When it comes to giving dogs a little something special, homemade treats are such a fun way to show love. These Apple Oat Doggy Donuts are a favorite because they’re wholesome, easy to make, and filled with simple ingredients dogs actually benefit from.
There’s no complicated prep and no hard-to-pronounce stuff—just a soft, tasty snack made with everyday pantry items.
And bonus, this is one of those recipes that’s great to do with kids. No fancy decorating, no fussy steps. Just mix, shape, bake, and done. Dogs love them, and families love how quick and customizable they are. Perfect for picky pups, sensitive stomachs, or just a fun weekend project.
What You’ll Need
- 1 cup oat flour (can use finely ground rolled oats)
- ½ cup unsweetened applesauce
- 1 egg
- 2 tablespoons natural peanut butter (xylitol-free)
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
- ¼ cup water (adjust as needed for dough texture)
Pro Tips
1. Go for the good peanut butter Always check that the peanut butter doesn’t contain xylitol. Even small amounts are toxic to dogs.
2. Try this with kids This is an easy weekend activity to do with little ones. They can help mix, scoop, and press the dough into the pan. No stress or mess.
3. Use a donut pan This helps shape the treats perfectly. No donut pan? Just roll the dough into small circles and poke a hole in the middle.
4. Adjust the size for smaller dogs Mini muffin pans or silicone molds work great if the pup is on the smaller side.
5. Add a simple drizzle A little warmed peanut butter or dog-safe yogurt on top can take things up a notch for birthdays or just because.
Tools You’ll Need
- Medium mixing bowl
- Measuring cups & spoons
- Mixing spoon or spatula
- Donut pan or silicone molds
- Oven
- Cooling rack
Substitutions & Variations
Out of oat flour? No problem. Rolled oats can be blitzed in a blender until fine. Or swap with whole wheat flour or coconut flour depending on what’s available.
Want to mix up the flavor? Try using mashed banana or pumpkin purée instead of applesauce. Both are dog-safe and delicious.
Need a little crunch? Finely chopped apples or shredded carrots can be folded into the dough for extra texture.
No donut pan? Just shape small round cookies and flatten them slightly. The dog won’t judge.
Make-Ahead Tips
Dough can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Just cover the bowl tightly and bring the dough to room temperature before shaping and baking. Makes things even easier on busy days.
How to Make Apple Oat Doggy Donuts
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Combine oat flour, applesauce, egg, peanut butter, and cinnamon in a mixing bowl. Stir until well combined.
- Add water slowly to help the dough come together. It should be thick but easy to scoop.
- Spoon into donut molds, filling each one about ¾ full. Press gently to smooth the tops.
- Bake for 15–20 minutes, or until donuts are firm and just starting to brown.
- Let cool completely before serving or adding optional toppings.
Nutritional Breakdown (per donut – approximate)
- Calories: 85–95
- Protein: 3g
- Fat: 4–5g
- Carbs: 10g
- Fiber: 2g
Based on standard ingredients. Nutritional value may vary depending on brands used.
Leftovers & Storage
Short-term: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. Long-term: Freeze in a zip-top bag for up to 3 months. Let thaw at room temp before serving.
FAQs
Can regular flour be used instead of oat flour?
Yes, but it’s best to stick with whole wheat or coconut flour for easier digestion.
Is cinnamon safe for dogs?
In small amounts, yes. It can even help with inflammation and freshen breath. But always skip nutmeg, which is not safe.
How often can dogs have these?
Treats should make up no more than 10% of a dog’s daily calories. One or two small donuts as a treat is perfect.
Can these be made without eggs?
Yes! A tablespoon of unsweetened applesauce or mashed banana can be used as an egg substitute.
Give Them a Try
These doggy donuts are such a sweet and simple way to treat pups to something homemade. They’re easy, kid-friendly, and made with love—which is exactly what every dog deserves.
Try them out, see how your furry friend reacts, and feel free to share how it went in the comments. Got questions? Drop those too. Always happy to help make treat time even better.
