DIY Fall Dog Treats

When the crisp autumn air rolls in, there’s something magical about the season — crunchy leaves underfoot, cozy evenings at home, and the smell of warm spices filling the kitchen. For me, fall has always been a season of comfort food, and I realized it could be the same for my dog, Butch. He loves being part of our family traditions, and I wanted to create something homemade, healthy, and seasonal just for him. That’s how these DIY Fall Dog Treats became a yearly ritual in our home — a way to share the coziness of autumn with my best friend.

Apples are everywhere in the fall, and they’re perfectly safe for dogs (as long as the seeds are removed). Paired with oats, they make a wholesome, crunchy snack that smells just as good baking as it tastes when Butch crunches it down.

Ingredients:

• 1 ½ cups oat flour (or finely ground oats)

• ½ cup unsweetened applesauce

• 1 egg

• ½ tsp cinnamon (optional, for aroma — use sparingly)

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).

2. Mix applesauce and egg in a bowl until smooth.

3. Add oat flour and cinnamon, stirring until dough forms.

4. Roll out the dough and cut with leaf-shaped cookie cutters for a fall vibe.

5. Bake for 18–20 minutes until golden and crisp.

6. Let cool completely before serving.

Nutrition per bite (approx.):
Calories: 25 kcal | Protein: 1 g | Fiber: 0.5 g | Fat: 0.4 g

Carrots add crunch and natural sweetness, while cranberries bring a festive, tart flavor that screams fall. Together, they create soft, chewy bites perfect for older dogs or pups that prefer gentler textures.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup finely shredded carrot

• ½ cup dried cranberries (unsweetened, chopped small)

• 1 cup oat flour

• 1 egg

• 2 tbsp plain Greek yogurt

• Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C).

2. Combine carrots, cranberries, and yogurt in a bowl.

3. Stir in egg and oat flour until dough is sticky but workable.

4. Spoon small mounds onto a parchment-lined baking sheet.

5. Bake for 15–18 minutes until firm but slightly soft in the middle.

6. Cool before serving — these smell so good you’ll be tempted to try one!

1. Nutrition per bite (approx.):Calories: 22 kcal | Protein: 0.7 g | Fiber: 0.6 g | Fat: 0.3 g

• Apples : Packed with fiber and vitamin C, supporting digestion and immunity.

• Oats : Provide lasting energy and are gentle on sensitive stomachs.

• Carrots : Great for eye health and naturally low in calories.

• Cranberries : Antioxidants that support urinary tract health.

• Treats too dry? Add a teaspoon of water or broth to the dough.

• Too sticky to roll? Dust hands and surface with a little extra oat flour.

• Dog hesitant to try cranberries? Start with a smaller amount and mix in finely chopped carrots for familiarity.

Whenever I pull out apples or carrots, Butch instantly knows something special is happening. He sits patiently by my side, tail swishing across the floor, watching my every move. Sometimes I drop a tiny carrot shred “by accident,” and he pounces like it’s the best surprise of his day. Baking these treats together has turned into our own cozy fall tradition — the kitchen warm from the oven, leaves swirling outside, and Butch waiting eagerly for that first crunchy bite.

• Room Temperature : Store baked treats in an airtight container for up to 5 days.

• Refrigerator : Keep in a sealed container for up to 2 weeks.

• Freezer : Freeze in freezer-safe bags for up to 3 months. Just thaw for a few minutes before giving one to your dog.

Fall isn’t just about pumpkin spice lattes and cozy sweaters — it’s about making memories with the ones we love, dogs included. These DIY Fall Dog Treats are healthy, festive, and easy to whip up with ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen. Watching Butch crunch into a warm apple-oat cookie or nibble on a cranberry-carrot bite makes me realize that the best part of fall isn’t just the food — it’s sharing the season’s simple joys with my furry best friend. 🍂🐾