These Fennel Dog Treats are a soft and chewy snack that’s a little different from the usual homemade dog treats. They’re gently flavored with fresh fennel fronds and ground fennel seeds, giving them a mild herbal taste that dogs often enjoy. Made with simple, dog-safe ingredients, these treats are easy to bake and perfect for pups who love softer textures.
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Why You Will Love This Recipe
Making homemade treats for your dog is always rewarding, and it’s even better when you see how excited they get while waiting for them to cool. There are so many reasons this recipe will be a favorite.
Fennel Benefits – Fennel is packed with vitamins and minerals and is known for its antibacterial, antifungal, and antimycobacterial properties. It can help support digestion, reduce gas, and ease minor stomach discomfort.
Easy to Make – The dough comes together quickly. Just mix the ingredients, spoon the dough into molds, and bake.
Wholesome Ingredients – These treats are made with simple, dog-safe, and nutritious ingredients you can feel good about serving.
Saves Money – Homemade treats like these cost far less than store-bought specialty dog treats.
Ingredients and What They Bring to the Treats
Each ingredient plays an important role in creating soft, chewy treats with a gentle flavor. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Fennel fronds add a mild herbal flavor and natural nutrients.
- Ground fennel seeds enhance the fennel flavor and contribute digestive benefits.
- Oat flour creates a soft, dog-friendly base that’s easy to digest.
- Unsweetened applesauce adds moisture and light natural sweetness.
- Eggs help bind the dough and give the treats structure.
Ingredient Notes and Substitutions
This recipe is flexible and easy to adapt using ingredients you may already have on hand.
- Applesauce can be replaced with mashed banana, plain pumpkin puree, or mashed sweet potatoes.
- Oat flour can be made at home by blending old-fashioned rolled oats until they reach a flour consistency. One cup of oats makes about ¾ cup of flour.
- Other flours: Brown rice flour can be substituted for oat flour and made by blending uncooked brown rice. All-purpose flour or a 50-50 mix of all-purpose and whole wheat flour can be used instead of oat flour. Whole wheat flour alone is too dense to use by itself.
Equipment Needed
You likely already have everything needed to make these treats. Any silicone mold will work, but bone-shaped molds make them extra cute and fun.
How to Make Fennel Dog Treats
These soft treats are simple to prepare and bake evenly in molds. Here’s what to do:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F and place silicone molds on a baking sheet for stability.
- Finely chop the fennel fronds and grind the fennel seeds using a spice grinder, blender, or food processor.
- In a bowl, combine the oat flour, chopped fennel fronds, and ground fennel seeds. Stir to mix.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the applesauce and eggs.
- Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix until fully combined.
- Spoon the dough into the molds, filling each cavity evenly.
- Bake for 20 to 25 minutes.
- Remove the treats from the molds and allow them to cool completely before serving.
How to Store the Treats and How Long They Last
Store the treats in an airtight container. They will last up to 5 days at room temperature or about 1 week when refrigerated.
For longer storage, freeze them in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
Can people eat these treats?
Yes, they sure can. All of the ingredients are safe for human consumption. Try one and see what you think.
More Dog Treat Recipes
How about spoiling your dog with some more homemade treats? Oh, yes! Try these recipes:
- Anise Dog Treats
- Chamomile Dog Treats
- Chickpea Dog Treats
- Pumpkin Ginger Dog Treats
- Spirulina Dog Treats
- Sunflower Seed Dog Treats
Find lots of easy recipes for dog treats right here on Spoiled Hounds!
Fennel Dog Treats
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup chopped fennel fronds
- 1/2 teaspoon ground fennel seeds
- 2 cups oat flour
- 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 2 eggs
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F. Place silicone molds on a baking sheet.
- Finely chop fennel fronds. Grind fennel seeds in a spice grinder, blender, or food processor.
- Place the oat flour, chopped fennel fronds, and ground fennel seeds in a bowl. Stir or whisk to combine.
- Place the applesauce and eggs in a separate bowl. Stir or whisk until combined.
- Add the wet mixture to the dry ingredients and combine well.
- Spoon the dough into the molds. Bake for 20-25 minutes.
- Remove the treats from the molds and cool completely.
- Store the treats in an airtight container.
Nutrition
Serving Amount
Treats should make up no more than 10 percent of your dog’s daily calories. Consult your veterinarian if you are unsure about the right portion size.
If your dog has not had any of these ingredients before, start with a small piece to check for allergies, sensitivities, or adverse reactions.
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