ByThese applesauce dog treats use three ingredients: oat flour, unsweetened applesauce and an egg. They take about 35 minutes. The most important step is choosing applesauce with no added sugar, spices or sweeteners.
Recipe Snapshot
- Prep time: 15 minutes
- Cook time: 15-18 minutes
- Total time: About 35 minutes (plus cooling)
- Yield: About 30 small treats
- Difficulty: Very easy
- Storage life: 1-2 weeks in the fridge, 2 months in the freezer
Key takeaway: Xylitol is safe for people but toxic to dogs. Check the label of every product you plan to feed your dog, including “sugar-free” applesauce. AKC on xylitol and peanut butter labels
Applesauce is the one thing I always have in my pantry. It’s soft, sweet and binds dough without butter or sugar. My dog’s tail wags at the sound of the jar lid.
Is applesauce safe for dogs?
Plain, unsweetened applesauce is a common dog-treat ingredient. Skip anything with added sugar, flavors or spices. Be extra careful with “sugar-free” jars, because sweeteners can be added. Check the full ingredient list. Learn more in can I give my dog sweet treats.
How do I make applesauce dog treats?
Recipe Card: Applesauce Dog Treats
Ingredients
- 2 cups oat flour (or grind 2¼ cups rolled oats), plus extra for rolling
- ½ cup plain, unsweetened applesauce
- 1 large egg
- 1-2 tablespoons water, only if the dough is dry
Steps
- Heat your oven to 350°F.
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- If using rolled oats, blend them until fine like flour.
- In a bowl, whisk the egg and applesauce.
- Add the oat flour and stir.
- Add water 1 tablespoon at a time only if the dough crumbles.
- Dust your counter with oat flour.
- Roll the dough about ¼ inch thick.
- Cut shapes with a small cutter.
- Bake 15-18 minutes until firm.
- Cool completely before serving.
⚠️ Dog-Safe Ingredient Check
- Applesauce: “Unsweetened” and “no sugar added.” One ingredient: apples (water and vitamin C are usually fine).
- No xylitol, and no cinnamon applesauce blends.
- No raisins or grapes if you add anything extra.
- If you make applesauce at home, remove the core and seeds.
Pro Tip: Chill the dough for 20 minutes if it feels sticky. Cold dough rolls out cleaner.
How do I make unsweetened applesauce at home?
Core, peel and chop 1 apple. Cook it with ½ cup water in a pot or microwave until soft, about 3-5 minutes. Mash until smooth and let it cool. Make sure no seeds or core pieces end up in the mix. Skip sugar and cinnamon.
How many applesauce treats can my dog have?
Treats should be about 10% of daily calories. Add up the calories on your oat flour, applesauce and egg, divide by the number of treats, and ask your vet for your dog’s daily goal. Applesauce has natural fruit sugar, so moderation matters. As a starting guide from my own kitchen, give 1 small treat to small dogs and 2-3 to large dogs. For more help, read how many treats a dog should have a day and what treats can dogs eat every day.
Vet Tip: If your dog has diabetes or needs a strict diet, ask your vet before giving fruit-based treats.
Substitutions and variations
- Wheat flour: Use whole wheat flour in place of oat flour. Use a little less if the dough is dry.
- Egg-free: Use 2 more tablespoons applesauce and a little extra flour.
- Peanut butter: Add 2 tablespoons xylitol-free peanut butter. See peanut butter oat dog treats.
- Apple and cinnamon: See my apple cinnamon dog treats for a version with tips on spice.
- Small dogs: Cut ¾-inch shapes.
- Large dogs: Use a 2-inch cutter and bake 3 minutes longer.
Not in the mood to bake? Pick up ready-made dog treats. And if you want to track what your dog eats, a dog health tracker is helpful.
Can I hand-feed these as rewards?
Yes. Break them into small pieces and use them for practice. See how to hand-feed your dog safely and how to train a dog to sit.
How do I store applesauce dog treats?
Cool them completely. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for 1-2 weeks. For longer storage, freeze up to 2 months. They have no preservatives, so throw out any that look moldy.
FAQ
Q: Can dogs eat applesauce? A: Plain, unsweetened applesauce is fine in small amounts. Avoid added sugar, spices and sweeteners.
Q: Which applesauce is safe? A: Look for “unsweetened” with only apples (and maybe water or vitamin C). Check for xylitol.
Q: Can I add cinnamon? A: It isn’t needed. Skip it unless your vet says it’s okay.
Q: Can I make these egg-free? A: Yes. Use extra applesauce and a bit more flour.
Q: How long do they last? A: 1-2 weeks in the fridge and up to 2 months in the freezer.
Source: AKC: Can Dogs Eat Peanut Butter? (xylitol label guidance)
