As a dog parent, I’ve always been on the hunt for creative ways to spoil my furry friend while keeping their health in mind. These Apple and Cheese Dog Bone Pizzas are the perfect combination of playful presentation and nutritious ingredients. Plus, they’re so simple to make that you’ll find yourself looking forward to baking them just as much as your dog will enjoy eating them!
In this blog post, I’ll guide you step-by-step on how to make these adorable treats. They’re customizable, nutritious, and fun—what more could you want from a homemade dog treat?
Why Make Dog Treats at Home?
Before we dive into the recipe, let’s talk about why homemade dog treats are such a great option. Commercial treats can often be packed with preservatives, artificial flavors, and ingredients that don’t always sit well with sensitive canine tummies. By making your own treats, you can control exactly what goes into them and even tailor the recipe to your dog’s specific needs or preferences.
With wholesome ingredients like apples, cheese, and dog-friendly dough, this recipe is a shining example of a healthy snack you can feel good about giving your pup.
What You’ll Need to Make Apple and Cheese Dog Bone Pizzas
This recipe is straightforward, but it helps to have a few tools and ingredients ready:
Ingredients:
- 1 ½ cups whole wheat flour (or a gluten-free alternative if your dog is sensitive)
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- 1 egg
- ⅓ cup unsweetened applesauce (make sure it’s free from added sugars or artificial sweeteners like xylitol)
- ¼ cup water (as needed to form the dough)
- ¼ cup tomato paste (dog-safe and unsalted)
- 1 small apple, diced into small cubes
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese (low-fat and unsalted)
Tools:
- Bone-shaped cookie cutter
- Rolling pin
- Mixing bowls
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Apple and Cheese Dog Bone Pizzas
Step 1: Make the Dough
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining your baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a mixing bowl, combine the whole wheat flour and baking powder. Add the egg, applesauce, and water, mixing until a dough forms. The dough should be soft and pliable but not sticky. Add a bit more water or flour if needed to get the right consistency.
Step 2: Roll and Cut the Dough
Lightly flour your surface and roll out the dough to about ¼ inch thickness. Using your bone-shaped cookie cutter, cut out as many shapes as you can and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
Step 3: Add the Toppings
Spread a thin layer of tomato paste onto each bone-shaped piece. Be careful not to use too much, as too much tomato can be acidic for dogs.
Next, sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over the tomato paste and top with a few small apple cubes for a sweet, tangy twist.
Step 4: Bake
Bake the dog bone pizzas for 12–15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and slightly golden. Let them cool completely before serving to your dog.
Why Your Dog Will Love These Treats
What makes these treats so special? The combination of savory cheese, sweet apples, and crunchy dough creates a texture and flavor experience your dog will go crazy for. Plus, these treats are packed with nutrients:
- Apples are a great source of fiber, vitamin C, and antioxidants.
- Mozzarella cheese (in moderation) provides calcium and protein.
- Tomato paste adds a touch of flavor without harmful ingredients, as long as it’s unsalted.
Storage Tips
These treats can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. If you’d like to make a big batch, you can freeze them for up to 3 months. Just thaw them at room temperature before serving.
Other Dog Treat Ideas You’ll Love
If your pup enjoys these Apple and Cheese Dog Bone Pizzas, you might want to try some of these other recipes:
- Delicious and Nutritious Oatmeal Cookies for Dogs
- Banana and Honey Biscuits for Dogs: A Treat Your Pup Will Love
- Blueberry Pumpkin and Oatmeal Chews for Dogs
A Personal Touch
My dog, Max, absolutely loves these mini pizzas. Every time I pull out the bone-shaped cutter, his tail starts wagging uncontrollably. It’s such a joy to see him light up over something so simple. Plus, knowing I’m feeding him something wholesome makes it all the more rewarding.
Customizing Your Apple and Cheese Dog Bone Pizzas
One of the best things about this recipe is how easy it is to tweak it for your dog’s preferences or dietary needs. Here are a few ideas to make these treats uniquely perfect for your pup:
1. Switch Up the Cheese
While mozzarella is a great low-sodium option, you can experiment with other dog-friendly cheeses. Just make sure it’s low in fat and salt! Cheddar, Parmesan (in small amounts), or Swiss can add new flavors that your pup might love.
2. Add Protein Boosts
If your dog is more of a meat-lover, try adding some shredded chicken, turkey, or even bits of cooked bacon as a topping. Just make sure it’s unseasoned and free from added salt or spices.
3. Incorporate Veggie Toppings
Want to sneak in some extra nutrition? Dice up some dog-safe veggies like carrots, zucchini, or spinach, and sprinkle them on top alongside the apple cubes. Dogs love variety, and this is an easy way to provide it!
4. Grain-Free Options
If your dog is sensitive to grains, you can substitute the whole wheat flour with coconut flour, almond flour, or oat flour. Keep in mind that coconut and almond flours absorb more moisture, so you may need to adjust the water content to ensure the dough isn’t too dry.
Safety Tips for Dog Treat Ingredients
When cooking for your furry friend, it’s crucial to use dog-safe ingredients and avoid harmful foods. Here are a few reminders:
- Avoid harmful additives in tomato paste. Make sure the tomato paste is unsalted and free from garlic, onion, or other seasonings.
- Watch cheese portions. While cheese is a great treat in moderation, too much can upset your dog’s stomach.
- Careful with apples. While apples are healthy, always remove seeds and the core, as they contain trace amounts of cyanide.
Bonding in the Kitchen: The Joy of Homemade Dog Treats
There’s something so fulfilling about making treats for your dog. For me, it’s not just about feeding Max—it’s about creating something special that shows him how much I care. He knows when I’m in the kitchen for him, too! The second he smells the dough, he plants himself by the oven and waits patiently (or, let’s be honest, impatiently).
If you’ve never tried baking for your dog, I can’t recommend it enough. It’s a simple yet meaningful way to bond with your pup. Plus, knowing exactly what’s in their treats brings peace of mind.
Other Recipes to Explore
While these Apple and Cheese Dog Bone Pizzas are a fun and creative choice, there are so many other recipes out there that your dog will love. If you’re looking to expand your homemade treat repertoire, check out these ideas:
- Pumpkin Pupsicles for Dogs – Perfect for cooling down in the summer months!
- Homemade Peanut Butter for Dogs: A Tail-Wagging Treat Your Pup Will Love – An excellent ingredient for treats or a snack on its own.
- Bull Penis Dog Treats – A high-protein treat for those adventurous pet parents.
You can find even more recipes on mydogrecipe.com or explore ideas and inspiration on Pinterest.
Final Thoughts
These Apple and Cheese Dog Bone Pizzas aren’t just treats; they’re a way to show your pup how much they mean to you. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just making an ordinary day extraordinary, your dog will undoubtedly appreciate the effort (and flavor).
Have fun baking, and don’t forget to share your creations with the rest of us dog lovers! Snap a picture of your pup enjoying their pizza and tag us on social media—we’d love to see the joy on their faces!
Happy baking!
PrintApple and Cheese Dog Bone Pizza Recipe: A Fun and Healthy Treat for Your Pup
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 12 bone-shaped treats 1x
- Diet: Low Salt
Description
Apple and Cheese Dog Bone Pizzas: A healthy and easy homemade treat with cheese and apples that your dog will love.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups whole wheat flour (or gluten-free alternative)
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- 1 egg
- ⅓ cup unsweetened applesauce
- ¼ cup water
- ¼ cup unsalted tomato paste
- 1 small apple, diced
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese (low-fat, unsalted)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a mixing bowl, combine whole wheat flour and baking powder. Add egg, applesauce, and water, mixing until a dough forms. Adjust water or flour as needed.
- Roll out the dough to ¼-inch thickness on a floured surface. Use a bone-shaped cookie cutter to cut out shapes and place them on the baking sheet.
- Spread a thin layer of unsalted tomato paste onto each dough piece.
- Top with shredded mozzarella cheese and diced apple cubes.
- Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and slightly golden. Let cool completely before serving.
Notes
- Use dog-safe unsalted tomato paste without garlic or onion.
- Cheese should be given in moderation to avoid stomach upset.
- Always remove apple seeds and core before using.
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dog Treats
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Pet Cuisine
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 treat
- Calories: 35
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 15mg
- Fat: 1g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0.3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Fiber: 0.8g
- Protein: 1.2g
- Cholesterol: 8mg
Keywords: Apple and Cheese Dog Bone Pizzas, homemade dog treats, healthy dog treats
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