How To Make Healthy Homemade Apple Cinnamon Dog Treats

Are you tired of purchasing dog treats from the store that are loaded with preservatives and other ingredients you can't pronounce? Do you cringe whenever you tear open a new bag of those meaty treats after catching a whiff of that less-than-delightful aroma? Sure, every dog loves a snack, and we owners love to treat them to one! But how can we be sure that what we're feeding our beloved four-legged companions is healthy as well as delicious? The following tutorial will guide you through the simple task of preparing a batch of homemade apple cinnamon dog treats. (Also included for you, the health-savvy owner, is a complete list of each ingredients' nutritional benefits for your dog.) From start to finish, it only takes an hour or two to make roughly 50 treats. Nevertheless, your dog will surely enjoy these baked goodies and as their owner, you can be confident that what they're eating is good for them, too!

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Step 1: Supplies and Ingredients

Common kitchen supplies you will need include the following (some of which are shown in the first picture below):

a set of standard measuring cups
a set of standard measuring spoons
two medium-sized or large stirring bowls
a plastic or wooden stirring spoon
a standard butter knife, fork, or other straight edge
a grater
a rolling pin
a small cookie cutter
cooking spray
a large cookie sheet
an oven
a kitchen timer or clock
an oven mitt
a cooling rack
a large storage container with a lid

Ingredients and their respective measurements are listed below. Do not mix anything together yet, as this will be done in the next steps. The second picture below depicts these items.

4 cups of whole wheat flour (as well as a handful or two of some white flour which will not be added to the actual dough, but used for non-stick purposes)
1/2 of a cup of cornmeal
1 egg
2 tablespoons of vegetable oil
1 teaspoon of cinnamon
1 small apple
1 1/2 cups of water

HEALTH BENEFITS OF THESE INGREDIENTS TO YOUR DOG:

Cornmeal is found in many types of commercial dog foods. It is used for both its nutrient and fiber content, and helps a dog's digestive system run smoothly.

Eggs are an excellent source of complete protein and provide many of the essential amino acids that dogs need.

Dogs can digest a wide variety of fatty acids. Fats (like the kind in vegetable oil) deliver certain vitamins to a dog's system and are utilized as a primary source of energy. They can also keep his/her skin, paw pads, and nose in good condition.

Cinnamon is an excellent source of antioxidants, which are a basic component of canine nutrition. One teaspoon of cinnamon contains as many antioxidants as a full cup of pomegranate juice.

Complex carbohydrates include fruits (such as apples), whole grains (such as wheat flour), and vegetables. Although they take longer to digest, they supply a dog with a slow, steady stream of energy.

saturngal23 says: Feb 13, 2012. 8:03 PM

What can i replace the cornmeal with? My poor Kahlua is highly allergic to corn but these cookies sound so yummy that i really want to make them for her and her pup friends!