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Homemade Dog Treats: Apple Cinnamon Fall Recipe

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Servings: 26 Total Time: 30 mins Difficulty: Beginner
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Homemade apple cinnamon dog treats shaped like bones in a dark bowl with cinnamon sticks pinit

Looking for the perfect homemade dog treat recipe? These wholesome apple cinnamon dog treats are incredibly easy to make and use just 5 simple ingredients! As more pet parents discover the benefits of homemade treats, this recipe has become a favorite among those seeking healthy alternatives to store-bought options. In fact, studies show that over 65% of pet owners now prefer making their own dog treats to control exactly what goes into their furry friend’s snacks.

These healthy dog treats combine the natural sweetness of fresh apples with warming cinnamon, creating a nutritious reward that dogs absolutely love. Not only will your kitchen smell amazing while these treats bake, but you’ll also save money compared to premium store-bought treats. With just 30 minutes of your time, you can create a batch of these tail-wagging treats that are perfect for training sessions or everyday rewards!

Note: While this recipe has helped many dogs, remember to consult with your veterinarian before transitioning to any new homemade dog food recipes, as they can help customize portions and ingredients based on your pet’s specific needs.

Homemade apple cinnamon dog treats shaped like bones in a dark bowl with cinnamon sticks pinit
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Homemade Dog Treats: Apple Cinnamon Fall Recipe

Recipe Categories: Dietary Preferences: High Protein Treats
Difficulty: Beginner Prep Time 10 mins Cook Time 20 mins Total Time 30 mins
Servings: 26

Description

An easy homemade dog treat recipe featuring wholesome ingredients like applesauce and oats. These healthy treats are perfect for training rewards or daily snacks, made with natural ingredients your dog will love.

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper (2 minutes)

  2. In a large mixing bowl, combine whole wheat flour, rolled oats, and cinnamon until well mixed (3 minutes)

  3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg and unsweetened applesauce until thoroughly combined (2 minutes)

  4. Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing until a firm dough forms (5 minutes)

  5. On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to approximately 1/4 inch thickness and cut into desired shapes (10 minutes)

  6. Transfer treats to the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 1/2 inch apart (3 minutes)

  7. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown and firm to the touch

  8. Allow treats to cool completely before serving

  9. Serving Instructions:

    • Small dogs (under 20 lbs): 1 treat per day
    • Medium dogs (20-50 lbs): 2 treats per day
    • Large dogs (over 50 lbs): 3 treats per day

  10. Store unused portions in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks, or freeze for up to 3 months.

Keywords: homemade dog treats, easy dog treat recipe, healthy dog treats, apple cinnamon dog treats, natural dog treats, dog biscuit recipe

Frequently Asked Questions

Expand All:
Can dogs have apple cinnamon treats?

Yes, dogs can safely enjoy apple cinnamon treats when made with pet-safe ingredients like in this recipe. Apples are a nutritious fruit for dogs, providing fiber, vitamins A and C, and antioxidants. Cinnamon in small amounts (like the 1/2 teaspoon used in this recipe) is also safe and can help with digestion and blood sugar regulation.

However, there are a few important things to keep in mind:

  1. Always use plain, unsweetened applesauce as artificial sweeteners can be harmful
  2. Remove any apple seeds when using fresh apples, as they contain small amounts of toxins
  3. Use Ceylon cinnamon if possible, as it's gentler than Cassia cinnamon
  4. Introduce any new treats gradually and monitor your dog for any digestive changes
  5. Follow the recommended serving sizes based on your dog's weight

These homemade apple cinnamon treats are healthier than many store-bought alternatives because they contain no artificial preservatives, added sugars, or questionable ingredients. Like any treat, they should make up no more than 10% of your dog's daily calorie intake.

How much cinnamon can I put in my dogs food?

When adding cinnamon to dog treats or food, moderation is key. For this homemade treat recipe, the recommended 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon mixed into a batch that makes 24-30 treats is a safe amount. As a general guideline, dogs can safely consume:

  • Small dogs (under 20 lbs): No more than 1/8 teaspoon per day
  • Medium dogs (20-50 lbs): No more than 1/4 teaspoon per day
  • Large dogs (over 50 lbs): No more than 1/2 teaspoon per day

When using cinnamon in homemade dog treats or food:

  1. Use Ceylon cinnamon when possible, as it's gentler than Cassia cinnamon
  2. Start with small amounts and watch for any digestive changes
  3. Mix it thoroughly into the food or treats to ensure even distribution
  4. Never feed your dog raw cinnamon or cinnamon essential oils
  5. Avoid cinnamon-flavored human foods, which may contain harmful ingredients

In this apple cinnamon dog treat recipe, the amount of cinnamon per treat is minimal and safe for daily consumption when following the recommended serving sizes. Remember that while cinnamon offers potential benefits like improved digestion and blood sugar regulation, it should be considered a treat ingredient rather than a daily food supplement.

Are homemade treats better for dogs?

Q: Are homemade treats better for dogs? Benefits of making your own dog treats

A: Homemade treats are often better for dogs than store-bought options for several key reasons. When you make treats like these apple cinnamon dog biscuits at home, you have complete control over the ingredients and their quality:

Benefits of homemade dog treats:

  1. No artificial preservatives or additives that can cause allergies or sensitivities
  2. Full control over ingredient quality and freshness
  3. More cost-effective than premium store-bought treats
  4. Ability to adjust ingredients based on your dog's specific needs or preferences
  5. Knowledge of exact preparation date and shelf life

This apple cinnamon dog treat recipe demonstrates these benefits by using just 5 simple, wholesome ingredients:

  • Whole wheat flour provides fiber and energy
  • Unsweetened applesauce offers natural vitamins and flavor
  • Rolled oats add beneficial fiber and nutrients
  • Egg delivers protein and healthy fats
  • Cinnamon supports digestion and provides antioxidants

While both commercial and homemade treats can be part of a healthy dog diet, homemade treats allow you to avoid common commercial treat issues like:

  • Hidden sugars or artificial sweeteners
  • Chemical preservatives
  • Low-quality fillers
  • Unclear ingredient sources
  • Extended shelf life through artificial means

However, remember that all treats, whether homemade or store-bought, should make up no more than 10% of your dog's daily caloric intake. The best treat is one that fits your dog's specific dietary needs and preferences while maintaining high quality ingredients.

Do homemade dog treats need preservatives?

No, homemade dog treats like these apple cinnamon biscuits don't need artificial preservatives when stored properly. The key is understanding proper storage methods and natural shelf-life indicators:

Natural preservation methods in this recipe:

  1. Baking at 350°F helps remove moisture, naturally extending shelf life
  2. Cinnamon acts as a natural antimicrobial ingredient
  3. Proper cooling before storage prevents moisture buildup
  4. Using the right storage containers maintains freshness

Safe storage guidelines for homemade dog treats:

  • Room temperature (in airtight container): Up to 1 week
  • Refrigerated: Up to 2 weeks
  • Frozen: Up to 3 months

Signs your homemade treats need to be discarded:

  • Any visible mold growth
  • Off or unusual odors
  • Change in texture (becoming soft or very hard)
  • Discoloration
  • Moisture buildup in storage container

Tips for extending shelf life naturally:

  1. Cool treats completely before storing
  2. Use airtight containers or vacuum-sealed bags
  3. Separate treats with parchment paper if stacking
  4. Keep away from direct sunlight and heat
  5. Make smaller batches more frequently instead of large batches

While commercial treats use preservatives to achieve months-long shelf life, homemade treats focus on freshness and natural ingredients. By following proper storage methods, you can maintain treat quality without artificial preservatives. Consider freezing portion-sized bags of treats to always have fresh options available.

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