Apple Cinnamon Doggie Donuts
These apple cinnamon doggie donuts are soft, flavorful and just the right size for a special treat. Made with rice flour, fresh apple and a touch of cinnamon, they are gluten-free and easy on sensitive tummies
My pack went crazy for these doggie donut treats and as they are large, were easier to give without my fingers being in danger. They were asking for more later that day too, so I need to bake another batch!
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Can Dogs Eat Donuts?
Regular donuts, especially those from stores or bakeries, often contain harmful ingredients for dogs, such as:
- Sugar: Excessive sugar can lead to obesity, diabetes, and dental problems.
- Chocolate: Some donuts may contain chocolate, which is toxic to dogs.
- Xylitol: An artificial sweetener found in some baked goods is extremely toxic to dogs.
- Fat: High-fat content can cause pancreatitis in dogs.
So, while donuts can be a fun treat for dogs, they should be specially made with dog-friendly ingredients to ensure their safety and health.
Ingredients
This is what we use to make these easy baked doggie donuts. With all of our baked dog treats, we do not use baking powder or baking soda, so the texture can be dense without these leavening agents.
- Rice Flour : A gluten-free flour that is gentle on dogs’ stomachs and provides structure to the donuts. This can be substituted with other dog friendly flours.
- Apple : Fresh and packed with fiber and natural sweetness. Core and finely grate for the recipe.
- Egg : Adds protein and acts as a binding agent to hold the donuts together.
- Apple Cider Vinegar : Aids in digestion and provides a subtle tang to enhance flavor.
- Apple Sauce: Unsweetened and dog-safe, it keeps the donuts moist and flavorful. Making your own homemade apple sauce is easy too.
- Coconut Oil : A healthy fat that gives a touch of richness and promotes a shiny coat.
- Cinnamon : A pinch adds warmth and enhances the apple flavor, making the treats even more tempting.
How to Make Apple Cinnamon Doggie Donuts
We use a silicone donut mold to make these homemade dog donuts but you could roll the dough into donut shapes too.
Mix wet and dry ingredients in separate bowls.
Add grated apple to the wet mixture.
Combine the wet and dry ingredients and work into a dough.
Place in donut molds and bake.
Recipe Tips
Grating the apple ensures that it blends well into the batter and is easy for your dog to chew. Make sure to remove the seeds and core before grating, as apple seeds contain cyanide, which is toxic in large amounts.
Rice flour is a great gluten-free option that is easy on your dog’s digestive system. It’s light and helps create soft, easily digestible treats. You can also experiment with other dog-safe flours like oat flour or coconut flour, but rice flour is the most commonly used.
Cinnamon is safe for dogs in small amounts, but if your dog has a sensitive stomach, you might want to reduce the amount or skip it altogether. Make sure it’s pure cinnamon (not cinnamon sugar) for the best results.
After baking, let the donuts cool completely before offering them to your dog. This helps them set properly and makes them safer to eat.
Storage
To extend their shelf life, store the donuts in the refrigerator. Place them in an airtight container or a sealed plastic bag to maintain freshness. Refrigerated donuts should stay good for up to 1 week.
For longer storage, freezing is the best option. Wrap the cooled donuts individually in plastic wrap or place them in a freezer-safe container or Ziploc bag. They will stay fresh for up to 3 months in the freezer. When you’re ready to serve, simply thaw them in the refrigerator or at room temperature for a few hours.
Portion Control
Make sure to adjust the size of the donuts according to your dog’s size. Larger dogs can handle bigger treats, while smaller dogs may need a smaller portion. You can also use mini donut pans or a silicone mold to create bite-sized treats.
Even though these donuts are made with safe ingredients, they should be given as an occasional treat. Overfeeding any treat—especially rich ones like donuts—can lead to obesity or upset stomachs.
More Apple Cinnamon Dog Treat Recipes
The flavor combination of apple and cinnamon are used in these other homemade dog treats.
Apple Cinnamon Doggie Donuts
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Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups rice flour
- 1 large apple
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
- 1/2 cup apple sauce
- 2 tablespoons coconut oil
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 175°C (350°F) and grease a donut pan or use silicone molds.
- Peel and grate the apple.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together rice flour and cinnamon.
- In a bowl the egg, apple cider vinegar, applesauce and melted coconut oil. Stir until smooth.
- Add the grated apple to the wet ingredient mixture.
- Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until well combined. If the dough is too dry, add some water.
- Spoon the batter into the donut pan, filling each cavity about ¾ full.
- Bake for 18-20 minutes or until firm to the touch.
- Cool completely before serving. Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week, or freeze for longer storage.
Notes
Nutrition
The information shown is an estimate provided by an online nutrition calculator.