Applesauce Dog Treats (Plus How to Make Dog Safe Applesauce)

Applesauce is one of the most useful ingredients in a dog treat kitchen.

It adds moisture, gentle sweetness, and a mild fruity flavor, and it does the job of oil and sugar all at once. These applesauce dog treats put it front and center.

They’re made with whole wheat flour, unsweetened applesauce, and an egg, with an optional pinch of cinnamon, and they bake into a soft, lightly sweet biscuit that dogs gobble up.

You can use store bought unsweetened applesauce or make your own in about 20 minutes, and I’ll show you how below.

If you like apple flavored treats, these also pair nicely with my Applesauce Makes These Homemade Dog Treats Extra Moist, my Oat and Apple Pretzel Dog Treats, and my Carrot and Apple Waffle for Dogs.

Why You’ll Love These Applesauce Dog Treats

A few reasons this recipe is worth baking.

Simple ingredients. Flour, applesauce, and egg, with optional cinnamon.

No added sugar or oil. The applesauce does all the work.

Soft and chewy. Easy for puppies, seniors, and dogs with sensitive teeth.

Easy to make. One bowl and a baking sheet.

Customizable. Cut them into any shape you like.

Freezer friendly. Bake a batch and keep extras handy.

Is Applesauce Safe for Dogs?

Plain, unsweetened applesauce is generally safe for dogs in moderation, with a few rules.

Choose unsweetened. Look for a label with apples and nothing else. Skip applesauce with added sugar, sweeteners, or xylitol.

Skip cinnamon applesauce. Flavored versions can contain added sugar and more cinnamon than is ideal.

Remove seeds and cores if making your own. Apple seeds contain a compound that can be harmful in large amounts, and cores are a choking hazard.

Keep portions small. Apples contain natural sugar, and too much can upset the stomach.

Check with your vet if needed. Dogs with diabetes or weight concerns should have fruit treats only with veterinary approval.

How to Make Your Own Applesauce for Dogs

Homemade applesauce is easy, and you control every ingredient.

1. Peel, core, and chop 4 medium apples, removing every seed.
2. Place the apples in a saucepan with 1/4 cup of water.
3. Cover and simmer over medium low heat for 15 to 20 minutes, until very soft.
4. Mash with a fork or blend until smooth.
5. Cool completely before using.

Don’t add sugar, honey, or spices. Homemade applesauce keeps in the fridge for up to 5 days or in the freezer for 3 months.

Ingredients You’ll Need

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

Whole wheat flour forms the base. Oat flour works for dogs who do better with less wheat.

Unsweetened applesauce adds moisture and gentle sweetness.

One egg binds the dough.

Ceylon cinnamon, optional, adds a warm flavor. Use only a small pinch.

Ingredient List

• 2 cups whole wheat flour, plus more for rolling
• 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
• 1 large egg
• 1/4 teaspoon Ceylon cinnamon, optional
• 1 to 3 tablespoons water, only if needed

How to Make Applesauce Dog Treats

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, whisk the applesauce and egg until smooth.
3. Add the flour and cinnamon, if using, and stir until a stiff dough forms. If it’s too dry, add water a tablespoon at a time.
4. Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead a few times.
5. Roll the dough to about 1/4 inch thick.
6. Cut into shapes with a cookie cutter and place on the baking sheet.
7. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, until the edges are lightly golden and the treats are firm.
8. For extra crunch, turn off the oven and leave the treats inside for 1 hour.
9. Cool completely on a wire rack before serving.

Getting the Right Texture

For soft, chewy treats, roll the dough thicker and bake closer to 20 minutes.

For crunchy treats, roll thinner, bake a few minutes longer, and use the oven off drying step.

Applesauce holds a lot of moisture, so the dough will feel stiff but slightly tacky. Flour your surface rather than adding a lot of extra flour to the dough.

If the dough is too dry and crumbly, add a teaspoon of applesauce or water at a time.

Roll the dough evenly so every treat bakes at the same rate.

Recipe Variations

Once you’ve made the base recipe, these are easy to try.

Applesauce and peanut butter. Add 2 tablespoons of xylitol free peanut butter.

Applesauce and pumpkin. Replace half the applesauce with plain pumpkin puree, like in my Homemade Pumpkin Applesauce Dog Treats.

Applesauce and banana. Replace half the applesauce with mashed ripe banana.

Applesauce and oat. Replace half the flour with oat flour.

Mini training treats. Cut into tiny squares and bake for a shorter time.

Frozen applesauce bites. Spoon unsweetened applesauce into an ice cube tray and freeze, similar to my Homemade Frozen Fresh Breath Dog Treats.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Using sweetened or flavored applesauce. Always choose unsweetened.

Leaving seeds or cores in homemade applesauce. Remove them completely.

Adding too much cinnamon. A tiny pinch is plenty.

Adding too much flour. Dry dough makes crumbly treats.

Storing them while warm. Cool completely first.

Giving too many. Apples contain natural sugar.

How Many Treats Can a Dog Have?

One or two treats is plenty for a small dog, and two to three for a larger dog. Treats should make up only a small part of your dog’s daily calories, with the rest coming from a complete and balanced diet. If you’re unsure how they fit into your dog’s day, ask your veterinarian.

How to Store Applesauce Dog Treats

These treats contain applesauce and egg, so they need cool storage.

Room temperature. Store fully cooled, fully dry treats in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

Refrigerator. Keep them in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.

Freezer. Freeze in a sealed bag or container for up to 3 months.

Check before serving, and discard any treats that smell off or show signs of mold. For treats built to last longer, see my DIY Dog Biscuits That Last for Weeks.

Can You Freeze Applesauce Dog Treats?

Yes, and freezing is the easiest way to keep a big batch fresh.

1. Cool the treats completely.
2. Arrange them in a single layer on a tray and freeze for about an hour.
3. Transfer to a labeled freezer bag or container.
4. Thaw a few at room temperature for 10 minutes before serving.

More Homemade Treat Ideas

• Applesauce Makes These Homemade Dog Treats Extra Moist
• Oat and Apple Pretzel Dog Treats
• Carrot and Apple Waffle for Dogs
• Homemade Pumpkin Applesauce Dog Treats
• Simple 3 Ingredient Round Dog Cookies

For a wider look at feeding your dog well, check out 7 Healthiest Homemade Dog Foods.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can dogs eat applesauce? Plain, unsweetened applesauce is generally safe in moderation. Avoid versions with added sugar, sweeteners, or xylitol.

Can I use homemade applesauce? Yes, as long as the seeds and cores are removed and nothing is added.

Can I use cinnamon applesauce? It’s best to avoid it, since flavored versions often contain added sugar.

Can I skip the egg? Yes, replace it with 2 extra tablespoons of applesauce and a bit more flour.

Can I use a different flour? Oat flour works well. Whole wheat flour gives the sturdiest result.

How long do they last? About 4 days at room temperature, 2 weeks in the fridge, and 3 months in the freezer.

Can puppies have applesauce treats? In small amounts, most puppies can enjoy them, but check with your veterinarian first, especially for very young puppies.

Recipe Card

Recipe name: Applesauce Dog Treats

Summary: Soft, lightly sweet dog treats made with whole wheat flour, unsweetened applesauce, and egg, with no added sugar or oil.

Servings: About 30 treats, depending on cutter size

Prep time: 15 minutes

Cook time: 25 minutes

Total time: 40 minutes, plus cooling time

Estimated cost: Budget friendly

Course: Dog treat

Cuisine: Homemade pet food

Keywords: applesauce dog treats, homemade applesauce for dogs, apple dog treats, easy dog treat recipe, unsweetened applesauce dog biscuits

Equipment: Mixing bowl, rolling pin, cookie cutter, baking sheet, parchment paper

Ingredients:

• 2 cups whole wheat flour
• 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
• 1 large egg
• 1/4 teaspoon Ceylon cinnamon, optional

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. Whisk applesauce and egg until smooth.
3. Stir in flour to form a stiff dough.
4. Roll to 1/4 inch thick and cut into shapes.
5. Bake 20 to 25 minutes until firm.
6. Cool completely before storing.

A Final Note on Baking with Applesauce

Applesauce is one of those humble ingredients that quietly improves almost every dog treat. Keep it unsweetened, keep portions modest, and enjoy having an easy, reliable recipe on hand.