Chef Sarah Do you love making homemade treats for your dogs? Well, here’s a fun and easy recipe for you!
Homemade treats are always better than store bought ones and there’s nothing better than knowing your giving your dog a healthy snack.
Dogs love apple chip treats! They smell so good, it’s hard to resist eating them yourself. That’s why I created this recipe for easy apple chips you can whip up in a matter of minutes with ingredients you probably already have on hand. In fact, these apple chips are so simple to make that your kids can help out too!
This recipe makes delicious treats for your dog, and is super simple to prepare and you have three options on how to make these tasty apple chip dog treats:
- Microwave dried – if you’re in a hurry you can blast these for a quick snack.
- Oven dried – Bake them after you’ve cooked your evening meal or Sunday Roast and save energy.
- Dehydrator – dry them to perfection with this must have kitchen gadget for all home made pet food addicts. I love mine as you can do whole batches of treats and chews in one go and save time and energy. Check out this list of treats and snacks you can make with a dehydrator!
All three methods use the same basic ingredients: apples, lemon and cinnamon. You’ll might like to use an apple corer and a mandolin slicer to help you get the perfect crispy apple chips, or make them thicker for chewy apple slices.
Why you’ll love this recipe
- Apple chips are good for dog’s digestion, skin, energy levels and more
- Simple to make with the three cooking options
- You can take them with you for training ( and snacking) when on your dog walks.
Benefits of Dehydrated treats for dogs
Dehydrated apples are one of the best things you can give your four legged friend because they’re delicious and healthy. Unlike processed treats that contain all sorts of sugars, preservatives, colors and chemicals, dehydrated apple chips are made from wholesome ingredients like 100% fresh apples. Forget about adding any more sugar or preservatives to dog treats. Try these apple chips instead!
– Reduce the risk of obesity and diabetes.
– Help your pet maintain a healthy weight.
– Give your dog healthier treats that they’ll love.
Ingredients and their benefits to your dog
Apples
There are many apple benefits for dogs. Most obviously, apples are a great source of fiber. Apples also have plenty of sugar which provides energy to the body. Despite being natural, apple’s sugars are much healthier for your pup than store-bought snacks that might be made with refined sugars or other fillers. Apples are also packed with Vitamin A and Vitamin C plus antioxidants.
Cinnamon
Cinnamon is often recommended for proper insulin function, because it improves glucose tolerance (meaning that your dog will break down sugar faster and more efficiently). It can also help lower cholesterol levels in the blood. “Cinnamon has properties that may help control the type 2 diabetes,” according Dr Keith Pearson, PhD, RD from Healthline.com.
Coconut Oil
Coconut oil is an excellent source of healthy medium-chain fatty acids (MCFAs), which are easily digested and converted into energy. It’s also packed with nutrients important for your pet’s overall health, including vitamins A, B 6, E, K; amino acids; phytosterols; healthy omega fats that support the immune system and much more!
Easiest DIY Dried Apple Chip Treats Your Dog Will Love
Equipment
- Sharp Knife
- Mandoline (optional)
- Chopping Board
- Lemon squeezer
- Mixing bowl
- Baking sheet
Ingredients
- 2 whole Apple
- 1 juice Lemon
- 2 tsp Cinnamon optional
- 2 tbsp Coconut Oil optional
Instructions
- Core your apples and make sure you dispose of it and all the seeds2 whole Apple
- Slice your apples very thinly with your knife. If you have a mandolin like this then this will make it much easier to get perfect thin slices for making apple chips.
- Squeeze the juice from your lemon into a bowl and add 3tbsp of filtered water.1 juice Lemon
- Pop your apple slices into the bowl to soak in lemon juice for 5 mins which will stop them turning brown.
- Remove your slices and pop them onto some kitchen towel where can now sprinkle them with cinnamon if you'd like.2 tsp Cinnamon
- Now take your slices and depending on which method you are using spread them out on a baking sheet, or microwavable plate or in the dehydrator
- I like to drizzle a little coconut oil for extra crispiness if I'm baking them in the oven.2 tbsp Coconut Oil
Cooking Method 1: Microwave
- I have this handy gadget for making chips and crisps in the microwave which holds them vertical and stops them touching each other. Otherwise arrange them on a microwavable plate so that they are not touching. Microwave for 2-3 minutes depending on the power of your microwave. Check them at 30 second intervals. You want them crispy but not burnt! If you want to make them more chewy then cut the slices in half before microwaving and cook them for 30 seconds at a time until the desired texture is reached.
Cooking Method 2: Oven
- Bake the apple slices on a non-stick cookie sheet in the oven at 200 degrees for an hour; flip the apple slices over and bake for another hour. When finished, turn the oven off and leave the apple slices in the oven while it cools.
Cooking Method 3. Dehydrator
- Spread your apple slices out on the trays in your dehydrator. Make sure they aren't touching. Dehydrate on 60 degrees for 6-8 hours until they are crispy. You may need to turn the slices over halfway through cooking depending on your dehydrator.
Notes
- If you’re using a dehydrator then why not make these yummy Banana Chips and Chews too!
Apple Chips and Dog FAQs
Are dried apple chips good for dogs?
Apple chips are good for your dog as apple is full of antioxidants that keep their organs in shape. The apple peel can break down tartar on teeth and help protect against common dental issues.
What type of apples should you use?
There are many types of apples that you can use for this recipe. Some of the most popular types include: Granny Smith apples, Honeycrisp apples, Golden Delicious apples, Rome apple, Braeburn apple, and Jonathan apple.
Do Homemade Apple Chips for Dogs Really Save you money?
If you want an even better reason to consider making homemade dog treats, you should know just how affordable they can be. You can purchase an inexpensive dehydrator online for less than $50.00. An inexpensive product that helps both dogs and people alike get healthier by eating well.
How long will these apple chip dog treats keep?
These baked apples chips can be stored for up to one week in an airtight container at room temperature.
Can dogs eat apples every day?
Dogs can eat apples every day, according to the AKC. However, it should be no more than 10 percent of your dog’s daily calories. Apples are high in vitamins A and C, as well as fiber for your dog. They’re low in protein and fat, making them ideal for senior dogs.
What are the best baking apples for dogs?
Apple chips are best made with apple varieties that have a high pectin content, which makes the apple slices soft and chewy when cooked. Apple varieties recommended for making apple chips are Granny Smiths, Pink Lady, Braeburn and Empire apples.
What’s the best dehydrator to buy?
Dehydrators are fairly simple devices that cost between £30-50 or $50-$80.
Wrapping up
Dehydrated apple is a great way to keep animals healthy without having to feed them fake stuff with not-so-great side effects! So go ahead– make your pup some dehydrated apple snacks today and be the perfect pet parent!