Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Prepare the oven — Preheat to 325°F (165°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Prepare the zucchini — Wash and grate the zucchini. Place in a clean kitchen towel and squeeze out as much excess moisture as possible.
- Prepare the apple — Wash the apple thoroughly, remove the stem, core, and all seeds, then grate. Press with a paper towel to remove excess juice if needed.
- Combine the wet ingredients — Add the grated zucchini, grated apple, applesauce, and egg to a large mixing bowl (plus peanut butter or cinnamon, if using). Stir until evenly combined.
- Add the dry ingredients — Gradually stir in the oat flour and rolled oats until a thick, soft, slightly moist but shapeable dough forms. Add more oat flour a tablespoon at a time if too sticky.
- Shape the chew sticks — Lightly dust your work surface with oat flour and roll the dough to about ¼ inch thick. Cut into strips sized to your dog, then transfer to the baking sheet with space between each piece.
- Bake — Bake for 25–35 minutes. For softer sticks, remove once cooked through and lightly firm; for firmer ones, bake until noticeably dry and lightly golden at the edges. Judge by appearance and firmness rather than the clock alone.
- Cool completely — Cool for a few minutes on the tray, then transfer to a wire rack to cool fully before storing this firms up the texture and prevents trapped moisture.
Notes
Squeeze the zucchini well this is the most important step, since excess water makes the dough hard to handle.
Never skip removing the apple core and seeds apple seeds shouldn't be included in dog treats.
Keep the dough around ¼ inch thick for the most consistent texture; thicker dough stays moist in the center.
Texture guide: for softer sticks, keep them thicker, don't overbake, and cool fully before serving. For firmer sticks, roll thinner, remove more zucchini moisture, and bake a little longer.
These are homemade treats, not indestructible dental chews supervise dogs that swallow quickly and size pieces appropriately.
Storage: refrigerate in an airtight container and use within about 1 week, or freeze in portions for longer storage, thawing in the fridge before serving. Discard if you notice mold, odor, or excess moisture.
Substitutions: whole-wheat flour can replace oat flour if your dog tolerates wheat. Make your own oat flour by blending plain rolled oats until fine.
Start with a small piece if your dog hasn't had zucchini or apple before, and watch for digestive upset. Consult your vet before introducing to puppies or dogs with dietary restrictions or health conditions.