If your dog comes running the second you slice an apple, these homemade tasty apple cinnamon dog treats will be a hit. They’re lightly sweet from real apples, warm with cinnamon, and made with simple pantry staples. No mystery ingredients, no artificial flavors—just wholesome snacks you can feel good about.
The dough mixes up fast, and the baked treats are crunchy and fragrant. They make a great weekend project and a sweet way to spoil your best friend.
What Makes This Recipe So Good
- Short ingredient list: Everyday items like applesauce, oats, and eggs keep it simple and budget-friendly.
- Dog-friendly flavors: Apple and cinnamon are gentle and appealing to most pups.
- Customizable texture: Roll them thin for a crisp snap or thicker for a softer bite.
- Easy to shape: Use cookie cutters for fun shapes or just slice into small squares.
- No added sugar or salt: These treats rely on natural sweetness from the fruit.
Shopping List
- Unsweetened applesauce (or very finely grated apple, peeled and cored)
- Whole wheat flour (or oat flour for a gentler option)
- Old-fashioned oats (lightly pulsed, optional but great for texture)
- Egg (for binding)
- Cinnamon (ground; just a pinch adds warmth)
- Coconut oil or olive oil (a little fat helps with texture)
- Water (as needed to bring the dough together)
How to Make It
- Preheat and prep: Heat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Combine wet ingredients: In a bowl, whisk 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce, 1 egg, and 1 tablespoon melted coconut oil until smooth.
- Mix dry ingredients: In another bowl, stir together 1 1/2 cups whole wheat flour, 1/2 cup oats, and 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon.
- Form the dough: Add the dry mix to the wet mix.
Stir until a dough forms. If it’s crumbly, add water 1 teaspoon at a time. If it’s sticky, sprinkle in a little more flour.
- Roll it out: Dust your surface with flour.
Roll the dough to about 1/4 inch thick for a crunchier treat or 3/8 inch for softer bites.
- Cut shapes: Use small cookie cutters or slice into bite-size squares with a knife or pizza wheel. Aim for sizes that fit your dog’s breed and chew style.
- Bake: Arrange pieces on the lined sheet. Bake 18–25 minutes, until edges turn golden.
For extra crunch, turn the oven off and let the trays sit inside 10–15 more minutes.
- Cool completely: Transfer treats to a rack and let them cool fully before serving. This helps them crisp and set.
- Taste test (dog-approved): Offer one small piece to be sure it agrees with your pup before adding these to the regular rotation.
Keeping It Fresh
Cool the treats fully before storing; any residual warmth traps moisture and invites softness or spoilage. Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5–7 days if they’re fully dry and crisp.
For softer treats, refrigerate and plan to use them within 4–5 days.
For longer storage, freeze in portions for up to 2–3 months. Thaw a few at a time in the fridge or at room temp. If they lose crunch, a quick 5-minute warm-up in a 300°F (150°C) oven can revive them.
Why This is Good for You
Homemade treats give you full control over ingredients.
You skip added sugars, salts, and fillers that show up in some store-bought options. Apples offer a little fiber and natural sweetness, while oats can be gentle on many dogs’ stomachs.
Even better, baking treats can help with training and bonding. You can cut them small to make reward-based training more effective without overfeeding.
And the recipe is straightforward enough to make with kids or as a relaxing weekend task.
What Not to Do
- Don’t use sweetened applesauce: Added sugar and artificial sweeteners aren’t ideal. Never use anything with xylitol—it’s toxic to dogs.
- Don’t overdo the cinnamon: A small amount is fine, but too much can irritate the mouth or stomach.
- Don’t serve hot: Let treats cool completely to avoid burns and to set the texture.
- Don’t ignore portion size: Treats should be no more than 10% of daily calories. Adjust for your dog’s size and activity.
- Don’t include seeds or cores: Always core and seed apples before grating; apple seeds aren’t good for dogs.
- Don’t assume all dogs tolerate wheat: If your dog is sensitive, use oat flour or a vet-recommended alternative.
Alternatives
- Flour swap: Use oat flour or a 1:1 blend of oat and brown rice flour for a wheat-free version.
You may need a touch more water.
- Fruit variation: Try pear or pumpkin puree (unsweetened) in place of applesauce. Adjust flour to keep a workable dough.
- Add-ins: Stir in finely chopped carrots or a spoonful of natural peanut butter (xylitol-free). Keep mix-ins modest so the dough stays cohesive.
- Softer treats: Roll thicker and bake on the lower end of the time range.
Store in the fridge and use sooner.
- Crunchier biscuits: Roll thinner and let them dry out in the warm oven after baking.
FAQ
Is cinnamon safe for dogs?
Yes, in small amounts. Ground cinnamon is generally safe and adds cozy flavor. Keep it to a pinch or about 1/2 teaspoon for the whole batch, and avoid cinnamon essential oils or large amounts that could irritate your dog’s mouth or stomach.
Can I use fresh apples instead of applesauce?
Absolutely.
Peel, core, and finely grate one medium apple. Pat it dry with a paper towel if it’s very juicy, then add it to the wet ingredients. You may need a little more flour to balance the moisture.
How many treats can my dog have?
Start small—1 to 2 small treats per day for a small dog, 2 to 4 for medium, and a few more for large breeds.
Treats should stay under 10% of your dog’s daily calories. If in doubt, ask your vet for guidance based on your dog’s size and activity.
What if my dog has a sensitive stomach?
Try oat flour instead of wheat, keep the cinnamon light, and make the treats smaller. Introduce them slowly—one small piece, then watch for any signs of stomach upset before offering more.
Do I need special cookie cutters?
No.
A knife or pizza wheel works fine. Cut the dough into small squares or rectangles sized for your dog. Smaller pieces help with training and portion control.
Can I make these in an air fryer?
Yes, in small batches.
Set the air fryer to 300–315°F (150–157°C) and cook for 8–12 minutes, checking often to prevent over-browning. Times vary by model and thickness, so keep an eye on the first batch.
How do I know they’re done?
Edges should look dry and lightly golden. They’ll firm up more as they cool.
If you want them extra crisp, return them to the warm oven for a short dry-out after baking.
Can I add cheese or meat?
You can, but keep it minimal to avoid excess fat and spoilage. If you add perishable ingredients, store the treats in the fridge and use within a few days, or freeze them.
Are these safe for puppies?
Generally yes for puppies over 8–10 weeks, in tiny amounts. Keep pieces soft and small, and check with your vet if your puppy has dietary restrictions or is on a specific feeding plan.
What if my dough is sticky?
Dust your work surface and rolling pin with flour and chill the dough for 15 minutes.
Add flour a tablespoon at a time until it’s workable but not dry.
In Conclusion
These apple cinnamon dog treats are simple, wholesome, and full of familiar flavors dogs love. With a few basic ingredients and an hour of easy work, you’ll have a batch of crunchy (or soft) snacks ready for training, rewards, or just-because moments. Keep them fresh, serve them in moderation, and enjoy the happy tail wags they bring.
Homemade doesn’t have to be complicated—just honest and tasty.
