This recipe combines the sweet, crisp flavor of apple with the savory richness of peanut butter, creating a wholesome and delicious treat. Apples are a great source of fiber and vitamins for dogs, and this recipe is a perfect way to use up any extra applesauce or fresh apples.
Yields: Approximately 3 dozen treats Prep time: 15 minutes Cook time: 20-25 minutes
Ingredients:
- 2 cups whole wheat flour (or all-purpose flour)
- 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce (or 1/2 cup finely grated apple, peeled and cored)
- 1/2 cup natural, xylitol-free peanut butter
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional, for flavor and health benefits)
- 1/4 cup water (or more, if needed)
Instructions:
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the applesauce (or grated apple), peanut butter, egg, and cinnamon (if using).
- Add Flour: Gradually add the whole wheat flour to the wet mixture, mixing until a stiff dough forms. Add water one tablespoon at a time if the dough is too dry and crumbly.
- Roll and Cut: On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough out to about 1/4-inch thickness. Use a cookie cutter (a fun apple or bone shape is great) to cut out the treats. Place the cutouts on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake: Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown and the treats are firm.
- Cool and Store: Let the treats cool completely on a wire rack to ensure they are crunchy.
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Important Safety Note: Always remove the core and seeds from apples before using them, as apple seeds contain trace amounts of cyanide.
Storage: Store cooled treats in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week, or in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. They can be frozen for up to 3 months.
