There is something undeniably comforting about the smell of apples baking in the oven. It’s the scent of autumn, of cozy sweaters, and of holidays spent at home. But whenever I pull a warm apple pie or a crisp out of the oven, I’m met with that familiar, longing stare from the dog bed in the corner.
We all know we shouldn’t feed our dogs sugary human desserts, but that doesn’t mean they have to miss out on the flavors of the season.
These Apple Crisp Dog Treats are my solution to the “begging eyes.” They capture all the wholesome goodness of an apple orchard—sweet fruit, hearty oats, and warm grains—without the added sugars or artificial preservatives found in human sweets.
Plus, they are incredibly crunchy, making them perfect for cleaning teeth and satisfying that urge to chew. Best of all, your kitchen will smell absolutely heavenly while they bake.
Why Make These Instead of Buying Them?
- Pantry Staples
You likely have every single one of these ingredients in your kitchen right now.
- Control the Crunch
By controlling the baking time (and the “oven rest” time), you can make these as soft or as rock-hard as your dog prefers.
- Zero Preservatives
No weird fillers, just real food.
Apple Crisp Dog Treats Recipe
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Amount |
| Whole Wheat Flour | 2 ½ cups |
| Quick Cook Oats | ½ cup |
| Apple | 1 medium |
| Egg | 1 large |
| Water | ½ cup |
| Coconut Oil | 3 tbsp (Optional) |
Safety Note: You can use any variety of apple (Gala, Fuji, and Granny Smith work well). Just ensure you do not use the seeds or the core, as apple seeds contain trace amounts of cyanide which can be harmful in large quantities.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prep the Kitchen and the Fruit
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Take your apple and wash it thoroughly to remove any wax or pesticides. You don’t need to peel it—the skin holds a lot of the vitamins and adds a lovely rustic color to the treats.
Grate the apple using the large holes of a box grater. Stop grating when you reach the hard core (discard the core and seeds). You should end up with a pile of juicy, shredded apple.
Step 2: Create the Dough
In a large mixing bowl, toss in your grated apple, the quick oats, and the whole wheat flour. Give it a quick stir to coat the apple strands in flour (this helps prevent clumping).
Next, crack in the egg, pour in the water, and add the coconut oil (if you are using it).
Mix everything together. I usually start with a wooden spoon but eventually switch to using my hands. You want to knead it right in the bowl until you have a stiff, cohesive ball of dough. If it feels too dry and crumbly, add a teaspoon of water. If it’s sticky, sprinkle in a pinch more flour.
Step 3: Roll and Cut
Dust your counter or a large cutting board with a little whole wheat flour. Plop your dough ball down and flatten it with your hand.
Using a rolling pin, roll the dough out until it is about 1/8 inch thick. We want these thin! Thinner dough means a crispier, crunchier final treat.
The “Pizza Cutter” Method:
Instead of fussing with cute cookie cutters that leave scraps you have to re-roll, I prefer the rustic “cracker” look for these. Take a pizza cutter (or a sharp knife) and slice the dough into a grid.
- For small dogs: Cut 1-inch squares.
- For big dogs: Cut larger 2-inch rectangles.
Step 4: The Bake
Transfer your cut squares onto a baking sheet. Since these don’t spread while cooking, you can pack them quite close together (just don’t let them touch).
Tip: You can use parchment paper for easy cleanup, but if you want them extra crispy, place them directly on a lightly greased baking sheet.
Pop them into the oven and bake for 20 minutes. They should look golden brown on the edges.
Step 5: The “Oven Trick” for Maximum Crunch
This is the secret step that turns a soft biscuit into a crunchy “crisp.”
After the 20 minutes are up, turn the oven off. Do not open the door! Leave the baking sheet inside the cooling oven for another 20 to 30 minutes.
This residual heat acts like a dehydrator, slowly drawing out the last bits of moisture without burning the treats. This is what gives them that satisfying snap when your dog bites into them.
Serving Guidelines: How Many is Too Many?
As tempting as it is to keep handing these out because they smell so good, it is important to remember that these are treats, not a meal replacement.
The Golden Rule of Treating: Veterinarians generally recommend that treats should make up no more than 10% of your dog’s total daily caloric intake. The other 90% should come from their nutritionally balanced breakfast and dinner.
Because we are cutting these into bite-sized “crackers,” they are relatively low in calories, but they still add up!
- Small Dogs (under 20 lbs): 1–2 squares per day.
- Medium Dogs (20–50 lbs): 2–3 squares per day.
- Large Dogs (50+ lbs): 3–5 squares per day.
Storage and Shelf Life
Once the treats are completely cool (and I mean 100% cool—any warmth will create condensation and mold), transfer them to an airtight container or a cute cookie jar.
- Countertop: They will stay fresh and crunchy for up to 2 weeks.
- Freezer: If you want to make a huge batch, these freeze beautifully for up to 3 months. Just thaw them on the counter for an hour before treating your pup.
FAQs
Can I add cinnamon to these?
Yes! Ceylon cinnamon (often called “true cinnamon”) is safe for dogs in small amounts and has anti-inflammatory properties. It pairs perfectly with the apple. You can add ½ teaspoon to the dry ingredients for an extra “apple pie” aroma.
Can I use all-purpose white flour instead of whole wheat?
You can, and the treats will turn out just fine. However, we recommend whole wheat flour because it retains the bran and germ, providing more fiber and nutrients than bleached white flour.
Can humans eat these?
Technically, yes! All the ingredients are human-grade food you’d find in your own pantry. However, because there is no added sugar or salt, you might find them a bit bland and cardboard-like compared to your own cookies. But if you get hungry while baking, feel free to take a nibble!
Final Thoughts
These Apple Crisp treats are simple, rustic, and wholesome—exactly the kind of thing I love making on a Sunday afternoon. Snickers absolutely loves the crunch, and I love knowing exactly what he’s eating.
Feel free to break a square in half and share a moment with your pup. After all, the best part of baking is sharing the love!