Homemade Apple Dog Treats
If your pup loves apples, these homemade apple dog treats will make their tail wag nonstop. They’re made with real food ingredients you, and your dog, can feel good about — no mystery fillers, just wholesome goodness your furry friend will love.
They’re just as easy to make as my sweet potato dog treats, which are also made with real food that’s completely dog-friendly. And if you need an easy homemade treat recipe for your feline friend too, give my pumpkin cat treats a try.
Let’s talk about this recipe
These homemade apple dog treats are about as simple as it gets — 3 simple ingredients come together to make a dough that bakes up into crunchy snacks your dog will ask you to make again and again.
They’re great to have on hand for quick rewards or afternoon treat time. They’re easy to whip up, packed with real flavor, and they’re the perfect treat for everyday snacking. If you’re looking for a next-level treat more suited for special occasions — give my peanut butter bacon pupcakes a try.
What makes this recipe so good
- Made with just three ingredients dogs love — no fillers, no junk, just the good stuff.
- So easy to make that you’ll never need to buy store-bought treats again.
- Better for your dog because every ingredient is real food you can recognize and pronounce — just like my pumpkin spice latte for dogs.
- Full of apple flavor that turns into an irresistible scent the moment they start baking.
- Made with wholesome oats that give these treats their crunchy texture and natural fiber, so they’re gentle on your pup’s tummy.
Ingredients you’ll need
These treats are simple to make and use ingredients that are healthy and safe for your dog. Stick with pure, quality ingredients — your pup deserves the best.
- Oat flour: Oat flour gives these treats their crunchy texture and makes them easy to digest. If you don’t have any on hand, grind rolled oats in a food processor until fine. It’s the same flour I use in my DIY pill pockets for dogs, and it’s a great staple for homemade pet snacks.
- Applesauce: Use unsweetened applesauce with no added sugar or flavorings. If you have the time to make your own, it is the healthiest way to go for your pooch. And it brings the purest apple flavor possible to the recipe — your dog will adore you.
See recipe card below for full information on ingredients and quantities.
Make it your own
- Add a pinch of cinnamon for extra scent and flavor — just make sure it’s plain ground cinnamon, never nutmeg. And always use just the smallest pinch.
- Use pumpkin purée in place of applesauce for a fall twist your dog will love.
- Stir in a spoonful of peanut butter for added richness in the recipe and extra motivation for your pup during training time.
- Mix in finely grated carrot or zucchini to change the treats up on occasion — it’s an easy way to give your dog a little variety at treat time without stretching yourself too thin in the kitchen.
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.
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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.
You’ll find measurements, and more detailed step-by-step instructions, in the recipe card below, which you can also print for your convenience if you’d like.
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.
Yes, plain ground cinnamon is perfectly safe and adds a lovely scent. Just be sure to use it sparingly so it doesn’t upset your pup’s tummy — the tiniest pinch is plenty. And never use nutmeg, as it can be toxic to dogs.
Oat flour is gentle on digestion, it is one of the best options when making homemade treats for your dog. But you can also try whole wheat or brown rice flour if your pup tolerates them well.
They’ll stay fresh on the counter for about a week, or you can refrigerate them for up to two weeks. For long-term storage, freeze them for up to three months.
Treats should make up no more than about 10% of your dog’s daily food intake. The exact amount will vary depending on your dog’s size, weight, and activity level. A small dog may only need one or two per day, while a larger dog can enjoy a few more — always keeping the balance of their overall diet in mind.
Giving these treats to your dog
These homemade apple dog treats are perfect for training rewards, mid-day snacks, or just because your pup deserves a little something special. They’re light enough for smaller dogs but hearty enough to satisfy bigger breeds too.
They’re meant to be given as treats, not meal replacements — a small reward for good behavior or a “just because I love you” kind of snack. If your furry family includes cats, try my homemade cat treats recipe too. It is a simple, wholesome option made just for felines.
Diane Gail’s tips for success
- 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.
- Treat, don’t feed: These are meant as snacks, not a full meal — moderation keeps your pup healthy and happy.
There’s so much more to discover on the site beyond the kitchen — visit my from-scratch homemaking and slow living sections to find ideas that bring handmade comfort into every part of your day.
Apple Dog Treats Recipe
Ingredients
- 3 cups oat flour
- 1 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 2 large eggs
Instructions
- Mix ingredients: Combine oat flour and unsweetened applesauce 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 meant as snacks only — offer in moderation alongside a balanced diet.
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!