Apple Blueberry Dog Treats: Fresh Fruit Flavors Dogs Love

If you’re tired of picking up those store-bought dog treats filled with who knows-what and want to spoil your pup with something wholesome, this Apple Blueberry Dog Treats recipe is exactly what you need!

I Understand you’re looking for a way to give your dog delicious treats without all the added junk, and the idea of homemade snacks sounds so much better, right? Well, I’ve got you covered.

I’ll walk you through exactly how to make these nutritious, tasty treats with just a few simple ingredients. So, if you’re ready to treat your dog to something special (and healthy), let’s get started!

Why This Specific Recipe Is Worth Making

We’re all about giving our dogs the best of both worlds: tasty treats and health benefits! But what makes these Apple Blueberry Dog Treats stand out among the sea of other homemade dog treats out there? Let’s dive into the health benefits of the star ingredients in this recipe.

Apple:

Apples are a great snack for dogs, offering both taste and health perks. They are high in fiber and vitamin C, which promotes healthy digestion and supports the immune system.

The fiber in apples can help keep your dog’s stomach happy, making them an excellent addition to homemade treats.

Not only that, but the antioxidants in apples can help reduce inflammation and improve overall health. Just make sure to remove the seeds before baking those can be toxic to dogs!

Blueberries:

Blueberries are a top-notch superfood for both humans and dogs! Packed with antioxidants, they help fight free radicals and promote a healthy immune system.

These little berries are also rich in vitamin C and fiber, which aid digestion and contribute to better skin and coat health. So when you add blueberries to your dog’s treats, you’re giving them a natural way to stay strong and healthy.

Oat Flour:

Oat flour is the perfect base for these treats, especially if your dog has a sensitive tummy. It’s gentle on the digestive system and rich in fiber, which supports a healthy gut.

Oat flour is also full of essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, which can promote healthy skin and a shiny coat. It’s a great alternative to traditional wheat flour, especially for dogs with grain sensitivities.

Coconut Oil:

Coconut oil isn’t just for humans it’s great for dogs too! It’s packed with healthy fats that promote healthy skin, a glossy coat, and even better brain function.

Coconut oil has anti-inflammatory properties, making it a great choice for dogs with skin issues or arthritis.

It’s a versatile ingredient that helps keep your dog’s body running smoothly while also adding a lovely texture to the treats.

Apple Blueberry Dog Treats Recipe

These Apple Blueberry Dog Treats are bound to be a hit with your furry friend! They combine the sweet and tangy flavors of apples and blueberries, with the texture and nutritional benefits of oat flour.

Prep Time & Cook Time

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes

These treats are a breeze to whip up, and they only take about 30 minutes from start to finish. In no time, your dog will be enjoying a fresh batch of homemade goodness!

Tools Needed

To make these Apple Blueberry Dog Treats, you’ll need a few basic kitchen tools. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Mixing bowl
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper or silicone baking mat
• Cookie cutters (optional, for fun shapes!)
• Spoon or spatula for mixing
• Grater (for the apple, if you want to grate it instead of finely chopping)

If you don’t have cookie cutters, no worries! You can easily shape the dough into small balls or flatten it out into squares.

Ingredients Needed

• 1 cup of oat flour (or substitute with whole wheat flour, almond flour, or chickpea flour)
• 1/2 cup of grated or finely chopped apple (make sure to remove the seeds)
• 1/2 cup of blueberries (fresh or frozen)
• 1 tablespoon of coconut oil (melted)
• 1/4 cup of water (add more if the dough is too dry)

Substitutions:

• Flour Options: If your dog is sensitive to certain grains, you can use almond flour or chickpea flour instead of oat flour. Whole wheat flour is also an option but should be used in moderation due to its higher fiber content.
• Blueberries: You can substitute fresh blueberries with dried blueberries, but make sure they don’t contain any added sugar or preservatives.

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How to Make This Recipe Step by Step

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures the treats bake evenly and become that perfect golden brown color.

Step 2: Mix the Ingredients

Next you will need to combine the oat flour, grated apple, and blueberries inside one bowl. Stir everything together, make sure the blueberries break down slightly to release their juices. Add the melted coconut oil and water, mixing until the dough comes together.

Step 3: Roll Out the Dough

Place the dough onto a lightly floured surface (you can use more oat flour here) and roll it out to about 1/4 inch thickness. If you’re using cookie cutters, now’s the time to have fun! Use your favorite shapes (dog bones, hearts, or simple circles) to cut out the treats.

Step 4: Bake the Treats

Place the cut-out treats onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. Bake for about 20 minutes or until the edges are golden brown. Keep an eye on them to prevent over-baking.

Step 5: Cool Down

Once baked, let the treats cool completely on a wire rack. This allows them to set properly, ensuring they’re crunchy and perfect for your dog to enjoy.

Feeding Size: How to Serve the Treats

When it comes to serving these treats, size matters! Depending on the size and breed of your dog, you may want to adjust the portion size. For small dogs, stick with smaller treats, while larger dogs can enjoy bigger ones. A general guideline is to offer 1-2 treats per day, based on your dog’s size and calorie needs.

Storage Tips

To keep your homemade dog treats fresh, store them in an airtight container. If you’ve made a big batch, you can also freeze them for longer storage. Just make sure to thaw them completely before serving.

Nutritional Values Estimated

Each treat contains an approximate breakdown of:

• Calories: 30-40 per treat (depending on size)
• Protein: 1-2 grams
• Fat: 2-3 grams
• Fiber: 1-2 grams
• Carbs: 5-7 grams

These values are estimates and can vary based on the size and ingredients you use.

Tips for Perfect Treats

• Make sure the dough isn’t too sticky before rolling out. If it is, add a little more flour.
• If you don’t have cookie cutters, you can use a knife to cut the dough into squares or simply roll it into balls.

Safety Notes

• Always ensure that the apple seeds are removed before baking.
• If your dog has allergies or specific dietary needs, be sure to use appropriate substitutions for flour and other ingredients.

Why These Ingredients Work for Dogs

These ingredients work wonders for your dog’s health! Apples provide a dose of fiber and antioxidants, blueberries give them a boost of vitamins, and coconut oil helps maintain their skin and coat.

Oat flour is gentle on their stomach, and together, these ingredients create a nutritious and delicious treat your dog will adore!

Trouble Shooting: Recipe Didn’t Work After Following Guide Above

So you followed the steps to perfection, but something went wrong? Don’t worry, it happens to the best of us in the kitchen. Let’s troubleshoot some common issues you might face while making these Apple Blueberry Dog Treats.

Dough too sticky? If the dough feels sticky and impossible to roll out, it probably needs a bit more flour. Add a tablespoon of oat flour at a time until the consistency feels just right—smooth and easy to work with.

Treats too hard? If your treats came out a little more crunchy than you intended, you may have baked them a bit too long. Next time, check them at 15 minutes and then keep a close eye on them. You want them golden brown but not rock solid!

Treats too soft? If your treats didn’t hold together after baking, it might be because you didn’t add enough flour or water. The dough should be firm and a little dry before you bake. If it feels too soft, add a little more flour to the mix.

Health Concerns: Avoiding Harmful Ingredients In This Recipe

When making dog treats at home, it’s important to ensure that everything you’re adding is safe for your pup. Luckily, this Apple Blueberry Dog Treat recipe is full of wholesome ingredients. However, there are a few things to keep in mind:

• No apple seeds! Apple seeds contain cyanide, which is toxic to dogs. Always be sure to remove the seeds from apples before chopping or grating them.
• No sugar or artificial sweeteners: Never add sugar to your dog’s treats. Certain sweeteners, especially xylitol, can be toxic to dogs. Stick to the natural sweetness of apples and blueberries for flavor.
• Watch for allergies: If your dog has food allergies, make sure to avoid ingredients that could trigger a reaction. For example, if your dog has a wheat sensitivity, opt for oat flour or almond flour instead of whole wheat flour.

Cost: How Affordable Is This Recipe?

One of the best things about this recipe is that it’s budget-friendly. The ingredients—oat flour, apples, blueberries, coconut oil are all common pantry items that don’t break the bank. Here’s a quick breakdown:

Oat flour: A bag of oat flour costs around $4 to $5, and you’ll use only about a cup for a batch, so it’s very cost-effective.

Apples: A bag of apples is around $4, and you’ll only need half an apple per batch, so it’s a small investment.

Blueberries: Fresh or frozen blueberries typically cost around $3 to $5 per bag. You only need half a cup, so it’s a minor expense.

Coconut oil: A jar of coconut oil costs about $6, and you’ll use a tablespoon for the recipe, making it last for many batches.

With these affordable ingredients, you can make multiple batches, so the overall cost per treat is minimal. Homemade treats for your dog won’t drain your wallet!

Convenience of this Recipe: How Simple Is It to Make?

If you’re looking for a no-fuss recipe, this one’s for you! The process is quick, easy, and doesn’t require any fancy tools. All you need is a mixing bowl, a baking sheet, and some basic kitchen supplies. Here’s why this recipe is super convenient:

• Minimal prep time: With just 15 minutes of prep time, you’ll have everything ready to go in no time.
• Simple ingredients: You don’t need to source any hard-to-find items. Most of these ingredients are already in your pantry!
• No special equipment needed: You don’t need a stand mixer or anything fancy. A spoon and a baking sheet are all you really need to make these treats.

If you’re busy but still want to treat your dog to something special, this recipe is a breeze!

Shelf Lifespan: How Long Before It Goes Bad?

After you’ve baked and cooled these treats, they’ll last for up to one week in an airtight container at room temperature. If you’d like to store them for longer, you can freeze them for up to three months. Here are a few tips for storage:

• Room temperature: For short-term storage, an airtight container is key. Keep the treats in a cool, dry place to maintain their freshness.
• Freezing: If you want to stock up on treats, place the cooled treats in a freezer-safe bag or container. Make sure to separate them with parchment paper to avoid them sticking together.

Will All Dogs Like This Recipe?

While most dogs will absolutely love these Apple Blueberry Dog Treats, not all dogs have the same taste preferences. Some dogs may not like the texture or flavor of certain ingredients like blueberries or apples.

Pickier eaters: If your dog is a bit fussy about food, start by offering just one treat and see how they react. If they’re unsure, try using other fruits or flavors they already like.

Small dogs and pups with sensitive teeth: If you have a tiny dog or a dog with dental issues, you may want to make the treats a bit softer by reducing the baking time. You could also try cutting them into smaller pieces.

Safe Alternatives for Ingredients in This Recipe

If your dog has sensitivities or allergies, you can easily swap out ingredients for safer alternatives:

• Flour: Instead of oat flour, you can use chickpea flour, almond flour, or even rice flour. These are great alternatives for dogs with grain allergies.
• Blueberries: If your dog doesn’t like blueberries, try swapping them for diced strawberries, mashed bananas, or pureed pumpkin.
• Coconut oil: If your dog has a coconut sensitivity, you can substitute with olive oil or avocado oil.

Remember to always check with your vet if you’re uncertain about ingredient substitutions.

Cooking Techniques That Will Work For This Recipe

Baking is the best method for this recipe because it ensures that your treats are crisp and dry, making them safe for your dog’s digestion. However, if you want to get creative, here are some other safe methods for cooking:

• Baking: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), and bake your treats for around 20 minutes. This method ensures the treats are crunchy and perfect for your dog.
• Dehydrating: If you own a dehydrator, this method works wonders! Dehydrate the treats at a low temperature (around 130°F or 54°C) until they are dry and crunchy.

Freezing is a great storage option, but it’s not really a cooking method for this recipe. Stick to baking or dehydrating for the best results.

Portion Control: How Much Is Too Much?

When it comes to treats, moderation is key. Even the healthiest snacks can lead to weight gain if given in large quantities. Here are some portion tips:

• Small dogs: 1-2 small treats per day.
• Medium to large dogs: 2-3 treats per day.
• Large breeds: Depending on your dog’s size, you can give a little more, but keep it in balance with their daily calorie intake.

Always factor these treats into your dog’s total food intake for the day and adjust their meals accordingly.

FAQs

Can I use frozen blueberries in this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen blueberries! Just thaw them out before adding them to the dough. Frozen blueberries will work just as well as fresh ones in this recipe.

What if my dog is allergic to oats?

If your dog is allergic to oats, you can substitute oat flour with chickpea flour, almond flour, or rice flour. These alternatives are safe for dogs with grain sensitivities.

Can I freeze the dough before baking?

Absolutely! If you want to make a big batch, you can freeze the dough. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or a zip-top bag and freeze it for up to a month. When you’re ready to bake, let the dough thaw before rolling it out and cutting the treats.

Final Thoughts

There’s no better feeling than treating your dog to homemade, healthy, and delicious treats and these Apple Blueberry Dog Treats do just that! With their simple ingredients, easy prep, and tasty appeal, your dog will be wagging their tail (or wagging their paws) for more.

So, what are you waiting for? Gather those ingredients and start baking today! Your dog will thank you with all the love in the world.