Apple Cinnamon Dog Treats Recipe (Easy 5-Ingredient Crunch!)
Apple cinnamon dog treats are the kind of snack that makes your pup’s tail wag like crazy and your kitchen smell like a cozy bakery. They’re crunchy, naturally sweet, and ridiculously easy to make with just five ingredients you probably already have at home. Forget the store-bought stuff—this homemade version is healthier, tastier, and guaranteed to earn you “best human ever” status.
And here’s the real kicker: these treats are so simple, you’ll wonder why you ever paid for overpriced boutique dog snacks in the first place.
The Five Golden Ingredients
Like any good recipe, the magic is in the simplicity. You don’t need a 20-ingredient shopping list, just these golden five:
- Applesauce (unsweetened) – Gives natural sweetness, moisture, and dog-friendly flavor. Bonus: high in fiber and vitamin C.
- Whole wheat flour – The sturdy backbone of the treat, giving it that crunchy structure. (Think of it as the scaffolding.)
- Egg – The glue that binds everything together. No egg = crumb city.
- Coconut oil – Adds healthy fats, Here’s a look at the pros and cons of coconut oil for dogs.
- Cinnamon – The cozy autumn spice. Yes, cinnamon is safe for dogs in small amounts.
Optional but fun: toss in rolled oats for extra crunch or swap in peanut butter (xylitol-free!) if your pup is nut-obsessed.
Recipe: How to Make 5-Ingredient Apple Cinnamon Dog Treats
Alright chef, apron on, tail wagging assistant at your feet—let’s bake!
- Preheat the oven
Heat things up to 350°F (175°C). Preheating makes all the difference. Cold ovens = floppy, unevenly baked treats. - Mix the wet team
In a medium bowl, combine your applesauce, egg, and coconut oil. Stir until smooth and glossy, like pancake batter’s cooler cousin. - Add the dry squad
Dump in your flour and cinnamon. Stir until it forms a dough. If it’s too sticky, sprinkle in a bit more flour. Too crumbly? Add a spoonful of applesauce. You’re the boss here. - Roll it out
Lightly flour your counter, roll the dough to about ¼ inch thick. Thicker = chewy centers, thinner = snappier crunch. Choose your destiny. - Shape your treats
Grab your cookie cutters. Bone shapes? Cute. Hearts? Adorable. Dinosaur shapes? Bold move. Or just cut rustic squares with a knife. Your dog won’t dock you for presentation. - Bake to crispy perfection
Arrange on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 25–30 minutes, until golden and crisp. Your house will smell like an apple pie exploded in the best possible way. - Cool completely
This step matters—nobody likes a hot mouthful of molten biscuit, least of all your pup. Let them cool on a wire rack before serving.
Storage, Shelf Life, and Treating Tips (Because Spoiled Dogs Are Happy Dogs)
- Room temp: Store in an airtight container for up to two weeks.
- Freezer stash: Freeze extras in a zip bag for up to three months. Thaw a few at a time. Future you will thank you.
- Avoid the fridge: Refrigeration makes them soggy instead of crunchy. Nobody wants a sad, limp treat.
Treating tip: These are treats, not dinner. They should make up no more than 10% of your dog’s daily calories. Translation: don’t let your pup Hoover up ten in one sitting, no matter how convincing the puppy eyes are.
Are Apple Cinnamon Dog Treats Safe for All Dogs?
For most dogs, yes! Apples (without seeds) and cinnamon in small amounts are safe and even beneficial. But, a few caveats:
- Puppies under 3 months might have sensitive tummies. Start with a small piece first.
- Allergy-prone dogs should be monitored. You can learn more about food allergies in dogs here..
- Diabetic dogs may need lower-sugar options. Even natural fruit sugar counts, so check with your vet.
- No apple seeds or cores—they contain cyanide (yikes), which is toxic to dogs. Always use seedless apple products.
Bottom line: If your dog has special dietary needs, give your vet a quick call before switching up their snack game.
Quick FAQ: Everything You Wish You Knew About Apple Cinnamon Dog Treats
Q: Can I eat these myself?
A: Yep! They’re totally safe for humans—basically plain crackers with a hint of apple. Just don’t expect a sugar rush.
Q: Can I swap applesauce for real apple?
A: Absolutely—just grate or finely chop. Make sure seeds and cores are gone.
Q: Can I use almond flour instead of wheat?
A: You can, but almond flour makes a softer, less crispy biscuit. Dogs love crunch, so I’d stick to oat or rice flour as a better alternative.
Q: How long do they take start-to-finish?
A: About 40 minutes total, including baking and cooling time. Faster than a trip to the pet store.
Q: What if my dough cracks?
A: That means it’s too dry. Add a tablespoon of applesauce, knead again, and boom—fixed.
Q: Can I double the recipe?
A: Totally. Just be sure you’ve got enough freezer space for storage. Or bribe the neighbor’s dog with extras.
Q: Do these actually freshen dog breath?
A: To a point, yes! The cinnamon helps, and crunchy textures scrape away plaque. But if your pup’s breath smells like a swamp monster, maybe schedule that vet visit.
The Final Bark: Why These Treats Rule
At the end of the day, homemade treats aren’t just about filling the treat jar. They’re about love, effort, and making your dog ridiculously happy. These apple cinnamon bites check all the boxes: crunchy, cozy, healthy, and easy enough to whip up any day of the week.
Plus, nothing beats the moment your dog chomps down, ears perk up, and you get that “You’re the best human ever” look. It’s basically the canine equivalent of a five-star Yelp review.
So what are you waiting for? Grab your rolling pin, bake up a batch, and get ready for some very enthusiastic tail wags.
Apple Cinnamon Dog Treats Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsweetened applesauce (no added sugar or spices)
- 2 cups whole wheat flour (or oat flour for gluten-sensitive pups)
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil, melted
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon (safe small amount for dogs)
- Optional: ¼ cup rolled oats for extra crunch
Instructions
Notes
- Substitutions: Use oat flour or rice flour instead of wheat flour if needed. Swap coconut oil with olive oil.
- Storage: Store at room temperature in an airtight container up to 2 weeks, or freeze up to 3 months.
- Tips: Roll dough thinner for crunchier treats, thicker for a slightly softer texture.
- Avoid mistakes: Don’t use sweetened applesauce or too much cinnamon—dogs don’t need extra sugar or spice.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 24Amount Per Serving: Calories: 45Total Fat: 1-5gCarbohydrates: 7gFiber: 1gSugar: 1gProtein: 1.2g
