There’s a pretzel shop in the mall near us that Snickers and I walk past every time we’re running errands, and without fail, she stops dead in his tracks when we get close.
The smell of fresh-baked pretzels wafting out is apparently irresistible to both humans and dogs, though I’ve had to disappoint her every single time with a firm “not for you, buddy.”
Last weekend, I was scrolling through my pantry trying to figure out what to make for him, and it hit me, why not pretzels?
Not the salty, buttery mall kind obviously, but a dog-safe version that still has that satisfying twisted shape and crunchy texture he clearly finds so appealing.
Turns out, they’re surprisingly easy to make, and now he gets to feel like he’s getting the fancy bakery treatment too.
Why These Pretzels Are so Good
- Interactive Shaping Experience
Rolling and twisting the dough into pretzel shapes is oddly satisfying and makes a great activity if you have kids who want to help. Each pretzel becomes a little edible sculpture.
- Long-Lasting Chew Appeal
These bake up hard and crunchy, giving dogs something to really work on. They’re not gone in two seconds like softer treats, which makes them perfect for dogs who love to gnaw.
- Visually Impressive Presentation
Twisted pretzel shapes just look cool. Whether you’re giving them as gifts or serving them at a dog birthday party, these treats photograph beautifully and feel special.
Twisted Pretzel Dog Treats Recipe
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Large egg (room temperature) | 1 |
| Oat flour | 2¼ cups |
| Old-fashioned rolled oats | ⅔ cup |
| Unsweetened applesauce | 1 cup |
Applesauce Check: Make sure your applesauce is completely unsweetened with no added sugars, artificial sweeteners, or spices. Plain applesauce made from just apples is what you want.
Step-by-Step Pretzel-Making Instructions
Step 1: Set Up Your Workspace
Turn your oven on to 350°F (175°C) and let it preheat while you work on the dough. Pull out a baking sheet and cover it completely with parchment paper, smoothing down any corners or wrinkles. Clear a clean section of counter space where you’ll roll and shape your pretzels. Gather all your ingredients so everything’s ready to go.
Step 2: Prepare the Egg Wash
Crack your room-temperature egg into a small bowl. Using a hand whisk or fork, beat it thoroughly until the yolk and white are completely combined and the mixture looks uniform and slightly frothy. Measure out 1 tablespoon of this beaten egg and pour it into a separate small dish (this reserved portion will be your pretzel glaze). Set both bowls aside for now.
Step 3: Build the Dough Base
In a large mixing bowl, measure and add the oat flour, rolled oats, and unsweetened applesauce. Pour in the larger portion of beaten egg (everything except that 1 tablespoon you set aside). The bowl should look like a combination of wet and dry ingredients that haven’t quite come together yet.
Step 4: Form the Pretzel Dough
Using a sturdy wooden spoon or spatula, stir all the ingredients together with firm, consistent motions. At first it’ll seem like separate components, but keep mixing and pressing for 2-3 minutes until a cohesive dough forms. The texture should be tacky to the touch but shouldn’t stick aggressively to your fingers. If the dough feels too sticky and clings heavily to your hands, work in additional oat flour one tablespoon at a time.
Step 5: Roll the Pretzel Ropes
Scoop out approximately 2 tablespoons of dough and place it on your clean counter or work surface. Using both hands, roll the dough back and forth under your palms, applying gentle but steady pressure. Work from the center outward, creating a long, even rope that’s about 10 inches in length and roughly the diameter of a pencil. The thickness should be consistent throughout.
Step 6: Twist Into Pretzel Shapes
Take your rope of dough and curve it into a U shape with the curved part at the bottom and the two ends pointing up toward you. Cross the two ends over each other once to create a simple twist, then fold both twisted ends back down toward the bottom curve of the U. Press the ends gently but firmly into the curved bottom part of the pretzel to seal them in place.
Step 7: Glaze and Arrange for Baking
Place each completed pretzel onto your prepared baking sheet, spacing them about an inch apart to allow for slight expansion. Once all your pretzels are shaped and arranged, take that tablespoon of reserved beaten egg and a pastry brush (or clean fingertips if you don’t have a brush). Gently brush the egg wash over the top surface of each pretzel.
Step 8: Bake to Crunchy Perfection
Slide your baking sheet onto the center rack of your preheated oven. Set a timer for 25 minutes, but plan to check them at that point. The pretzels are done when they’ve turned a light golden-brown color and feel firm and hard to the touch. Depending on thickness and your oven’s quirks, they might need the full 30 minutes. You want them properly hard and crunchy. Once baked, let them cool for 30-40 minutes.
Storage Recommendations
Room Temperature Storage (2 Weeks): Once completely cooled, store your pretzels in an airtight container at room temperature. Because they’re baked until hard and contain no moisture-heavy ingredients, they stay fresh on the counter for up to two weeks without refrigeration.
Extended Refrigerator Storage (3-4 Weeks): For even longer freshness, keep them in a sealed container in the refrigerator. The cool environment prevents any potential moisture absorption and keeps them crispy longer.
Freezer Storage (Up to 3 Months): These pretzels freeze exceptionally well. Arrange them in a freezer bag or container with the air pressed out, and they’ll maintain quality for several months.
Serving Guidelines by Dog Size
| Dog Weight | Pretzel Size | Daily Maximum |
|---|---|---|
| 5-15 lbs | ½ small pretzel | 1 piece |
| 16-30 lbs | 1 small pretzel | 1-2 pretzels |
| 31-50 lbs | 1 pretzel | 2 pretzels |
| 51-70 lbs | 1-2 pretzels | 2-3 pretzels |
| 71+ lbs | 2 pretzels | 3-4 pretzels |
Breaking for Smaller Portions: If your pretzels are large or your dog is small, break them into halves or thirds. The hard texture snaps cleanly without creating excessive crumbs.
Senior Dogs: While the crunchy texture is great for most dogs, seniors with significant dental issues might struggle. Consider slightly underbaking them for a softer result, or soak individual pretzels in low-sodium broth for a few minutes to soften before serving.
These guidelines are starting points based on average dogs. Your individual dog’s needs will vary depending on their activity level, metabolism, health conditions, and overall diet.
Treats should never exceed 10% of daily caloric intake. Monitor your dog’s weight and condition, adjusting portions up or down as appropriate. When in doubt, especially for dogs with health concerns, consult your veterinarian for personalized feeding recommendations.
Nutritional Benefits
- Gentle Fiber from Oats
Both oat flour and rolled oats provide soluble fiber that supports digestive health, promotes regular bowel movements, and helps dogs feel satisfied after eating.
- Low-Fat Treat Option
These pretzels are naturally low in fat compared to many commercial treats, making them suitable for dogs who need to watch their fat intake or are prone to pancreatitis.
- Natural Pectin from Apples
Applesauce contains pectin, a type of soluble fiber that can help with digestive regularity and may support healthy gut bacteria populations.
- Protein from Eggs
The egg provides complete protein with essential amino acids that support muscle health, immune function, and overall cellular repair.
FAQs About Pretzel Treats
Can I make these without oat flour?
You can substitute whole wheat flour in equal amounts, though the texture will be slightly different. To make your own oat flour, simply blend old-fashioned oats in a food processor until they reach a fine, powder-like consistency, then measure after grinding.
The pretzels are breaking when I shape them!
This usually means your dough is too dry. Add water one teaspoon at a time and knead it in until the dough becomes more pliable. Also, make sure you’re not rolling the ropes too thin.
Do I have to make them pretzel-shaped?
Not at all! If the twisting feels too complicated or time-consuming, roll the dough into simple rope shapes and tie them into loose knots, or cut the ropes into 3-inch stick shapes for easy pretzel “rods” instead.
Can I add flavor to these pretzels?
Yes! A teaspoon of cinnamon, a tablespoon of peanut butter (xylitol-free), or a few tablespoons of pureed pumpkin can add variety. Just be aware that adding wet ingredients might require slightly more oat flour to maintain proper dough consistency.