Many store-bought dog treats are loaded with preservatives and artificial flavors and that’s why whipping up your own treats can be a healthier alternative for your furry friend.
Enter applesauce, a natural and tasty ingredient that dogs love. In this guide, we’ll explore 10 homemade dog treat recipes that use applesauce to create delicious and nutritious snacks.
These treats are not only simple to make but also provide a better, safer way to reward your pooch.
Let’s dive into the world of homemade dog treats and see just how easy and rewarding it can be!
Homemade Dog Treats with Applesauce
1. Applesauce and Oatmeal Cookies
Blending the fiber-rich qualities of oats with the natural sweetness of applesauce, these cookies provide a wholesome snack that’s perfect for supporting your dog’s digestive health, while also satisfying their need for a crunchy treat.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups whole wheat flour
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 1/4 cup water
- 2 tablespoons honey (optional)
Instructions:
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix together the whole wheat flour and rolled oats.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Stir in the applesauce, water, and honey until the mixture forms a thick dough.
- Shape Cookies: Use a spoon or your hands to form small cookies and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake: Bake for 30 minutes, or until the cookies are golden brown and crispy. Allow to cool before serving to your pup.
2. Peanut Butter and Applesauce Biscuits
Uniting the hearty flavors of peanut butter with the mild sweetness of applesauce, these biscuits deliver a palatable and nutritious snack. They’re excellent for dogs needing a little extra energy or those who enjoy a slightly chewy texture.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups whole wheat flour
- 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 1/2 cup natural peanut butter (make sure it’s xylitol-free)
- 1 egg
Instructions:
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a tray with parchment.
- Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine all ingredients until a smooth dough forms.
- Roll Out Dough: Roll the dough to about 1/4 inch thickness on a floured surface.
- Cut Out Biscuits: Use a cookie cutter to shape biscuits and place them on the tray.
- Bake: Bake for 20-25 minutes until firm. Cool on a rack before treating your dog.
3. Applesauce and Banana Muffins
Combining bananas’ natural sugars with the soothing properties of applesauce, these muffins are soft, easy to chew, and perfect for older dogs or those with dental sensitivities. They’re a comforting snack, ideal for nurturing your dog’s sweet tooth in a healthy way.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups whole wheat flour
- 1 ripe banana, mashed
- 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
Instructions:
- Preheat Oven: Heat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a mini muffin tin.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, thoroughly mix all ingredients into a smooth batter.
- Fill Muffin Tins: Spoon the batter into the muffin tin, filling each cup about three-quarters full.
- Bake: Bake for 15-20 minutes or until an inserted toothpick comes out clean. Allow to cool completely before serving.
4. Pumpkin and Applesauce Treats
These treats merge the digestive benefits of pumpkin with the vitamin-rich qualities of applesauce, creating a snack that supports both gut health and immune function. Their firm texture also helps in maintaining dental health.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups whole wheat flour
- 1/2 cup canned pumpkin (not pie filling)
- 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
Instructions:
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a sheet with parchment.
- Mix Ingredients: Blend all ingredients in a bowl to form a stiff dough.
- Shape Treats: Roll the dough into small balls and flatten slightly on the baking sheet.
- Bake: Bake for 25 minutes. Cool thoroughly before serving.
5. Applesauce and Sweet Potato Jerky
Pairing the antioxidant benefits of sweet potatoes with the hydrating properties of applesauce, this jerky is not only chewy and engaging but also supports your dog’s vision and overall cellular health.
Ingredients:
- 1 large sweet potato, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
Instructions:
- Preheat Oven: Heat your oven to 250°F (120°C). Line a baking tray with parchment.
- Prepare Sweet Potato: Coat sweet potato slices in applesauce and arrange them on the tray without overlapping.
- Bake Slowly: Bake for 2-3 hours, flipping halfway through, until they are dry and leathery. Store in an airtight container.
6. Yogurt and Applesauce Frozen Treats
Combining the probiotic benefits of yogurt with the gentle fiber of applesauce, these frozen treats are great for soothing your dog’s digestive system. They’re particularly refreshing on hot days, helping to keep your dog cool and hydrated.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup plain, unsweetened yogurt
- 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 1 tablespoon honey (optional)
Instructions:
- Mix Ingredients: Whisk together yogurt, applesauce, and honey in a bowl.
- Pour into Molds: Spoon the mixture into ice cube trays or silicone molds.
- Freeze: Freeze until solid, about 4-6 hours. Pop out and store in a freezer bag.
7. Applesauce and Carrot Chew Sticks
These chew sticks blend the dental advantages of crunchy carrots with the smooth texture of applesauce, providing a treat that not only cleanses your dog’s teeth but also offers a boost of beta-carotene for improved eye health.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups shredded carrots
- 1 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 2 cups whole wheat flour
Instructions:
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a tray with parchment.
- Combine Ingredients: Mix all ingredients in a large bowl until well incorporated.
- Form Sticks: Shape the mixture into thin sticks and place on the prepared tray.
- Bake: Bake for 30-35 minutes, turning halfway through. Let cool completely.
8. Chicken and Applesauce Bites
Merging lean protein from chicken with the sweet profile of applesauce, these bites offer a nutritious, high-protein treat ideal for training sessions or as a rewarding snack that supports muscle health and energy levels.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup cooked, finely chopped chicken
- 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 1 cup whole wheat flour
- 1 egg
Instructions:
- Preheat Oven: Heat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment.
- Mix Ingredients: Combine all ingredients in a bowl until well blended.
- Shape Bites: Form small bites and place them on the baking sheet.
- Bake: Bake for 20 minutes or until golden brown. Cool completely before serving.
9. Applesauce and Blueberry Popsicles
Integrating the antioxidant-rich blueberries with the hydrating effect of applesauce, these popsicles are a fantastic treat for promoting cellular health while also keeping your dog cool and hydrated during warmer weather.
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup blueberries
- 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 1 cup water
Instructions:
- Blend Ingredients: Puree all ingredients in a blender until smooth.
- Pour into Molds: Pour the mixture into popsicle molds.
- Freeze: Freeze until solid, about 4-6 hours. Serve chilled.
10. Cheese and Applesauce Crispies
Combining the savory taste of cheese with the tangy sweetness of applesauce, these crispies offer a delightful crunch that’s not only tasty but also aids in calcium intake for stronger bones and teeth.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup grated cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 1 cup rice flour
Instructions:
- Preheat Oven: Heat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment.
- Mix Ingredients: Stir together all ingredients until a dough forms.
- Shape Treats: Roll out the dough and cut into small shapes with a cookie cutter.
- Bake: Bake for 15-20 minutes or until crisp. Allow to cool completely before serving.