Zucchini Apple Chews For Dogs Recipe

Zack Keithy, our author, is a certified veterinarian technician (UC Blue Ash) for over 6 years (contact him here). The articles written here are based on his expertise and experience, combined with a review by our expert vet reviewers including Dr M. Tarantino. Learn more about us here.

Looking for a chewy, healthy snack your dog will love?

These Zucchini Apple Chews are a great way to give your furry friend something tasty, nutritious, and easy to make.

With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a batch of dog-friendly chews that are both fun to chew on and beneficial for your dog’s health.

Zucchini and apple are both excellent choices for dog treats.

Zucchini is a low-calorie vegetable full of fiber, while apples provide a natural sweetness and are packed with vitamins.

Together, they create a treat that’s as delicious as it is healthy.

Whether you’re looking for a way to keep your dog entertained or want to add something nutritious to their diet, these chews are sure to become a favorite in your house.

Let’s dive into how to make them!

Why Zucchini & Apple?

Zucchini is packed with vitamins and minerals like vitamin C, potassium, and antioxidants, all of which support your dog’s overall health.

It’s also low in calories and high in fiber, which can aid in digestion and promote a healthy weight.

Apples are a great source of vitamin C, fiber, and antioxidants.

They’re also naturally sweet, making them a great option for dog treats.

Apples can help clean your dog’s teeth and provide hydration, making them a perfect addition to your dog’s diet in moderation.

These two ingredients combine perfectly in the Zucchini Apple Chews to create a tasty and healthy treat that your dog will love!

The Recipe: Zucchini Apple Chews

Ingredients:

• 1 small zucchini, grated
• 1 medium apple, peeled and finely chopped (remove seeds)
• 1 egg
• 1 cup oat flour
• 1/2 cup rolled oats
• 1 tablespoon coconut oil (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This temperature is perfect for baking chews that won’t become too hard but will still hold their shape.
2. Prepare the zucchini: Grate the zucchini finely. There’s no need to squeeze out the moisture, as the extra liquid helps to keep the chews soft. Just place the grated zucchini into a mixing bowl.
3. Prepare the apple: Peel and chop the apple, removing the core and seeds. Chop it finely to help the ingredients blend together smoothly. The sweet flavor of the apple will balance the mild taste of the zucchini.
4. Mix the ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the grated zucchini, chopped apple, and egg. Stir to combine. The egg helps bind everything together, so don’t skip it!
5. Add the dry ingredients: Gradually add the oat flour and rolled oats into the zucchini-apple mixture. Stir until the dough begins to come together. You may need to use your hands to knead the dough a bit to make sure everything is evenly incorporated.
6. Add coconut oil (optional): If you’d like to add a bit of extra healthy fat, incorporate 1 tablespoon of coconut oil into the dough. This will give the chews a bit of extra flavor and make them even more satisfying for your dog. If your dog has a sensitivity to coconut oil, feel free to skip this step.
7. Shape the chews: You can either roll the dough into small balls or flatten it out and cut it into strips. If you want a more uniform shape, you can use cookie cutters to make the chews fun and festive. Alternatively, you can roll the dough into long, chewable pieces, which your dog will love to gnaw on!
8. Bake the chews: Place the shaped dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 15-18 minutes or until the chews are golden brown around the edges. Depending on the size and shape of your chews, baking time may vary, so keep an eye on them!
9. Cool and serve: Allow the chews to cool completely before serving them to your dog. This ensures they harden properly and are safe to eat. Once cooled, they’re ready to be enjoyed!

Why Make Your Own Dog Chews?

Making your own dog chews is a great way to ensure your dog is eating healthy, high-quality snacks without any unnecessary additives or preservatives.

Here are a few reasons to consider making these Zucchini Apple Chews:

• Better Control Over Ingredients: When you make the treats yourself, you know exactly what goes into them. You can avoid any ingredients your dog might be sensitive to or any artificial chemicals that might be present in store-bought options.
• Affordable: Homemade chews are often more affordable than purchasing pre-packaged ones from the store, especially if you make a large batch and store them properly.
• Customizable: You can easily swap ingredients to fit your dog’s preferences or dietary restrictions. For example, if your dog is allergic to oats, you can try using rice flour instead.

Customization Tips

• Apple Substitutes: If your dog doesn’t like apples, you can substitute them with pears or sweet potato puree. Both are naturally sweet and safe for dogs.
• Flour Substitutes: If your dog is sensitive to oats, you can replace oat flour with rice flour or chickpea flour. Both options work well to hold the dough together.
• Herbs and Spices: Add a little extra flavor with a pinch of cinnamon (which is safe in small amounts) or parsley, which can also help freshen your dog’s breath.

How to Store Zucchini Apple Chews

Once your chews are baked and cooled, it’s time to store them properly so they stay fresh:

• Room Temperature: If your dog will eat the chews within a week, you can store them in an airtight container at room temperature.
• Refrigeration: For longer storage, place the chews in an airtight container and refrigerate them. They will last for up to 2 weeks this way.
• Freezing: If you’d like to make a large batch and store them for later, you can freeze the chews in a freezer-safe bag or container. These will last for up to 3 months. To serve, simply thaw them at room temperature.

Nutritional Information

Each chew (based on a batch of 20 treats) contains roughly:

• Calories: 40 per chew
• Protein: 1g
• Fat: 1.5g
• Fiber: 0.8g

These chews provide a great balance of vitamins, minerals, and healthy fats while being low in calories. They’re perfect for an occasional treat or training reward without derailing your dog’s diet.

Final Thoughts

These Zucchini Apple Chews are an easy-to-make, nutritious, and fun treat that your dog will love.

With simple ingredients like zucchini, apple, and oats, you can feel good about treating your dog to something wholesome.

Plus, these chews are a great way to keep your dog busy while providing them with a tasty snack that’s healthy, too.

So, grab your ingredients, head to the kitchen, and whip up a batch of these delightful chews today.

Your dog will be wagging their tail in no time!