Treat your dog to a delicious and healthy homemade snack with this simple recipe! These cinnamon-infused dog treats are made with natural, dog-safe ingredients and are free from any artificial additives or preservatives. The cinnamon adds a nice touch of flavor and comes with a handful of health benefits, including improved digestion and freshened breath. 🌿
🍃 Ingredients:
- 1 cup whole wheat flour (or any dog-safe flour like oat flour or rice flour)
- 1/2 cup rolled oats (unsweetened)
- 1/4 cup unsweetened apple sauce (or mashed banana for a sweet alternative)
- 1 egg
- 1/2 teaspoon Ceylon cinnamon (True Cinnamon)
- 1/4 cup water (add more if needed to get the right dough consistency)
🐾 Instructions:
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the whole wheat flour, rolled oats, and Ceylon cinnamon. Mix well to distribute the cinnamon evenly throughout the dry ingredients.
- Add wet ingredients: Crack the egg into the bowl and add the unsweetened apple sauce. Stir everything together until the mixture starts to form a dough. If the dough feels too dry, gradually add water a tablespoon at a time until the dough reaches the right consistency — it should be thick and easy to work with.
- Roll out the dough: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and roll it out to about 1/4 inch thick. You can use a rolling pin or your hands.
- Cut into shapes: Use a cookie cutter to cut the dough into fun shapes like bones, hearts, or stars — anything that will make your dog smile! If you don’t have a cookie cutter, simply cut the dough into squares or strips.
- Bake the treats: Arrange the cut-out dough shapes on the prepared baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the treats are golden brown and crisp. Baking time may vary depending on the size and thickness of the treats.
- Cool completely: Let the treats cool on a wire rack. Be sure they’re fully cooled before giving them to your dog.
🐾 Storage:
Store these delicious homemade dog treats in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week, or refrigerate them for longer freshness (up to 2 weeks). You can also freeze them for up to 3 months if you want to keep a stash of treats on hand!
🌿 Why Cinnamon is Good for Your Dog:
- Anti-inflammatory: Helps reduce inflammation, especially in senior dogs with joint pain.
- Digestive health: Soothes the stomach and promotes good digestion.
- Freshens breath: Cinnamon can reduce bad bacteria in your dog’s mouth, leading to fresher breath. 🍂
- Antioxidants: Supports your dog’s immune system, keeping them healthy and happy.
🐾 A Healthy and Tasty Treat!
These homemade cinnamon dog treats are a great way to spoil your pup with a healthy snack. The ingredients are simple, nutritious, and safe, making them the perfect choice for a natural, wholesome treat. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just because, your dog will love the taste of these delicious homemade goodies!
