoor market stands, they were one of my best-sellers!
I made these for my 11-year-old pooch for Christmas (using a small star-shaped cookie cutter). He loves them! An easy recipe to make with natural ingredients—I plan to try using pumpkin purée for the next batch.
Just a note: The instructions in the printable recipe do not include the egg in the ‘mix the ingredients’ section, but I assumed it should be added to the flour and applesauce mixture.
Thanks for the heads up on the recipe card. I’ll fix it now. I’m so glad your pooch loved these treats. Makes my day. You can make a great pumpkin treat using this same recipe. The dough will be pretty wet when first mixed. Just let it sit until it’s firm enough to work with 😉