It was Thanksgiving afternoon. The kitchen smelled like cinnamon, butter, and brown sugar. My dog, Juniper, sat at my feet, nose twitching, eyes locked on the apple pie cooling on the counter. She knew something delicious was happening. She wanted in.
I wanted so badly to give her a bite. But the sugar. The butter. The crust (more butter). The spices (nutmeg is toxic). I couldn’t.
Then I looked at my ingredients. Apples. Oats. Cinnamon. That’s all I needed. No sugar. No butter. No nutmeg. Just real food, transformed into something that smelled like fall and tasted like love.
I grated an apple. I mixed it with oat flour, a little coconut oil, and a whisper of cinnamon. I rolled the dough, cut it into little pie-shaped wedges, and baked them until golden.
Juniper ate her first “apple pie” treat like it was the real thing. She didn’t know there was no sugar. She didn’t know the crust wasn’t buttery. She knew that the warm, cinnamon-spiced, apple-filled biscuit in my hand tasted like everything good about Thanksgiving.
That was the day Apple Pie Dog Treats became a holiday tradition. Here’s how to make them for your good boy or girl.
Why This Recipe Is “Apple Pie” Without the Danger
The Problem with Human Apple Pie:
| Ingredient | Why It’s Bad for Dogs |
|---|---|
| Sugar | Empty calories, dental issues, blood sugar spikes |
| Butter | High fat, can cause pancreatitis |
| Nutmeg | Toxic to dogs (causes tremors, seizures) |
| All-purpose flour | Empty calories, no nutritional value |
| Lemon juice | Can upset stomachs in large amounts |
The Dog-Safe Apple Pie Solution:
| Ingredient | Benefit |
|---|---|
| Fresh apples | Natural sweetness, fiber, vitamins |
| Oat flour | Soluble fiber, gentle on digestion |
| Coconut oil | Healthy fats, shiny coat |
| Cinnamon | Anti-inflammatory, safe in small amounts |
| No sugar | Zero empty calories |
| No nutmeg | Zero toxicity risk |
The Apple Rule: Remove the core and seeds completely. Apple seeds contain amygdalin, which can release cyanide in the digestive system. Core thoroughly. Seed-free is the way to be.
The Cinnamon Rule: Use Ceylon cinnamon (“true” cinnamon) rather than Cassia cinnamon—Ceylon has lower coumarin (which can affect the liver in large amounts). ½ teaspoon per batch is safe for most dogs.
The Recipe
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Fresh apple | 1 medium | Firm variety (Honeycrisp, Fuji, Gala), peeled and grated |
| Oat flour | 1½ cups | Can make your own from rolled oats |
| Coconut oil (melted) | 2 tablespoons | Unrefined, virgin |
| Cinnamon | ½ teaspoon | Ceylon cinnamon preferred |
| Water | 1-2 tablespoons | As needed for dough consistency |
Yield
Approximately 20-25 small treats (1-2 inches each).
Prep time
15 minutes active. 18-22 minutes baking. Total: about 40 minutes.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Step 2: Prepare the Apple
Peel the apple completely (skin is safe, but can be tough in baked goods). Cut the apple into quarters. Remove the core and every single seed.
Grate the apple using the fine side of a box grater. You want small, almost-pulverized shreds, not long strings. One medium apple yields about ¾ to 1 cup of grated apple.
Pro tip: After grating, place the apple shreds in a clean kitchen towel and squeeze gently to remove excess moisture. Apple is very juicy. Too much juice makes the dough sticky and the treats soggy.
Step 3: Make Oat Flour (If You Don’t Have It)
Oat flour is just finely ground rolled oats. It’s easy to make at home.
Method: Add 1½ cups of rolled oats to a food processor or blender. Pulse until they become a fine powder. This takes about 30-60 seconds.
No food processor? Buy oat flour from the store. Bob’s Red Mill makes a good one.
Step 4: Mix the Dough
In a large mixing bowl, combine:
-
Grated apple (squeezed)
-
1½ cups oat flour
-
2 tablespoons melted coconut oil
-
½ teaspoon cinnamon
Mix with a wooden spoon or your hands until a stiff dough forms. The dough should hold together when pressed.
The dough test: Squeeze a small amount in your fist. It should hold together without crumbling. If it’s too dry and cracking, add water 1 teaspoon at a time. If it’s too sticky, add oat flour 1 tablespoon at a time.
Pro tip: Let the dough rest for 5 minutes after mixing. The oat flour will absorb moisture from the apple, and the dough will firm up.
Step 5: Roll and Cut
Lightly flour your work surface with oat flour. Turn out the dough. Pat it into a flat disc.
Roll the dough to ¼-inch thickness. This is the sweet spot—thick enough to hold the apple pieces, thin enough to bake through.
For “pie slice” shapes: Use a pizza cutter or knife to cut the rolled dough into small triangles (like pie slices). Or use a round cookie cutter to make circles, then cut each circle into quarters.
For traditional shapes: Use bone-shaped, star-shaped, or heart-shaped cookie cutters.
Pro tip: Roll the dough between two sheets of parchment paper. Apple dough can be sticky. Parchment prevents sticking and makes cleanup instant.
Step 6: Bake
Place treats on the prepared baking sheet, spaced about ½ inch apart. These treats do not spread much.
Bake at 350°F for 18-22 minutes. Rotate the baking sheet halfway through (at the 9-11 minute mark) for even browning.
How to tell they’re done:
-
Edges are lightly golden brown
-
Treats feel firm to the touch
-
The kitchen smells like apple pie (without the guilt)
-
A toothpick inserted into the thickest treat comes out clean
-
The apple pieces have darkened slightly (normal)
Step 7: Cool Completely
Transfer treats to a wire cooling rack. Cool for at least 30 minutes. Treats continue to firm up as they cool.
Do not skip this step. Warm treats trap moisture and mold faster. Cool treats are crunchier.
The “Pie Crust” Look (Optional Decoration)
For treats that really look like mini apple pies:
Before baking: Use a small round cookie cutter (2 inches). Cut out circles. Place on a baking sheet. Use a smaller round cutter (1 inch) to cut a hole in the center of half the circles (these will be the “top crusts”).
Assemble: Place a whole circle on the baking sheet. Add a small dollop of unsweetened applesauce in the center. Place a “top crust” circle (with the hole) over the applesauce. Press edges gently with a fork to seal.
Result: Mini hand pies that look like the real thing.
Storage & Shelf Life
| Storage Method | Duration | Instructions |
|---|---|---|
| Airtight container at room temperature | 1-2 weeks | Keep in a cool, dark cupboard |
| Refrigerator | 3-4 weeks | Best for humid climates |
| Freezer | 4-6 months | Place in freezer-safe bag. No thawing needed |
Pro tip: Because these treats contain fresh apple (not dried), they have a shorter room-temperature shelf life than flour-only biscuits. When in doubt, store in the refrigerator.
Recipe Variations
Variation 1: Apple Pie with Oat Crust (No Coconut Oil)
Replace coconut oil with 2 tablespoons of unsweetened applesauce. The treats will be softer and have a shorter shelf life (refrigerate only). Great for dogs who need lower fat.
Variation 2: Apple Pie with Peanut Butter Drizzle
After cooling, drizzle melted peanut butter (xylitol-free) over the treats. Let set. Peanut butter adds protein and makes these extra special for birthdays.
Variation 3: Apple Pie with Carob “Chocolate” Chips
Add 2 tablespoons of carob chips (dog-safe chocolate alternative) to the dough. Fold in with the apple. Carob adds a rich, chocolate-like flavor without toxicity.
Variation 4: Apple Pie with Turmeric (Anti-Inflammatory)
Add ½ teaspoon of turmeric powder and a pinch of black pepper to the dry ingredients. Turmeric is a natural anti-inflammatory (great for senior dogs). The pepper activates the turmeric.
Variation 5: Apple Pie with Ginger (Tummy Settler)
Add ¼ teaspoon of ground ginger to the dough. Ginger settles upset stomachs and adds warmth. The combination of apple, cinnamon, and ginger is classic.
Variation 6: Apple Pie with Coconut (Tropical Twist)
Add 2 tablespoons of unsweetened shredded coconut to the dough. Coconut adds healthy fats and a tropical flavor. Roll the treats in additional coconut before baking.
Variation 7: Soft Apple Pie Bites (For Seniors or Puppies)
Add an extra 2 tablespoons of water to the dough. Reduce baking time to 12-14 minutes. Remove treats when firm but still slightly soft. Store in the refrigerator only (5-7 days).
Variation 8: Dehydrated Apple Pie Chips (Extra Crunchy)
Roll the dough very thin (⅛ inch). Cut into small shapes. Dehydrate at 135°F for 6-8 hours, or bake at the lowest oven setting (170°F or lower) with the door cracked for 3-4 hours. The result is crispy, apple-pie-flavored chips.
Variation 9: Apple Pie “Crumb” Topping
Mix 2 tablespoons of oat flour, 1 tablespoon of coconut oil, and 1 teaspoon of cinnamon. Sprinkle over the treats before baking. This creates a crumbly “streusel” topping that looks like pie crust.
Variation 10: Apple Pie & Carrot (Extra Nutrition)
Add ¼ cup of finely grated carrot to the dough. Reduce apple to ½ cup. Carrot adds vitamin A and beautiful orange flecks. The treats will look like fall foliage.
Why Cinnamon Is Safe (And Nutmeg Is Not)
| Spice | Safe for Dogs? | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Cinnamon | ✅ Yes (in small amounts) | Anti-inflammatory, can help regulate blood sugar |
| Nutmeg | ❌ No | Contains myristicin, which causes tremors, seizures, and hallucinations |
| Clove | ⚠️ In very tiny amounts | Can cause liver issues in large amounts |
| Allspice | ⚠️ In very tiny amounts | Contains eugenol, which can be toxic in large amounts |
| Ginger | ✅ Yes | Settles stomachs, anti-inflammatory |
| Turmeric | ✅ Yes | Anti-inflammatory, antioxidant |
The Cinnamon Rule: Use Ceylon cinnamon (“true” cinnamon) rather than Cassia cinnamon. Ceylon has lower coumarin, a compound that can affect the liver in very large amounts. The amount in this recipe (½ teaspoon per batch) is safe for most dogs.
Troubleshooting Common Problems
| Problem | Likely Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| The dough is too sticky | Apple wasn’t squeezed enough | Add oat flour 1 tablespoon at a time. Next time, squeeze grated apple in a towel |
| The dough is too dry and cracking | Not enough moisture or too much flour | Add water 1 teaspoon at a time. Add 1 tablespoon of applesauce |
| Treats are soft and spongy | Too much apple moisture | Next time, squeeze apple more firmly. Bake 5 minutes longer at 325°F |
| Treats burned on the edges | Oven too hot, or the dough too thin | Lower to 325°F next time. Roll to ¼-inch (not thinner) |
| Apple pieces look dark/black | Oxidation (apples turned brown) | Harmless. To prevent, add 1 teaspoon of lemon juice to the grated apple immediately |
| The cinnamon flavor is too strong | Used too much cinnamon | Reduce to ¼ teaspoon next time. Some dogs are sensitive to strong spices |
| My dog ignores these | Unlikely, but possible | Some dogs dislike apples. Try the peanut butter drizzle variation |
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can dogs eat apple pie?
No, human apple pie is not safe for dogs. It contains sugar, butter, and often nutmeg (toxic). This homemade version uses dog-safe ingredients: fresh apples, oat flour, coconut oil, and cinnamon. No sugar, no butter, no nutmeg.
2. Is cinnamon safe for dogs?
Yes, cinnamon is safe for dogs in small amounts. It has anti-inflammatory properties and can help regulate blood sugar. Use Ceylon cinnamon (“true” cinnamon) rather than Cassia cinnamon. ½ teaspoon per batch of treats is safe for most dogs.
3. Can dogs eat raw apples?
Yes, raw apples are safe and healthy for dogs. Remove the core and seeds before feeding (seeds contain cyanide precursors). The skin is safe but can be tough to digest—peeling is optional. Apples provide vitamins A and C and fiber.
4. Can puppies eat apple pie treats?
Yes, from 4 months old. Use the soft-baked variation (bake for 12-14 minutes). Cut treats into small pieces. Puppies have sensitive digestion—start with one tiny piece and wait 24 hours before offering more. Apples are safe for puppies.
5. Can I use any type of apple for these treats?
Yes. All apple varieties are safe for dogs. Granny Smith (tart) and Gala (sweet) both work well. Softer apples (Red Delicious, Macintosh) break down more during baking and create a softer biscuit. Firmer apples (Honeycrisp, Fuji, Pink Lady) hold their texture better. Use whatever you have.
6. How do I make these treats without coconut oil?
Replace coconut oil with 2 tablespoons of unsweetened applesauce or 2 tablespoons of melted coconut butter. The treats will be slightly softer. You can also use olive oil in the same amount, but coconut oil has a better flavor profile for “apple pie.”
7. Can I add honey to these treats?
Yes, for dogs over 1 year old. Add 1 tablespoon of raw honey to the wet ingredients. Honey adds natural sweetness and antibacterial properties. Do not use for puppies under 1 year (risk of botulism). Never use honey with added xylitol.
8. How long do these treats last?
1-2 weeks in an airtight container at room temperature. 3-4 weeks in the refrigerator. 4-6 months in the freezer. Because these treats contain fresh apple, they have a shorter shelf life than flour-only biscuits. Store in the refrigerator for maximum freshness.
Final Thoughts
The Thanksgiving afternoon I made Juniper her own apple pie treats, she didn’t just get a biscuit. She got to be part of the celebration. She sat at my feet while I grated apples and measured cinnamon. She watched the oven with the same anticipation she watches my every move. When I finally set a warm, cinnamon-spiced, apple-filled treat in front of her, she ate it like it was the best thing she’d ever tasted.
That’s the magic of these treats. They’re not just food. They’re inclusion. They’re your dog getting to share in the flavors of the season without the danger. They’re the smell of apple pie filling your kitchen—and your dog’s tail wagging.
So peel that apple. Grate it fine. Measure that cinnamon. Your dog is waiting for a taste of fall, made just for them.
Now go make some apple pie magic.
