These homemade dog treats with rolled oats are made with applesauce, dried apples, and peanut butter.
Your pup is going to gobble up these all-natural dog treats! And you won’t mind if they have one (or two) because you know exactly what is in them. In fact, they aren’t just delicious, they are nutritious for your dog too.
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The Best Things About These Oatmeal Treats for Dogs
There are so many things to love about these DIY dog treats. I like how easy they are to make. If you have ever made cookies, then you can make these!
I also like how they only use completely whole ingredients. I chose only the best ones that will nourish your dog. No empty calories here! I’m so excited about how nutritious they are that I’m going to share details about the health benefits before we get to the recipe.
Making oatmeal dog treats is one of the best things you can make for your dogs. You can control exactly how much of each ingredient you use and not have to worry about what’s in them.
I might be biased, but these are some of the best homemade dog treats I have ever made. They smelled so good as I baked them that I had to remind myself they are for the dogs!
The easy dog treats recipe is just a little further below. First, here’s more about the ingredients and why I chose to use them.
Benefits of Rolled Oats for Dogs
Did you know that rolled oats have lots of healthy nutrients? That’s why oatmeal treats for dogs are so good for them!
The most obvious benefit is that oatmeal is an alternative to wheat for dogs that are sensitive or gluten intolerant.
Beyond that, it also has vitamin B which helps your pet maintain a healthy coat. It’s also a good source of omega-6 fatty acids that helps keep a dog’s skin strong and healthy.
The soluble fiber in rolled oats helps dogs regulate their blood glucose levels. It also helps your pup of they are having irregular bowel movements – that fiber will keep them regular for sure!
Benefits of Apples for Dogs
Not only do apples add essential nutrients, but they add a wonderful flavor as well. Dogs love apples! Just don’t let them eat the core and seeds.
There are even more health benefits of apples for dogs! First, the vitamins are good for them. They are high in vitamins A and C – which will help your dog maintain healthy eyesight and boost their immune system.
Just like the rolled oats, apples have dietary fiber. This helps their digestive system function properly.
One surprising benefit of apples – it’s good for your dog’s oral health! It actually freshens their breath and cleans their teeth.
Oatmeal Dog Treats Recipe Ingredients
The entire list of ingredients and the step-by-step directions are in the printable recipe card, at the bottom of this post. First, I want to share some extra info about the ingredients I used in these cookie dog treats.
- Rolled oats – Rolled oats will have the most benefits. Use any type of oats except instant or steel-cut oats.
- Dried apples – Use either dried or dehydrated apples since they are the same thing. You can even use fresh ones – just make sure to chop them up really small.
- Unsweetened applesauce – Dogs do not benefit from added sugars. In fact, it could make them more at risk for obesity. Always use unsweetened ingredients in dog treats.
- Eggs – The eggs will bind the dough, and give a tiny boost of protein to the treats.
- Peanut butter – If your pet has a peanut allergy, use a different type of nut butter or sunflower butter instead. Always use nut butter with no sugar added. Do not use peanut butter that contains xylitol because it is toxic to dogs.
If you want to make organic dog treats, make sure you buy all organic ingredients.
Ingredient Notes
When you make this easy dog treats recipe, here are a few more notes to keep in mind:
You can substitute fresh apples for dried ones. Chop them into very small pieces before you add them to the batter. The type of apple isn’t as important – dogs love all kinds of apples. The most important thing is to make the apple pieces small enough to mix into the batter really well.
You can use quick-cooking oats instead of rolled oats. But note the treats will be softer and moister. Do not use instant or steel-cut oats for this recipe.
Do not use peanut butter that contains xylitol, a sweetener that is toxic to dogs.
You can use either dried or dehydrated apples in this recipe. Dried and dehydrated apples are basically the same thing. Both have been through a process to remove water.
Serving Size
How many homemade dog treats should you give your dog at once? That depends on what else they ate that day.
Dogs shouldn’t overeat too many carbs – even healthy ones from oats and apples. For this reason, I suggest only giving your spoiled hound one treat per day.
Equipment Needed
You probably have most of the kitchen items you need to make the treats. You can use any regular cookie cutters but dog-shaped ones give these treats a fun look.
- Knife
- Cutting Board
- Measuring Cups
- Mixing Bowl
- Hand Mixer
- Mixing Spoon
- Rolling Pin
- Cookie Cutters for Dog Treats and Whippet Cookie Cutters
- Nonstick Baking Sheet
- Parchment Paper or Silicone Baking Mat (if using an aluminum baking sheet)
How to Make Dog Treats with Rolled Oats
These are the recipe steps and photos of the process for making the treats. I hope they help you make this recipe! You can scroll down to the bottom of this article for a printable recipe card.
- Chop the freeze-dried apple slices into ¼-inch pieces.
- In a medium bowl, mix together the eggs, applesauce, and peanut butter.
- Add the rolled oats and chopped apples. Stir to combine well.
- Turn the dough out onto a smooth surface.
- Using your hands, squeeze and combine the ingredients until you have a flat, smooth dough.
- Flatten the dough evenly with your hands or a rolling pin to about ¼ to ½ inch thickness.
- Using a cookie cutter, cut out the dog treats and place them on a greased baking sheet or use parchment paper or a silicone mat to cover the baking sheet.
- Bake at 350°F for 15 to 20 minutes.
- Place the treats on a wire rack to cool once baked.
How to Store the Treats and How Long They Last
Store the treats in an airtight container at room temperature. They will last up to 3 weeks.
You can freeze them for up to 3 months.
Can humans eat these treats?
They sure can! Everything in the crunchy dog treats is safe for human consumption. Although people probably won’t like them. But you could give one a try and see if you like it.
Great Homemade Dog Treat Recipes
Want to make more treats for your dog? Check these out:
- Almond Flour Dog Treats
- Berry Dog Popsicles
- Blueberry Dog Treats
- Gluten Free Dog Treats
- Granola for Dogs
- Homemade Dog Gravy
- Peanut Butter Banana Dog Treats
- Chicken Jerky for Dogs
- Strawberry Dog Treats
- Whipped Cream for Dogs
Find lots of easy recipes for dog treats right here on Spoiled Hounds!
Apple Oatmeal Dog Treats
Ingredients
- 1½ cups Freeze-dried apples
- 2 Eggs
- ⅔ cup Unsweetened applesauce
- ⅓ cup Natural smooth peanut butter
- 4 cups Rolled oats
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
- Chop the freeze-dried apples into ¼-inch pieces.
- In a medium bowl, mix together the eggs, applesauce, and peanut butter. Use a hand mixer or a large spoon for this step.
- Add the rolled oats and apple pieces and stir to combine well.
- Turn the dough out onto a smooth surface.
- Using your hands, squeeze and combine the ingredients until you have a flat, smooth dough.
- Flatten the dough evenly with your hands or a rolling pin to about ¼ to ½ inch thickness.
- Using a cookie cutter, cut out the dog treats and place them on a greased baking sheet or use parchment paper or silicone mat to cover the baking sheet.
- Bake at 350 degrees for 15 to 20 minutes.
- Place the treats on a wire rack to cool once baked.
Hello. How long will these treats last?
If stored in an airtight container at room temperature, they should last for 2 to 3 weeks.
I’m going to use the 1 minute oats for a batch of cookies for my friend that has senior dogs with teeth issues. I know you said no instant oats but the 1 minutes are ok right? Thank you for the recipe Renee. Peace & happiness to you, your family & your fur babes
The 1 minute oats will be fine, just note the treats will be softer and moister. I hope your friend’s dogs enjoy the treats. My best wishes to you too!
I made these last night. They seemed too crumbly so I added a little extra applesauce. Maybe I added too much rolled oats. Either way they were delicious. I used the 1 minute oats so I can share with my friends senior dogs with bad teeth. I even tasted them! 😋
Please put a Xylitol warning about peanut butter. Some people do not know this is toxic to dogs. Thank you
I added the warning in both the post and on the recipe card. Thanks!
Ive noticed that most of the people on here dont read much, people please just comment how the recipe tastes instead of asking or mentioning things that have been writen in the page already
May want to change unsweetened peanut butter to unsweetened applesauce in “Notes” column.
Very good recipe. Always looking for something different for the granddogs!
How did you calculate the nutrition facts?
It’s done via the software that I use to make the recipe card.
Hello Renee, Thank you for the lovely recipe. Could I perhaps change the freeze dried apple with dehydrated? freeze dried apple is not easily found where I live.
Yes, you can use dehydrated apple instead of freeze-dried.
My dogs love the taste of these cookies.
I made them as per the instructions first time around and they were fabulous.
Second time I made them I put everything into the food processor incl the eggs whole : shells are good for them : and blitzed it until it was still a little rough.
I couldn’t be bothered cutting up the apples : much easier to throw the whole lot in and blitz.
Put tablespoons of the dough onto my cookie sheets and cooked as normal.
My three greys think they’re EXCELLENT.
Great to know the alternate way to make the treats! Thanks for sharing it.
Do they freeze well?
Yes they do! You can freeze them for up to 3 months.
Is there a printable copy of the recipe (listing ingredients and instructions) without all the other information
Yes, at the bottom of the post.