There’s something incredibly comforting about the smell of apples and cinnamon baking in the oven. It feels warm, familiar, and homemade and your dog notices it too. These Apple Cinnamon Dog Biscuits capture that cozy feeling in a way that’s completely safe and healthy for dogs.
Made with real apples, wholesome oats, and a gentle touch of cinnamon, these biscuits are naturally sweet without any added sugar. They’re crunchy, nourishing, and perfect for everyday treats, training rewards, or seasonal fall-inspired snacks.
If you’re looking for a homemade dog biscuit that feels special yet simple, this recipe is a wonderful addition to your dog treat collection.
Why Apples Are a Great Ingredient for Dogs
Apples are one of the safest and most commonly recommended fruits for dogs when prepared properly.
Benefits of Apples for Dogs
- Rich in fiber for digestion
- Contain vitamins A and C
- Help freshen breath naturally
- Low in fat and calories
Always remove the core and seeds before using apples in dog treats, as apple seeds contain compounds that are unsafe for dogs.
Is Cinnamon Safe for Dogs?
Yes, cinnamon is safe for dogs in very small amounts. In this recipe, it’s used only as a light flavor enhancer, not a main ingredient.
Benefits of Cinnamon (Used Sparingly)
- Adds warm aroma dogs enjoy
- Contains antioxidants
- May support circulation
A little goes a long way. Never use cinnamon essential oil or large quantities.
Why No Sugar Is Better for Dogs
Dogs don’t need added sugar in their diet. In fact, sugar can contribute to:
- Weight gain
- Dental issues
- Blood sugar spikes
- Digestive upset
This Apple Cinnamon Dog Biscuits recipe relies on natural sweetness from apples, making it a much healthier choice than store-bought biscuits.
Why Homemade Apple Cinnamon Dog Biscuits Are Better
Many commercial apple dog treats contain sweeteners, syrups, or artificial flavoring. When you bake at home, you control everything.
Homemade biscuits allow you to:
- Skip sugar completely
- Use real fruit instead of flavoring
- Adjust crunch level for your dog
- Avoid preservatives and fillers
And as a bonus, your kitchen will smell amazing while these bake.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe uses simple, dog-safe pantry ingredients.
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup finely grated apple (peeled, core and seeds removed)
- 1½ cups rolled oats (or oat flour)
- 1 cup whole wheat flour (or oat flour for sensitive dogs)
- 1 egg
- ¼ cup unsweetened applesauce
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 2–4 tablespoons water (as needed)
Optional Add-Ins (Dog-Safe)
- 1 tablespoon ground flaxseed
- 1 tablespoon pumpkin purée
💡 Use sweet apple varieties like Fuji, Gala, or Honeycrisp for better natural sweetness.
Equipment Needed
- Mixing bowl
- Grater
- Spoon or spatula
- Rolling pin
- Cookie cutters or knife
- Baking tray
- Parchment paper
- Oven
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking tray with parchment paper and set it aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Apples
Peel the apple, remove the core and seeds, then finely grate it. Measure out one cup of grated apple.
If the apple is very juicy, gently squeeze out excess liquid so the dough doesn’t become too wet.
Step 3: Prepare the Oats
Place rolled oats into a blender or food processor and pulse until they form a coarse oat flour. A slightly textured flour works well for crunchy biscuits.
Step 4: Mix the Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine:
- Grated apple
- Applesauce
- Egg
- Ground oats
- Flour
- Cinnamon
Mix until a thick dough forms. Add water one tablespoon at a time if the dough feels too dry. The dough should be firm but easy to roll.
Step 5: Roll and Cut the Dough
Lightly flour your work surface. Roll the dough out to about ¼-inch thickness.
Use dog-bone cookie cutters or cut into simple squares or rectangles. Place biscuits onto the prepared baking tray, leaving a little space between them.
Step 6: Bake Until Crunchy
Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the biscuits are firm and lightly golden around the edges.
For extra crunch, turn off the oven and let the biscuits sit inside for an additional 10–15 minutes with the door slightly open.
Step 7: Cool Completely
Remove biscuits from the oven and allow them to cool fully on a wire rack. They will continue to harden as they cool.
Never serve warm biscuits to your dog.
Serving Size Guide
Even sugar-free treats should be fed in moderation.
- Small dogs: 1 biscuit per day
- Medium dogs: 1–2 biscuits per day
- Large dogs: 2–3 biscuits per day
Treats should not exceed 10% of your dog’s daily diet.
Storage Tips
Proper storage helps maintain crunch and freshness.
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature
- Keeps fresh for 5–7 days
- Refrigerate for up to 2 weeks
- Freeze for up to 3 months
Let frozen biscuits thaw completely before serving.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- ❌ Using apple seeds or core
- ❌ Adding sugar, honey, or syrup
- ❌ Using too much cinnamon
- ❌ Overbaking until biscuits are rock-hard
Are Apple Cinnamon Dog Biscuits Safe for Puppies?
Yes, when:
- Given in small pieces
- Baked slightly softer
- Introduced gradually
For puppies, reduce baking time by a few minutes to keep biscuits easier to chew.
Easy Variations to Try
Once your dog loves this recipe, try these gentle twists:
- Apple Oat Biscuits: Skip wheat flour entirely
- Apple Pumpkin Biscuits: Add pumpkin purée
- Apple Banana Biscuits: Replace applesauce with mashed banana
These variations keep the treats exciting while staying dog-safe.
Final Thoughts
These Apple Cinnamon Dog Biscuits (No Sugar) are crunchy, wholesome, and naturally sweet without any ingredients your dog doesn’t need. They’re perfect for pet parents who want healthy homemade treats that still feel special.
Once you bake a batch, you’ll notice how quickly your dog learns the sound of the oven timer. 🍎🐕
Also read on Banana Peanut Butter Dog Treats
