If you’ve ever shared a bite of cheese or apple with your dog and watched their ears perk up, this recipe is sure to become a fast favorite. These Apple Cheddar Dog Treats are made with simple, wholesome ingredients that are not only dog-safe but also incredibly flavorful and satisfying.
With the natural sweetness of fresh apple and the sharp, savory flavor of cheddar cheese, these biscuits bake up golden and crisp—perfect for rewarding good behavior or treating your pup to something special. I love making these in fun shapes and keeping a jar on the counter for everyday treats. They’re easy to make, customizable for sensitivities, and definitely a crowd-pleaser in a multi-dog household.
Why Your Dog Will Love This Recipe
These crunchy treats hit all the right notes: a bit of sweetness from the apple and just enough savory sharpness from real cheddar cheese. The smell alone will have your pup circling the kitchen. They’re firm enough to help clean teeth and satisfy natural chewing instincts but made from ingredients that are gentle on digestion. Whether used for training, a daily treat, or baked into gift bags, these biscuits are sure to get some tail wags.
What You’ll Need
- 1 medium apple, peeled and finely grated
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 egg
- 2 cups whole wheat flour
- 1/4 cup rolled oats
- 1/4 cup water (more as needed)
Pro Tips
- Use a firm apple like Fuji or Honeycrisp for sweetness and texture—just make sure it’s seedless and core-free.
- Finely shred or grate cheese for easier mixing and even baking.
- Roll dough evenly to ensure consistent bake time and crunch level.
- Bake longer for extra crunch if storing at room temp, or shorter for a slightly softer bite.
- Let biscuits cool fully before storing—this helps them harden and stay fresh longer.
Tools Required
- Grater or food processor
- Mixing bowl
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Rolling pin
- Cookie cutters or knife
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Cooling rack
Substitutions and Variations
- Flour alternatives: Use oat flour or rice flour for a wheat-free version.
- No oats? Simply omit or add more flour to adjust the dough texture.
- Different cheese: Try mozzarella or a goat cheese blend if your dog can tolerate dairy.
- Egg-free: Use 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce or a flaxseed egg (1 tbsp ground flax + 3 tbsp water).
- Flavor boost: Add a pinch of turmeric or cinnamon for extra health benefits and aroma.
Make Ahead Tips
You can prepare the dough up to 48 hours ahead of baking. Wrap tightly and store in the fridge until ready to roll and cut. You can also freeze shaped raw dough on a tray, then transfer to a freezer bag and bake from frozen—just add 2–3 minutes to the baking time.
Baked treats freeze well too. Just let them cool completely before storing.
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
Step 2: Grate and Measure
Peel and grate your apple using a box grater or food processor. Measure 1 cup of shredded cheddar and set both aside.
Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients
In a mixing bowl, combine the grated apple, cheese, and egg. Stir until evenly mixed.
Step 4: Add Dry Ingredients
Add the flour and oats to the mixture and stir to form a stiff dough. Slowly add water as needed—start with 1/4 cup and adjust to make a dough that holds together but isn’t sticky.
Step 5: Roll and Cut
Roll the dough out on a floured surface to about 1/4-inch thickness. Cut into desired shapes using cookie cutters or a knife.
Step 6: Bake
Place treats on the lined baking sheet. Bake for 18–22 minutes, or until golden brown and firm. For extra crunch, bake up to 25 minutes.
Step 7: Cool and Store
Transfer the treats to a wire rack and allow them to cool completely before storing or serving.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve one or two as a daily crunchy reward
- Break into smaller pieces for training treats
- Pair with plain Greek yogurt as a “dog dessert”
- Pack into treat jars for homemade gifts
- Use for enrichment toys or puzzle feeders
Allergy-Friendly Substitutions
- Gluten-free: Use oat flour or a certified gluten-free baking blend
- Dairy-free: Omit cheese and use mashed sweet potato for texture and flavor
- Egg-free: Replace egg with applesauce or flaxseed egg
- Low-fat option: Use low-fat cheese or reduce cheese amount slightly
Leftovers and Storage
Make sure the treats are fully cooled before storing:
- Room temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week
- Refrigerator: Store for up to 2 weeks
- Freezer: Freeze in an airtight bag or container for up to 2 months
To keep biscuits crisp, you can reheat them in a 300°F oven for 5–7 minutes before serving. Avoid sealing warm treats in containers—they’ll soften.
Nutrition & Benefits
These treats are made with real, simple ingredients that offer both flavor and nutrition. Apples provide natural sweetness, dietary fiber, and vitamins A and C. Cheddar cheese adds calcium, protein, and irresistible savory flavor—but in moderation, to keep fat content in check. Whole wheat flour and oats deliver B vitamins and lasting energy, while eggs contribute protein and healthy fats.
This combination creates a treat that’s satisfying, nutrient-rich, and free from artificial additives and preservatives.
Recipe FAQ
Q: Can I use applesauce instead of grated apple?
A: Yes, just use unsweetened applesauce and adjust the flour as needed to get a workable dough.
Q: Is cheddar safe for dogs?
A: In small amounts, yes! Most dogs tolerate cheese well. Stick with natural, low-sodium varieties.
Q: Can I make these softer?
A: Reduce baking time to 12–15 minutes for a chewier treat, and store in the fridge.
Q: Are these okay for puppies?
A: Yes—just use a small cookie cutter and break into pieces if needed for smaller mouths.
Q: How many treats does this make?
A: About 20–30 treats depending on size and thickness.
Recipe Wrap-Up
These Apple Cheddar Dog Treats are simple, satisfying, and full of flavor your pup will love. With just a handful of wholesome ingredients and a few easy steps, you can bake a batch of crunchy, cheesy biscuits that are perfect for any occasion. They’re ideal for everyday treating, gift-giving, or just having on hand to make your dog’s day a little brighter.