Give your pup a treat you can feel good about. With so many store bought snacks containing fillers and mystery additives, making your own dog treats is a simple way to ensure every bite is wholesome. These Apple & Zucchini Chew Sticks are a delicious, nutrient packed option your dog will love. Naturally sweet apples, fiber rich zucchini, and hearty oats come together to create a chewy, flavorful snack that’s as healthy as it is satisfying.
Why Choose Homemade Chew Sticks?
Homemade treats give you the power to know exactly what’s going into your dog’s snack. Many store bought options are loaded with additives, preservatives, and artificial flavors that may not be the healthiest for your furry friend. By making chew sticks at home, you can provide wholesome, nutritious, and delicious treats that are safe and truly satisfying for your pup.
Benefits of Homemade Chew Sticks for Dogs
- Natural Ingredients: Homemade treats are free from artificial fillers, preservatives, and additives just wholesome, real food.
- Customizable Nutrition: You can adjust the recipe to suit your dog’s specific dietary needs.
- Cost Effective: Making treats at home can save money compared to store bought options.
- Quality Bonding Time: Baking for your pup is a fun way to show love and spend meaningful time together.
Now, let’s get started on these tasty chew sticks!
Ingredients for Apple & Zucchini Chew Sticks
Simple, clean, and dog-friendly here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 medium zucchini, grated
- 1 medium apple, grated (seeds and core removed)
- 1½ cups oat flour (or blend rolled oats into flour)
- ½ cup rolled oats
- 1 egg
- 2 tablespoons unsweetened applesauce
- 1 tablespoon ground flaxseed (optional, for extra fiber and omega-3s)
- 1 tablespoon melted coconut oil
- Pinch of cinnamon (optional, for flavor)
Ingredient Notes & Substitutions
Coconut Oil: Supports shiny coats and healthy skin.
Zucchini: Adds fiber and hydration. You can swap with carrots or sweet potato if your dog prefers.
Apples: Provide natural sweetness and vitamins always remove seeds, as they’re toxic to dogs.
Oats & Oat Flour: Gentle on digestion and naturally gluten free.
Ground Flaxseed (Optional): Boosts fiber and omega-3 fatty acids.
How to Make Apple & Zucchini Chew Sticks
1. Preheat the Oven and Prep Ingredients
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Wash and grate the zucchini and apple, then pat them dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture.
2. Mix the Ingredients
- In a large bowl, combine the grated zucchini and apple with oat flour, rolled oats, egg, unsweetened applesauce, ground flaxseed (if using), melted coconut oil, and a pinch of cinnamon.
- Stir well until the mixture forms a sticky, dough like consistency.
- Tip: If it’s too wet, add a little more oat flour; if too dry, add a small amount of applesauce.
3. Shape the Chew Sticks
- Lightly dust a flat surface with oat flour and roll out the dough to about ½ inch thickness.
- Cut into rectangular strips roughly ½ inch wide and 4–6 inches long, or use cookie cutters for fun shapes.
4. Bake
- Place the chew sticks on the prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space between each.
- Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown.
- For extra crunch, bake an additional 5–10 minutes just watch closely to avoid burning.
5. Cool and Store
- Let the chew sticks cool completely on a wire rack so they firm up for a satisfying crunch.
- Store in an airtight container: at room temperature for up to a week, or refrigerate/freeze for longer shelf life.
Why Zucchini and Apple? A Nutritional Perspective
Zucchini: A Hydrating Superfood
Zucchini is packed with water and loaded with essential nutrients like Vitamin C, potassium, and fiber. These benefits help support hydration, digestive health, and a strong immune system. Its mild, subtle flavor also makes it a perfect ingredient for dog treats without overwhelming their taste buds.
Apple: A Naturally Sweet Boost
Apples are low in fat but high in fiber and Vitamins A and C, making them great for overall health and immune support. They add a touch of natural sweetness that dogs love. Important: Always remove the seeds, as they contain cyanide, which is toxic to dogs.
Tips for the Perfect Chew Stick
1. Adjust the Baking Time for Your Dog’s Preference
- For a crunchier treat, bake the chew sticks a little longer.
- For a softer, chewier snack, reduce the baking time slightly and allow them to cool without extra crisping.
2. Experiment with Flavors
- Customize the recipe with dog safe additions your pup loves.
- Try grated carrots, pumpkin puree, or blueberries for an extra burst of flavor and nutrients.
3. Check for Allergies
- Before introducing any new treat, make sure your dog isn’t allergic to any ingredients.
- Start with a small piece and observe their reaction to ensure it’s safe.
4. Make Treat Time Fun
- Involve your pup in the process! While they can’t help with baking, they’ll love being nearby, eagerly anticipating their delicious reward.
Pairing Chew Sticks with Other Homemade Treats
- Once you’ve mastered these Apple & Zucchini Chew Sticks, feel free to mix and match with other homemade dog treats.
- Homemade snacks are a great way to add variety to your dog’s diet, make snack time more enjoyable, and provide nutritional benefits far beyond most store bought options.
Storage and Shelf Life Tips
Homemade treats don’t contain preservatives, so proper storage is key:
- Room Temperature: Keep chew sticks in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
- Refrigeration: Extend freshness by storing in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.
- Freezing: Use an airtight, freezer-safe bag to store for up to 3 months. Thaw before serving.
The Joy of Treat Making: More Than Just Baking
Baking homemade treats isn’t just about giving your dog healthy snacks it’s a heartfelt way to show love. I still remember the first time I baked for my dog Benji. He sat in the kitchen, tail wagging and eyes wide with excitement. The joy on his face when he received that first homemade treat made every moment in the kitchen worthwhile. Treat making is a simple way to bond with your pup, creating shared moments that are just as rewarding for you as they are for them.
Healthy Apple & Zucchini Chew Sticks for Your Dog
Give your pup a treat you can feel good about. With so many store bought snacks containing fillers and mystery additives, making your own dog treats is a simple way to ensure every bite is wholesome. These Apple & Zucchini Chew Sticks are a delicious, nutrient packed option your dog will love. Naturally sweet apples, fiber rich zucchini, and hearty oats come together to create a chewy, flavorful snack that’s as healthy as it is satisfying.
Ingredients
- 1 medium zucchini, grated
- 1 medium apple, grated (seeds and core removed)
- 1½ cups oat flour (or blend rolled oats into flour)
- ½ cup rolled oats
- 1 egg
- 2 tablespoons unsweetened applesauce
- 1 tablespoon ground flaxseed (optional, for extra fiber and omega-3s)
- 1 tablespoon melted coconut oil
- Pinch of cinnamon (optional, for flavor)
Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven and Prep Ingredients
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Wash and grate the zucchini and apple, then pat them dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture.
2. Mix the Ingredients
- In a large bowl, combine the grated zucchini and apple with oat flour, rolled oats, egg, unsweetened applesauce, ground flaxseed (if using), melted coconut oil, and a pinch of cinnamon.
- Stir well until the mixture forms a sticky, dough like consistency.
- Tip: If it’s too wet, add a little more oat flour; if too dry, add a small amount of applesauce.
3. Shape the Chew Sticks
- Lightly dust a flat surface with oat flour and roll out the dough to about ½ inch thickness.
- Cut into rectangular strips roughly ½ inch wide and 4–6 inches long, or use cookie cutters for fun shapes.
4. Bake
- Place the chew sticks on the prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space between each.
- Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown.
- For extra crunch, bake an additional 5–10 minutes just watch closely to avoid burning.
5. Cool and Store
- Let the chew sticks cool completely on a wire rack so they firm up for a satisfying crunch.
- Store in an airtight container: at room temperature for up to a week, or refrigerate/freeze for longer shelf life.
Notes
Nutrition Information:
Serving Size: 1 chew stickAmount Per Serving: Calories: 80Total Fat: 3gSaturated Fat: 1,5gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 1gCholesterol: 10mgSodium: 5mgCarbohydrates: 10gFiber: 2gSugar: 1gProtein: 2g