Here’s a delightful recipe to make peanut butter applesauce dog treats, perfect for all life stages from playful puppies to wise seniors. These wholesome treats are packed with goodness and are a fantastic way to show your furry friend some extra love, offering a healthy alternative to store-bought snacks.
Key Ingredients for Make Peanut Butter Applesauce Dog Treats
- 1 ½ cups Whole Wheat Flour: Provides carbohydrates for energy.
- 1 cup Unsweetened Applesauce: Adds natural sweetness, fiber, and moisture, supporting healthy digestion. Ensure it contains no xylitol.
- ½ cup Natural Peanut Butter: A good source of protein and healthy fats, offering a delicious flavor dogs adore. Always use peanut butter free of xylitol, which is toxic to dogs.
- 2 Large Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and provide essential protein and nutrients.
- ½ teaspoon Ground Cinnamon: Adds a warming flavor and has potential anti-inflammatory properties (use sparingly as per veterinarian’s advice for any health concerns).
Health Benefits of This Homemade Dog Food
These homemade peanut butter applesauce dog treats are designed to be a delicious and nutritious addition to your dog’s diet. The fiber from the applesauce aids in smooth digestion, helping to prevent tummy upset and promote regularity. The protein from the peanut butter and eggs contributes to strong muscles and overall vitality, while the natural ingredients provide essential vitamins and minerals that support a healthy immune system and a shiny coat. Giving your dog homemade treats like these is a fantastic way to supplement their regular diet with wholesome goodness they’ll absolutely love.
How to Make Make Peanut Butter Applesauce Dog Treats
Whipping up these peanut butter applesauce dog treats is incredibly simple, making them a perfect weekend project! In under 30 minutes, you can create nutritious, tail-waggingly good snacks using wholesome ingredients you likely already have in your pantry. This recipe is designed for ease and to deliver maximum goodness with minimal fuss.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the unsweetened applesauce, natural peanut butter (xylitol-free!), and eggs until well combined and smooth.
- Add Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the whole wheat flour and ground cinnamon to the wet ingredients. Mix until a stiff dough forms. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour, one tablespoon at a time.
- Roll and Cut: Lightly flour a clean surface and your rolling pin. Roll out the dough to about ½ inch thick. Use your favorite dog-bone cookie cutters (or any cookie cutters you have on hand) to cut out your treats.
- Bake: Place the cut-out treats onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space between them.
- Baking Time: Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the treats are firm to the touch. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean.
- Cool Completely: Remove from the oven and let the treats cool completely on a wire rack before serving. This usually takes about 1-2 hours.
Is This Recipe Safe for Dogs?
Absolutely! We’ve carefully selected every ingredient in this Make Peanut Butter Applesauce Dog Treats recipe to ensure it’s safe and beneficial for your canine companion. We’ve intentionally excluded common no-no’s like onions, garlic, chocolate, or any added sugars and artificial sweeteners. It’s crucial to always use unsweetened applesauce and natural peanut butter that is completely free of xylitol, as this artificial sweetener is highly toxic to dogs. As with any new food or treat, if your dog has known allergies, sensitivities, or specific health conditions, it’s always best to consult with your veterinarian before introducing them to these homemade delights.
Why You’ll Love This Make Peanut Butter Applesauce Dog Treats
You’ll adore making these peanut butter applesauce dog treats because they provide a nutritious, genuinely wholesome alternative to many commercially available dog biscuits. Unlike store-bought options that can sometimes be loaded with fillers and artificial preservatives, these homemade goodies are packed with simple, recognizable ingredients that contribute positively to your dog’s health and happiness.
Not only will your dog reap the benefits of these delicious, natural ingredients, but you’ll also discover the significant cost savings of preparing your dog’s treats at home. You’ll have the satisfaction of knowing exactly what goes into each bite, using fresh, high-quality ingredients to create a special, healthy snack. So go ahead, gather your ingredients, and treat your best friend to a batch of these delightful, homemade delights!
How Much of This Should I Feed My Dog?
When it comes to serving these delicious Make Peanut Butter Applesauce Dog Treats, moderation is key, especially since they are nutrient-dense. As a general guideline:
- Small Dogs: 1-2 small treats per day.
- Medium Dogs: 2-3 small treats per day.
- Large Dogs: 3-4 small treats per day.
These treats are best offered as a special reward or a supplement to their daily meals, not as a full meal replacement. Remember, this is a treat! Always ensure your dog has access to fresh water. For personalized feeding recommendations based on your dog’s specific breed, age, activity level, and health status, it’s always wise to consult with your veterinarian.
Storing and Reheating Tips
To keep your homemade peanut butter applesauce dog treats fresh and delicious, proper storage is essential.
- Refrigerator Storage: Once completely cooled, store the treats in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They should stay fresh for up to 7 days.
- Freezing for Later: For longer storage, lay the cooled treats flat in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months.
- Thawing and Reheating: If frozen, thaw treats in the refrigerator overnight before serving. You can gently warm the treats (if desired) in a microwave for just a few seconds (ensure they are not hot before giving to your dog) or serve them at room temperature. Never reheat to the point where they become hot.
Frequently Asked Questions About Homemade Dog Food
- Can puppies eat this recipe?
Yes, puppies can generally enjoy these treats! Ensure they are cut into smaller, manageable pieces for tiny mouths. As always, introduce any new treat gradually and monitor your puppy for any digestive upset. - Can I freeze homemade dog food?
Absolutely! Freezing is an excellent way to preserve the freshness of most homemade dog food recipes and treats, including these peanut butter applesauce delights. This allows you to make a larger batch and have healthy snacks on hand for weeks to come. - How long does homemade dog food stay fresh?
In the refrigerator, these peanut butter applesauce dog treats are best consumed within 7 days when stored in an airtight container. When frozen, they can last for 2-3 months. Always check for any signs of spoilage before feeding. - Can this be fed daily?
These treats can be offered daily in moderation as a reward or supplement to a balanced diet. However, they should not constitute the entirety of your dog’s daily caloric intake. It’s important to balance treat consumption with their primary dog food.
Final Thoughts
This Make Peanut Butter Applesauce Dog Treats recipe offers a wonderfully healthy, safe, and simple homemade option that your dog is sure to adore. By using natural ingredients, you’re providing a nutritious snack crafted with love. Give these a try and watch your furry friend’s tail wag with delight!
This homemade dog food recipe is intended as a general guide and should not replace veterinary-recommended diets.
Make Peanut Butter Applesauce Dog Treats
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the unsweetened applesauce, natural peanut butter (xylitol-free!), and eggs until well combined and smooth.1 cup Unsweetened Applesauce, ½ cup Natural Peanut Butter, 2 Large Eggs
- Gradually add the whole wheat flour and ground cinnamon to the wet ingredients. Mix until a stiff dough forms. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour, one tablespoon at a time.1 ½ cups Whole Wheat Flour, ½ teaspoon Ground Cinnamon
- Lightly flour a clean surface and your rolling pin. Roll out the dough to about ½ inch thick. Use your favorite dog-bone cookie cutters (or any cookie cutters you have on hand) to cut out your treats.
- Place the cut-out treats onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space between them.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the treats are firm to the touch. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean.
- Remove from the oven and let the treats cool completely on a wire rack before serving. This usually takes about 1-2 hours.