Oat and Apple Pretzel Dog Treats

I started making these on a weekend when I had half an apple left over and a bag of oats I kept meaning to use, and the combination turned out to be one of my dog’s favorite recipes yet.

The natural sweetness of the apple pairs well with the mild, nutty flavor of oats, and shaping the dough into little pretzels gives an otherwise simple biscuit a bit of personality.

These treats have become a regular in my kitchen, partly because they’re grain gentle thanks to the oat base, and partly because they smell like fall the entire time they’re baking.

They’re easy enough to make on a whim, and they hold up well whether you’re baking a small batch or doubling the recipe for the freezer.

Why You’ll Love These Oat and Apple Pretzel Dog Treats

A few reasons these are worth adding to your treat rotation.

Simple, wholesome ingredients. Oats and apple are both easy to find and easy to feel good about feeding your dog.

Naturally sweet. The apple adds flavor without needing any added sugar.

Gentle on digestion. Oats are often easier on sensitive stomachs compared to some other grains.

Fun pretzel shape. A simple twist turns a basic biscuit into something a bit more special.

Great for dogs with wheat sensitivities. Made with oat flour, this recipe is a good option for dogs who do better without wheat.

Freezer friendly. A batch stores well, so you can make a large amount and always have some ready.

Are Oats and Apples Safe for Dogs?

Both of these ingredients are generally well tolerated by dogs, but a few details are worth knowing before you start.

Oats are considered a gentle, dog friendly grain and are often recommended as an alternative for dogs with wheat sensitivities. Make sure to use plain rolled oats or oat flour, not flavored instant oatmeal packets, which often contain added sugar and other ingredients not meant for dogs.

Apples are safe for dogs in moderation, but the core and seeds should always be removed before use. Apple seeds contain a small amount of a compound that can release cyanide when broken down, and while a dog would need to eat a large quantity of seeds for it to become a real concern, it’s simplest and safest to remove the core and seeds entirely before cooking with apple.

Apple skin is fine to leave on for this recipe, since it adds a bit of extra fiber, though you’re welcome to peel it if you prefer a smoother texture in the finished dough.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what goes into the dough and what each ingredient contributes.

Oat flour forms the base of the dough and gives these treats their structure, along with a naturally gentle flavor that most dogs enjoy.

Grated apple, with the core and seeds removed, adds natural sweetness and moisture to the dough.

An egg helps bind everything together and adds a bit of extra nutrition.

A small amount of coconut oil keeps the dough from drying out and gives the finished treats a slightly tender bite.

A pinch of cinnamon, optional, pairs nicely with the apple and adds a bit of warmth to the flavor.

Ingredient List

• 2 cups oat flour, plus more for rolling
• 1 small apple, grated, core and seeds removed
• 1 egg
• 1 tablespoon coconut oil, melted
• 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon, optional
• Water, as needed

How to Make Oat and Apple Pretzel Dog Treats

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, combine the oat flour, grated apple, egg, coconut oil, and cinnamon, if using.
3. Stir everything together until a dough begins to form. If the mixture feels too dry, add water a tablespoon at a time until it comes together.
4. Once the dough holds together without crumbling, turn it out onto a lightly floured surface.
5. Knead gently for about a minute, until the dough feels smooth and easy to work with.
6. Divide the dough into small portions for shaping into pretzels, following the shaping steps below.
7. Place the shaped treats on the prepared baking sheet, leaving a bit of space between each one.
8. Bake for 20 to 22 minutes, until the treats feel firm and the edges look lightly golden.
9. Let the treats cool completely on a wire rack before serving or storing, since oat based treats continue to firm up as they cool.

How to Shape the Pretzels

The pretzel shape gives these treats a bit of extra charm, and it’s simple once you get a feel for it.

Roll a small piece of dough into a rope about six inches long, keeping it roughly the thickness of your pinky finger. A rope that’s too thin tends to break while shaping.

Form the rope into a U shape, with both ends pointing away from you.

Cross the two ends over each other about two thirds of the way up the loop, giving them a single twist the way you would with a traditional pretzel.

Fold the crossed ends back down toward the bottom of the U and press gently to secure them in place.

If the dough feels a bit sticky from the grated apple, lightly flour your hands before shaping to make the process easier. If a rope breaks while shaping, simply press it back together and continue, or shape that portion into a simple round instead.

Getting the Right Texture

Oat based dough can behave a little differently than wheat based dough, so a few notes on texture are helpful.

If the dough feels too sticky to shape, add a small amount of extra oat flour a tablespoon at a time until it firms up.

If the dough feels dry and crumbly, add a small splash of water, since grated apple can vary in moisture depending on the variety used.

For a crunchier finished treat, bake a few extra minutes and let the treats cool completely before storing, since they firm up significantly as they cool.

Recipe Variations

Once you’ve made the base recipe, these variations are worth trying.

Apple and peanut butter pretzels. Add a tablespoon of natural peanut butter to the dough for extra flavor and protein.

Cinnamon apple pretzels. Increase the cinnamon slightly for a stronger, cozier flavor.

Mini training pretzels. Shape smaller ropes for bite sized pretzels that work well as low calorie training rewards.

Apple and carrot pretzels. Stir in a small amount of finely grated carrot along with the apple for extra texture and a boost of nutrients.

Stick to ingredients already confirmed safe for dogs when trying new variations, and always remove apple seeds and cores no matter which version you’re making.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Leaving the core or seeds in the apple. Always remove these before grating the apple into the dough.

Using flavored instant oatmeal instead of plain oats or oat flour. Flavored packets often contain added sugar and other ingredients not meant for dogs.

Adding too much liquid at once. Since grated apple already adds moisture, add extra water gradually rather than all at once.

Making the pretzel ropes too thin. Thinner ropes look delicate but tend to break while shaping.

Underbaking the treats. Oat based dough needs a full bake time to firm up properly, so avoid pulling them out too early.

Storing before fully cooled. Warm treats sealed in a container can trap moisture and soften the texture faster than expected.

How Many Treats Can a Dog Have?

As with any homemade treat, these should stay a modest part of your dog’s overall diet, generally recommended to stay under about ten percent of daily calories.

A small dog will need fewer treats than a larger, more active dog, and the right amount depends on your dog’s size, activity level, and any health considerations.

If you’re unsure how these fit into your dog’s routine, checking with your veterinarian is always a good idea.

How to Store Oat and Apple Pretzel Dog Treats

Room temperature. Once fully cooled, store the treats in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days.

Refrigerator. For a bit of extra freshness, especially since these contain fresh apple, keep them in the fridge for up to two weeks.

Freezer. For longer storage, freeze the treats in a sealed bag or container for up to three months.

Always check treats before serving, and discard any that show signs of mold or an unusual smell.

Can You Freeze These Treats?

Yes, and freezing works well for keeping a larger batch on hand.

1. Let the treats cool completely before freezing.
2. Arrange them in a single layer in a freezer safe container or bag.
3. Separate layers with parchment paper if stacking.
4. Label the container with the date.
5. Thaw a few at room temperature for about fifteen minutes before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are apples safe for dogs? Yes, apples are safe for dogs in moderation, as long as the core and seeds are removed before serving.

Are oats safe for dogs? Yes, plain oats and oat flour are generally well tolerated by dogs and are often used as a gentle alternative for dogs with wheat sensitivities.

Can I use wheat flour instead of oat flour? Yes, whole wheat flour can be substituted if your dog doesn’t have a wheat sensitivity, though the texture may turn out slightly different.

Do I need to peel the apple? No, the skin is fine to leave on and adds a bit of extra fiber, though you can peel it if you prefer.

Why is my dough sticky? Grated apple adds moisture, so if the dough feels too sticky, simply work in a bit of extra oat flour until it firms up.

How long do these treats last? About five days at room temperature, up to two weeks in the fridge, and up to three months in the freezer when stored properly.

Can puppies have these treats? In small amounts, most puppies can enjoy oats and apple, but check with your veterinarian first, especially for very young puppies.

Recipe Card

Recipe name: Oat and Apple Pretzel Dog Treats

Summary: Soft, naturally sweet dog treats made with oat flour and grated apple, shaped into a fun pretzel twist.

Servings: About 20 treats, depending on size

Prep time: 20 minutes

Cook time: 22 minutes

Total time: 42 minutes, plus cooling time

Estimated cost: Budget friendly

Course: Dog treat

Cuisine: Homemade pet food

Keywords: oat dog treats, apple dog treats, grain gentle dog treats, homemade dog biscuits, pretzel dog treats

Equipment: Mixing bowl, baking sheet, parchment paper, grater

Ingredients:

• 2 cups oat flour, plus more for rolling
• 1 small apple, grated, core and seeds removed
• 1 egg
• 1 tablespoon coconut oil, melted
• 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon, optional
• Water, as needed

Instructions:

1. Combine oat flour, grated apple, egg, coconut oil, and cinnamon.
2. Add water as needed until a firm dough forms.
3. Knead briefly, then shape into pretzels.
4. Bake 20 to 22 minutes until firm and golden.
5. Cool completely before serving.

A Final Note on Serving These Treats

There’s something nice about a treat made from ingredients that feel more like real food than a packaged biscuit, and these have become one of my go to options when I want something simple, wholesome, and a little different from the usual peanut butter based recipes.

Keep a batch in the freezer, and you’ll always have a naturally sweet reward ready whenever your dog earns one.

More Homemade Treat Ideas

If your dog enjoyed these, these recipes are worth trying next.

• Homemade Banana Dog Treat Recipes
• Simple Carrot Based Dog Treat Recipes for Beginners
• Easy Homemade Sweet Potato Dog Chews Recipe
• Pumpkin Peanut Butter Pretzel Dog Treats
• Cinnamon Roll Overs Dog Treats

For more ideas on feeding your dog well beyond treats, check out 7 Healthiest Homemade Dog Foods.