Perfectly Baked Apple Pie Dog Treats
Apple pie season always leaves me wanting to make something dog friendly that captures the same cozy flavor without any of the ingredients that make the real thing off limits.
These treats use grated apple and a touch of cinnamon to bring that classic apple pie flavor into a biscuit your dog can actually enjoy, no crust, sugar, or nutmeg required.
I like baking a batch of these whenever the weather starts to cool off, since the smell coming from the oven feels just as seasonal as an actual pie, minus the hours of prep.
They’ve become one of my favorite treats to make for fall gatherings where a few dogs are usually part of the guest list.
Why You’ll Love These Perfectly Baked Apple Pie Dog Treats
A few reasons these are worth adding to your fall baking rotation.
Classic cozy flavor. Apple and cinnamon bring that familiar pie flavor dogs can actually enjoy.
Naturally sweet. Grated apple provides plenty of flavor without needing any added sugar.
Simple ingredients. A short list of pantry staples plus one apple.
Great for fall gatherings. A fitting treat for any get together where dogs are part of the celebration.
Freezer friendly. A batch keeps well, so you can bake ahead of any seasonal occasion.
Is Apple Pie Safe for Dogs?
The classic version of apple pie includes several ingredients dogs should avoid, so a few adjustments make this recipe safe from the start.
Apple is 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, so it’s simplest and safest to remove the core and seeds entirely.
Cinnamon in small amounts is generally considered safe for dogs. This recipe uses just a light touch for flavor, and ceylon cinnamon is the gentler choice compared to cassia.
Skip the nutmeg. Traditional apple pie recipes often include nutmeg, but this spice can be toxic to dogs and should never be included in a dog version of this recipe.
Skip the sugar and pie crust. A traditional crust and sweetened filling aren’t necessary or appropriate here. This recipe relies on grated apple alone for sweetness and skips the crust entirely in favor of a simple baked biscuit.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s what goes into this simple, seasonal dough.
Grated apple, with the core and seeds removed, adds natural sweetness and moisture to the dough.
Oat flour or whole wheat flour provides the structure needed to roll and shape the treats.
An egg helps bind the dough together.
A small amount of coconut oil keeps the dough tender rather than dry.
A pinch of cinnamon brings the classic apple pie flavor to this recipe.
Ingredient List
- 1 medium apple, grated, core and seeds removed
- 1 3/4 cups oat flour or whole wheat flour
- 1 egg
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil, melted
- 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
How to Make Perfectly Baked Apple Pie Dog Treats
- Preheat your oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, combine the grated apple, egg, coconut oil, and cinnamon, stirring until well mixed.
- Add the flour and stir until a dough begins to form.
- Once the dough holds together without crumbling, turn it out onto a lightly floured surface.
- Knead gently for about a minute, adding a bit more flour if the dough feels sticky, or a small splash of water if it feels dry.
- Roll the dough out to about a quarter inch thickness.
- Cut into shapes using a cookie cutter or a knife, then place the treats on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for 20 to 22 minutes, until the treats are lightly golden and feel firm to the touch.
- Let the treats cool completely on a wire rack before serving or storing, since they firm up further as they cool.
Getting the Right Texture
A few notes on texture for this recipe.
If the dough feels too wet, add a bit more flour a tablespoon at a time, since grated apple can vary in moisture depending on the variety used.
If the dough feels dry and crumbly, add a small splash of water until it comes together smoothly.
For an extra crunchy biscuit, roll the dough slightly thinner and bake toward the longer end of the suggested time, letting the treats cool completely before storing.
Recipe Variations
Once you’ve made the base recipe, these variations are worth trying.
Apple pie and oat flour version. Use oat flour in place of wheat flour for a gentler option for dogs with wheat sensitivities.
Apple and peanut butter treats. Stir in a tablespoon of natural peanut butter for extra flavor and protein.
Mini training treats. Roll the dough thinner and cut smaller shapes for bite sized training rewards.
Apple and pumpkin treats. Replace a portion of the grated apple with plain pumpkin puree for a slightly different flavor.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Leaving the core or seeds in the apple. Always remove these before grating the apple into the dough.
Adding nutmeg. This spice is common in human apple pie recipes but should never be included in a dog treat.
Using cassia cinnamon in large amounts. Ceylon cinnamon is the gentler option, and either way, keep the total amount light.
Rolling the dough too thick. Thicker treats take longer to bake through and may stay soft in the center.
Storing them 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 under about ten percent of daily caloric intake. A small dog will need fewer treats than a larger, more active dog. If you’re unsure how these fit into your dog’s routine, checking with your veterinarian is always a good idea.
How to Store Perfectly Baked Apple Pie 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.
- Let the treats cool completely before freezing.
- Arrange them in a single layer in a freezer safe container or bag.
- Separate layers with parchment paper if stacking.
- Label the container with the date.
- 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.
Is cinnamon safe for dogs? Yes, in small amounts, cinnamon is generally considered safe for dogs. Ceylon cinnamon is the gentler option compared to cassia.
Why is nutmeg left out of this recipe? Nutmeg can be toxic to dogs, so it’s always left out of any homemade dog treat recipe, even though it’s common in human apple pie.
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.
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 apple and a touch of cinnamon, but check with your veterinarian first, especially for very young puppies.
Can I use a different type of apple? Yes, any dog safe apple variety works well, just make sure to remove the core and seeds no matter which type you use.
Recipe Card
Recipe name: Perfectly Baked Apple Pie Dog Treats
Summary: Soft, naturally sweet dog treats made with grated apple and cinnamon, capturing classic apple pie flavor without the sugar or crust.
Servings: About 20 treats, depending on size
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 21 minutes
Total time: 36 minutes, plus cooling time
Estimated cost: Budget friendly
Course: Dog treat
Cuisine: Homemade pet food
Keywords: apple pie dog treats, apple dog treats, cinnamon dog treats, homemade dog treats, fall dog treats
Equipment: Mixing bowl, rolling pin, baking sheet, parchment paper, grater
Ingredients:
- 1 medium apple, grated, core and seeds removed
- 1 3/4 cups oat flour or whole wheat flour
- 1 egg
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil, melted
- 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
Instructions:
- Combine grated apple, egg, coconut oil, and cinnamon.
- Stir in flour until a dough forms.
- Knead briefly, then roll out and cut into shapes.
- Bake 20 to 22 minutes until golden.
- Cool completely before serving.
A Final Note on Baking These Treats
These have become one of my favorite ways to bring a little bit of fall into the treat jar, and there’s something nice about sharing a version of a seasonal flavor with my dog without any of the usual worry that comes with a real pie.
Keep a batch in the freezer, and you’ll always have a cozy, apple pie flavored reward ready whenever the season calls for it.
More Homemade Treat Ideas
If your dog enjoyed these, these recipes are worth trying next.
- Oat and Apple Pretzel Dog Treats
- Cinnamon Roll Overs Dog Treats
- Applesauce Makes These Homemade Dog Treats Extra Moist
- Carrot Cake Dog Treats
For more ideas on feeding your dog well beyond treats, check out 7 Healthiest Homemade Dog Foods.
