Natural Apple Cinnamon Oats Doggy Treats

The scent of cinnamon always transports me back to my childhood. My grandmother, a woman whose love language was undeniably baking, would always have a jar of apple cinnamon oatmeal cookies ready for us grandkids. She always slipped a small, plain one to our family dog, Buster, under the table. His tail wags were the ultimate seal of approval. Now, I love recreating those comforting flavors in treats that are just for my furry friends, and seeing their happy faces brings back those cherished memories every time.

Recipe Overview:

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yields: Approximately 165 cookies
• Serves: 165 (treats)
• Dietary Type: Grain-Based

Ingredients:

• 1 cup apple (Peeled and chopped. Important: Make sure to core the apple and do not include seeds as they are toxic to dogs.)
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1 tablespoon parsley (Fresh, chopped)
• 1 cup cold water
• ½ cup vegetable oil
• 2 ½ cups oat flour (or grind oatmeal in a food processor)
• 2 ¾ cups unbleached flour
• ½ cup non-fat powdered milk
• 2 large eggs

Equipment Needed:

• Large Mixing Bowl
• Measuring Cups and Spoons
• Food Processor or Coffee Grinder (for grinding oatmeal, if needed)
• Cookie Sheet
• Rolling Pin
• Cookie Cutters (optional)
• Saran Wrap

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Let the oven preheat for at least 15 minutes to ensure even baking.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped apple, cinnamon, parsley, cold water, and vegetable oil. Mix well to ensure the ingredients are evenly distributed.
3. Add the oat flour, unbleached flour, non-fat powdered milk, and eggs to the bowl.
4. Mix all the ingredients together until a dough forms. Initially, the dough might be sticky. Continue mixing until it becomes less sticky and manageable enough to be kneaded with your hands.
5. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for approximately 7 minutes. Kneading develops the gluten in the flour, helping to bind the treats together.
6. Roll out the dough to your desired thickness (about ¼ inch) using a rolling pin.
7. Use cookie cutters to cut the dough into fun, small shapes. Alternatively, you can simply cut the dough into squares or rectangles using a knife or pizza cutter.
8. Place the cut-out shapes onto an ungreased cookie sheet. You can place them relatively close together as these treats don’t spread much during baking.
9. If the dough is a bit hard to manage, wrap it in saran wrap and let it sit in the freezer for approximately 20 minutes before rolling it out. This makes it easier to handle and cut.
10. Bake for 25 minutes, or until the treats are golden brown. For extra-crunchy treats, bake them a little longer, but keep a close eye on them to prevent burning. Baking times may vary slightly depending on your oven, so start checking for doneness around 23 minutes.
11. Once baked, remove the cookie sheet from the oven and let the treats cool completely on the sheet before serving. This allows them to firm up and become less fragile.

Expert Tips & Tricks:

• Apple Prep is Key: Always remove all seeds from the apple. Apple seeds contain amygdalin, which can release cyanide when digested.
• Oat Flour Substitution: If you don’t have oat flour on hand, you can easily make your own by grinding regular oatmeal in a food processor or even a coffee grinder. Pulse until the oatmeal is finely ground into a flour-like consistency.
• Dough Consistency: The dough should be firm but pliable. If it’s too dry, add a tablespoon of water at a time until it comes together. If it’s too sticky, add a tablespoon of flour at a time until it’s easier to handle.
• Even Baking: Ensure your oven is properly preheated for even baking. Rotate the cookie sheet halfway through the baking time to promote even browning.
• Crunch Factor: For extra crunchy treats (which many dogs love), bake for a few extra minutes, but watch carefully to avoid burning.
• Parsley Power: Fresh parsley is a great addition to these treats as it helps freshen your dog’s breath. However, if you don’t have fresh parsley, you can use dried parsley, but use about half the amount (½ tablespoon).

Serving & Storage Suggestions:

Serve these treats to your dog as a reward or snack. Always ensure fresh water is available.

• Storage: Store the cooled treats in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks.
• Freezing: For longer storage, these treats can be frozen in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw completely before serving.
• Serving Size: Adjust the serving size based on your dog’s size, breed, and activity level. These are treats, so they should be given in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

Nutritional Information:

Please note that these are estimates and can vary depending on ingredient brands and precise measurements.

Nutrient	Amount per Treat
Calories	22 kcal
Total Fat	0.8 g
Saturated Fat	0.1 g
Cholesterol	2.3 mg
Sodium	3.1 mg
Total Carbohydrate	3.2 g
Dietary Fiber	0.3 g
Sugars	0.3 g
Protein	0.7 g

Variations & Substitutions:

• Gluten-Free: Replace the unbleached flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Ensure the blend is safe for dogs and doesn’t contain any ingredients they are allergic to.
• Different Fruits: Experiment with other dog-safe fruits like blueberries, mashed banana, or unsweetened applesauce. Adjust the liquid content as needed to maintain the correct dough consistency.
• Vegetable Boost: Add a grated carrot or zucchini for an extra boost of vitamins and fiber.
• Peanut Butter Delight: Add a tablespoon or two of dog-friendly peanut butter (ensure it doesn’t contain xylitol, which is toxic to dogs) for added flavor and protein.
• Herb Variations: Try different herbs like rosemary or thyme, which are also beneficial for dogs. Use sparingly, as some herbs have strong flavors.
• Egg-Free: You can use a flax egg substitute: Mix 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed with 3 tablespoons of water and let it sit for 5 minutes to thicken. Use this mixture in place of one egg.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions):

Q: Can I use regular milk instead of powdered milk?
A: Powdered milk is used for its longer shelf life and to avoid adding too much liquid to the dough. However, you could use a small amount of plain yogurt or unsweetened applesauce if you don’t have powdered milk.

Q: My dog is allergic to eggs. Can I still make these treats?
A: Yes, you can use a flax egg substitute by mixing 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed with 3 tablespoons of water and letting it sit for 5 minutes to thicken. Use this mixture in place of one egg.

Q: How do I know if the treats are done baking?
A: The treats are done when they are golden brown and firm to the touch. If you prefer a crunchier treat, you can bake them for a few extra minutes, but be careful not to burn them.

Q: Can I add sugar to these treats?
A: It’s best to avoid adding sugar to dog treats. Dogs don’t need added sugar in their diet, and it can contribute to weight gain and dental problems. The natural sweetness of the apple is sufficient.

Q: How long will these treats last?
A: These treats will last for up to 2 weeks when stored in an airtight container at room temperature. You can also freeze them for up to 3 months.

Final Thoughts:

I sincerely hope you and your furry friend enjoy these homemade apple cinnamon oat treats. Knowing exactly what goes into your dog’s snacks brings such peace of mind, and the joy of seeing them devour something you made with love is truly rewarding. Don’t hesitate to experiment with variations to find your dog’s favorite flavor combinations. If you try out this recipe, please share your experiences and any creative twists you come up with! Your feedback helps me continue to develop recipes that dogs and their owners will love. Happy baking!