Looking for a tasty and nutritious snack that your dog will go crazy for? These Peanut Butter and Applesauce Dog Treats are the perfect choice! With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a healthy treat that’s packed with flavor and goodness.
Whether you’re rewarding your dog during training, treating them to something special, or adding a nutritious boost to their diet, these easy-to-make treats are sure to become a favorite. Ready to make your pup’s new favorite snack? Let’s get baking!
Peanut Butter and Applesauce Dog Treats Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 cup whole wheat flour (or oat flour for a grain-free option)
- 1/4 cup smooth, natural peanut butter (xylitol-free)
- 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 small egg
Step-by-Step Instructions
#1 Preheat the Oven
Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) to get it warmed up while you prepare the dough. This ensures that the treats start baking immediately for a consistent texture.
#2 Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the whole wheat flour (or oat flour) and baking powder until evenly combined. These dry ingredients form the base of the dough and help give the treats structure.
#3 Add Wet Ingredients
Add the peanut butter, applesauce, and egg to the dry ingredients. Stir until everything is fully mixed and smooth. If the dough feels a bit sticky, you can add a little extra flour, but it should remain manageable and easy to roll out.
#4 Roll Out the Dough
Place the dough on a lightly floured surface (or use parchment paper) and roll it out to about 1/4 inch thickness. If you find the dough sticking to the rolling pin, lightly flour it or use a piece of parchment paper on top of the dough to prevent sticking.
#5 Cut Out Shapes
Use your favorite cookie cutters to cut out shapes like bones, hearts, or paw prints—get creative! Gather any leftover dough, reroll it, and continue cutting out more treats until all the dough is used up. The more fun shapes you create, the more exciting the treats will be for your dog!
#6 Bake the Treats
Place your shaped treats on a parchment-lined baking sheet, making sure they’re not overcrowded. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the edges start to turn slightly golden. Keep an eye on them toward the end to avoid overbaking, as each oven may vary slightly.
#7 Cool and Store
Allow the treats to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, store the treats in an airtight container. They’ll stay fresh at room temperature for up to one week, or in the fridge for up to three weeks.
Tips to Make These Treats Even Tastier
- Add Cinnamon: A pinch of ground cinnamon can add a lovely warm flavor that complements the sweetness of the applesauce. It also has anti-inflammatory properties and helps improve digestion.
- Incorporate Coconut Oil: Try replacing some or all of the peanut butter with coconut oil. Coconut oil is rich in healthy fats and can promote a shiny coat and overall skin health. It’s also a great source of energy for your dog.
- Mix in Carrots: Grated carrots add natural sweetness and extra crunch. They’re also packed with vitamins that support your dog’s eyes and coat health.
Health Benefits of Peanut Butter and Applesauce
Peanut Butter:
- Rich in Vitamins and Minerals: Peanut butter contains essential vitamins like B vitamins (including niacin and B6) and minerals such as magnesium, potassium, and phosphorus, which are beneficial for your dog’s overall health.
- Supports Heart Health: The healthy fats in peanut butter, including monounsaturated fats, can help support cardiovascular health.
- Improves Brain Function: The omega-3 fatty acids in peanut butter support brain health and cognitive function, which is especially beneficial for older dogs.
- Boosts Immunity: The vitamin E in peanut butter acts as an antioxidant, helping to boost the immune system and protect against oxidative stress.
Applesauce:
- Hydration:Applesauce contains a good amount of water, which can help keep your dog hydrated.
- Low in Calories: Unsweetened applesauce is low in calories, making it a good treat for dogs who need to maintain a healthy weight.
- Promotes Healthy Skin and Coat:The antioxidants in applesauce, including vitamin C, can help promote healthy skin and a shiny coat.
- Good for Teeth:The natural acidity in apples helps to clean your dog’s teeth and freshen their breath when given in moderation.
The Benefits of Homemade Dog Treats
While store-bought treats can be convenient, making homemade dog treats offers several key benefits:
- Control Over Ingredients: By making your own treats, you can ensure that they are free from preservatives, artificial flavors, and unnecessary chemicals. You can also select ingredients that are best for your dog’s health and avoid anything harmful.
- Customization: Homemade treats can be tailored to suit your dog’s specific dietary needs. For example, you can easily create gluten-free, dairy-free, or low-calorie treats if your dog has sensitivities or health issues.
- Quality Assurance: When you make the treats yourself, you know exactly what’s going into them, ensuring your dog only eats wholesome, high-quality ingredients.
Fun Ways to Serve These Treats
These treats are not only delicious but also versatile in how they can be served to your dog:
- Training Rewards: Break the treats into small pieces for training sessions. They’re perfect for rewarding good behavior and reinforcing positive habits.
- Interactive Games: Use the treats as part of a puzzle or hide them in a dog-safe puzzle toy to challenge your dog and engage their mind.
- Frozen Treats: For an extra fun twist, you can freeze the treats in silicone molds or ice cube trays to create a cool snack on a hot day. You can even add a splash of dog-safe broth for variety.
Feeding Guidelines
As with all treats, moderation is key. These peanut butter and applesauce dog treats should account for no more than 10% of your dog’s daily caloric intake. Start by giving your dog a small amount to ensure they handle the treats well, especially if they have a sensitive stomach.
Why These Peanut Butter and Applesauce Dog Treats Are a Winner
These peanut butter and applesauce dog treats are simple to make, filled with natural ingredients, and perfect for dogs of all shapes and sizes.
By using healthy, wholesome ingredients like peanut butter and applesauce, you’re giving your dog a treat that’s not only delicious but also beneficial for their health. Whether you’re using them as a training aid or as a special snack, these treats are sure to be a hit with your pup.
With easy-to-follow instructions and the option for customization, you can keep your dog healthy and happy with just a few basic ingredients.