Homemade Fall Treats For Dogs

Autumn is my favorite season — the crisp air, the golden leaves, and the cozy vibes. But for Ed, my goofy Labrador, fall means one thing: extra snacks after long walks through leaf-covered trails. Last year, I decided to skip store-bought treats and try making homemade fall treats for dogs . To my surprise, Ed loved them even more than his usual biscuits, and I loved knowing exactly what went into each bite.

These recipes aren’t just fun to make — they’re healthier, fresher, and can be customized to suit your dog’s taste. Below are two of our fall go-to favorites.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup rolled oats

• ½ cup unsweetened applesauce

• ½ cup grated carrot

• 1 egg

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).

2. In a bowl, mix applesauce, carrot, and egg.

3. Stir in oats until dough forms.

4. Roll into small balls or flatten into discs.

5. Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.

6. Bake for 18–20 minutes until firm.

7. Cool completely before serving.

Benefits:

• Applesauce adds fiber and natural sweetness.

• Carrots are rich in beta-carotene for eye health.

• Oats provide slow-release energy for active pups.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup mashed cooked sweet potato

• ½ cup oat flour

• ¼ cup dried cranberries (unsweetened, chopped)

• 1 tbsp coconut oil

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C).

2. Mix mashed sweet potato, oat flour, cranberries, and coconut oil in a bowl.

3. Roll dough into small logs or press into bone-shaped molds.

4. Bake for 25 minutes until chewy but not too hard.

5. Let cool before serving.

Benefits:

• Sweet potatoes are full of vitamins A & C.

• Cranberries support urinary health.

• Coconut oil promotes a shiny coat.

Homemade fall treats aren’t just festive — they’re packed with health benefits for your dog. By using natural, seasonal ingredients, you give your pup snacks that are both safe and nourishing. These treats can help with digestion, provide essential vitamins, and support your dog’s overall well-being while avoiding unnecessary fillers and additives found in store-bought options.

• Supports digestion with fiber-rich fruits like apples or pears.

• Boosts immunity thanks to vitamins A, C, and antioxidants.

• Promotes shiny coat & skin health from omega-rich seeds and oils.

• Gentle on sensitive stomachs , especially when made with simple, whole ingredients.

Here’s how each ingredient in fall dog treats helps Ed stay happy and healthy:

Even with the best recipes, a few small hiccups can happen when making homemade fall dog treats. Here’s what I’ve learned while baking for Ed, along with easy fixes to keep things stress-free:

1. Treats Come Out Too Soft or Crumbly

   • This usually happens if there’s too much moisture from ingredients like applesauce or yogurt. If Ed’s treats fall apart in your hands, don’t worry — just add a little more oat flour or ground oats to firm up the dough before baking.

   • Another trick is to bake them a few minutes longer at a slightly lower temperature so they dry out without burning.
     
     
     

2. Treats Come Out Too Hard

   • If the treats are rock solid, Ed might struggle to chew them (especially if he’s tired after a long fall walk). This often means the dough had too little moisture. Add a spoonful of water, broth, or yogurt next time.

   • You can also let hard treats soak briefly in warm water or crumble them over his dinner as a crunchy topping.
     
     
     

3. Treats Don’t Hold Their Shape

   • Seasonal add-ins like cranberries or grated carrots can sometimes make the dough spread or warp in the oven. To prevent this, chill the dough in the fridge for 20–30 minutes before shaping and baking.

   • I’ve also noticed Ed doesn’t mind if they look a little “rustic” — but if you want Instagram-worthy cookies, chilling really helps.
     
     
     

4. Treats Spoil Too Quickly

   • Because these are homemade with no preservatives, they don’t last as long as store-bought snacks. If you leave them out on the counter too long, they can get moldy (especially with yogurt or fruit-based recipes).

   • The fix: store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week, or freeze them for up to 2 months. I often freeze half the batch and take out just enough for the week, so Ed always gets fresh-tasting treats.
     
     
     

5. Dog Doesn’t Like the Flavor Right Away

   • Some dogs, like Ed, can be picky with new tastes. If your pup sniffs and walks away, don’t toss the batch yet! Sometimes it just takes a second try or a smaller bite mixed with their favorite food.

   • You can also customize the recipe — swap cranberries for blueberries, or try apple instead of carrot. Dogs have preferences just like us, and it’s all about finding their seasonal favorite.

One of the joys of making homemade fall treats is being able to switch things up depending on what’s in season or what your dog prefers. Ed may not care about presentation, but he sure knows when something smells extra good coming out of the oven. Here are a few ways to make the recipe your own:

• Swap Fruits: Instead of apples, try pears for a sweeter fall flavor, or blueberries for an antioxidant-rich twist.

• Add Veggies: Grated carrots or sweet potatoes make the treats naturally colorful and boost vitamin content.

• Change the Texture: If your dog prefers softer bites, add a spoonful of plain Greek yogurt or mashed banana to make the dough moist. For crunchier treats, bake them a little longer at a lower temperature.

• Fun Shapes: Use fall-themed cookie cutters (like leaves, pumpkins, or acorns) for festive snacks. They also look amazing in photos, which makes treat time double as a cute autumn photoshoot with your pup.

• Special Toppers: For extra fun, drizzle a thin layer of dog-safe yogurt frosting over the cooled treats. Ed absolutely loves licking the frosting first before crunching into the biscuit.

One of the biggest challenges with homemade dog treats is making sure they stay fresh. Since these fall recipes don’t have artificial preservatives, they require a little extra care. Here’s how I keep Ed’s snacks tasting their best:

• Room Temperature (Short-Term): If the weather is cool and dry, you can keep baked fall treats in an airtight container on the counter for 2–3 days. I sometimes leave a small jar on the kitchen shelf just so Ed can get one quickly after our evening walk.

• Refrigerator (Medium Storage): Most homemade fall dog treats stay fresh in the fridge for up to 7 days. Place them in a glass container or sealable bag, but let them come to room temperature before giving them to your dog — Ed doesn’t love cold treats straight from the fridge.

• Freezer (Long-Term): For bigger batches, freezing is the best option. Store treats in a freezer-safe container or bag, separating layers with parchment paper. They’ll last up to 2 months without losing flavor. When I make a large batch for Ed, I freeze most of it and just thaw 2–3 pieces at a time.

• Re-Freezing Tip: If you thaw more than your dog can eat in a day or two, it’s best not to refreeze. Instead, crumble leftovers over their food — Ed thinks it’s a gourmet topping.

Making homemade fall treats for dogs is one of the best seasonal traditions Ed and I share. It saves money, avoids preservatives, and lets me experiment with healthy, festive ingredients. Plus, nothing beats the joy on Ed’s face when he crunches into a fresh, warm bite straight from the oven. This fall, grab a mixing bowl, whip up a batch, and let your furry friend join in the seasonal fun. 🍁🐶