If your pup perks up at the smell of cheese or the crunch of an apple, you’re going to love making these apple cheddar dog treats. They’re packed with flavor, super easy to whip up, and made with just a few simple ingredients you probably already have at home. Whether you’re baking a special snack or just want to treat your furry friend to something wholesome, these tasty little biscuits are a tail-wagging win.
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Why You Will Love This Recipe
There’s something incredibly satisfying about baking treats for your dog, and watching them enjoy what you made is the best. And there are so many reasons this recipe will be a favorite:
Wholesome Ingredients – These treats are made with real food you can feel good about. No mystery ingredients or fillers – just simple, nutritious stuff your dog will love.
Easy to Make – If you’ve ever baked cookies, you’ve got this. The dough mixes up in minutes and rolls out like a dream.
Simple to Customize – Whether your dog prefers different flavors or has specific dietary needs, this recipe is easy to tweak to make it just right for your pup.
Economical – Store-bought dog treats can get pricey fast. Making your own is budget-friendly and gives you total control over what goes into them.
Classic Flavor Combo – Apple and cheddar are a match made in treat heaven. It’s a delicious combo that’s slightly sweet, a little savory, and irresistible to dogs.
Ingredients And What They Bring To The Treats
Here’s a quick look at what goes into these cheesy apple bites and what each ingredient does:
- Apple – Adds a natural sweetness and some great fiber.
- Low-Fat Cheddar Cheese – Brings that rich, cheesy flavor dogs go crazy for.
- Egg – Acts as a binder to hold the dough together.
- Oat Flour – A gentle, nutritious flour that gives structure to the treats.
- Water – Helps bring the dough together so it rolls and cuts easily.
Ingredient Notes And Substitutions
When making these treats, there are some things to keep in mind and simple swaps you can make:
- Use low-fat cheese – High-fat foods like cheese can increase the risk of pancreatitis and cause weight gain, so stick with a low-fat option.
- Cheese swaps – Try mozzarella or Swiss cheese if you’re out of cheddar.
- Fruit swap – Pear is a great substitute if you don’t have an apple on hand.
- Oat flour – You can make your own by blending old-fashioned oats in a food processor until flour-like. One cup of oats makes about 3/4 cup of flour.
- Flour substitutes – Rice flour, all-purpose, or a mix of all-purpose and whole wheat flour will work. Avoid using only whole wheat flour since it’s dense, and skip coconut flour because it absorbs too much moisture and will throw off the texture.
Equipment Needed
You don’t need anything fancy to make these treats. You can use any cookie cutter, but bone-shaped cookie cutters make them extra cute.
How To Make Apple Cheddar Dog Treats
Making these treats is as easy as mixing, rolling, cutting, and baking. Here’s what to do:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat.
- Peel and chop the apple into small pieces.
- Mix the apple, shredded cheese, and egg in a large bowl.
- Add the flour and enough water to make a rollable dough.
- Roll the dough out to about 1/4-inch thickness on parchment paper.
- Cut out shapes using a cookie cutter. Re-roll the scraps and cut more until all the dough is used.
- Place the treats on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for 18-20 minutes until set and lightly golden.
- Cool completely on the baking sheet before serving or storing.
How To Store The Treats And How Long They Last
Store the cooled treats in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh for up to 5 days.
For longer storage, freeze them! Just pop them in a freezer-safe container or bag, and they’ll keep for up to 3 months. Take a few out at a time and thaw before treating your pup.
Can people eat these treats?
Oh yes, they sure can! All the ingredients are safe for human consumption. Give one a try and you may find yourself snacking right along with your dog.
More Dog Treat Recipes
Do you want to make more tasty treats for your dog? Try these recipes:
- Apple Cinnamon Dog Treats
- Banana Carrot Dog Treats
- Cottage Cheese Dog Treats
- Quinoa Dog Treats
- Pumpkin Apple Dog Treats
- Sardine Dog Treats
Find lots of easy recipes for baked dog treats right here on Spoiled Hounds.
Apple Cheddar Dog Treats
Ingredients
- 1 apple
- 1 cup shredded low-fat cheddar cheese
- 1 egg
- 1 1/2 cups oat flour
- 1/3 cup water approximately
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat.
- Peel and cut the apple into small pieces.
- In a large bowl, stir together the apple pieces, cheese, and egg.
- Stir in the flour and enough water as needed to make a rollable dough.
- Place the dough on parchment paper. Use a rolling pin to roll the dough out to about 1/4-inch thick.
- Use a cookie cutter to cut out as many treats as possible. Gather the scraps, re-roll, and cut.
- Place the cutouts on the lined baking sheet. Bake for 18-20 minutes.
- Allow the treats to cool completely on the baking sheet.
- Store the treats in an airtight container in the fridge.
Nutrition
Serving Amount
Dog treats should make up no more than 10% of your dog’s daily calories. If you’re not sure how much is right for your dog, it’s best to check with your vet.
And if your dog hasn’t tried any of the ingredients before, start with a small piece to make sure there are no allergies or sensitivities.
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