Puppy Pretzels: A Fun & Healthy Dog Treat Recipe

Crunchy on the outside with a touch of pretzel-like softness on the inside — these Puppy Pretzels are a definite must-make. They’re fun, delicious, and filled with nutrient-rich ingredients, like gluten-free flours, all-natural applesauce, shredded carrot, and a little coconut oil. 


What’s Inside These Puppy Pretzels

Oat Flour – While oats are considered gluten-free they are sometimes grown in fields along with gluten products so there could be cross-contamination. If you want your dog eating completely gluten-free then look for oats that have the “gluten-free” label. HERE is the oat flour that I use!

Coconut Flour – Offers fiber, good fat, and protein. HERE is the coconut flour that I use!

Applesauce – When picking out the perfect applesauce to include in dog treats, take the time to read ingredient labels. Opt for a brand that is just apples. If you have a Sprouts near you then their plain applesauce is amazing (trust me)! Apples offer immune-boosting vitamins and minerals, digestive-aiding fiber, and much more. Find out more about apples for dogs in our Food Facts feature HERE!

Carrot – Categorized as a root vegetable, these orange delights are loaded with antioxidants, fiber, key vitamins, and various minerals. Carrots help support a strong immune system and, since they’re high in Beta Carotene (which the liver converts to Vitamin A), they’re famous for maintaining and improving eye health. Find out more about carrots for dogs in our Food Facts feature HERE.

Egg – While used as a binder in this recipe, eggs do offer up a nice boost of protein, amino acids, vitamins, and minerals. Find out more about eggs for dogs in our Food Facts feature HERE.

Coconut Oil – This superfood has antiviral, antibacterial, and antimicrobial properties. It’s also been linked to increased nutrient absorption and improved digestion. This stuff is so great, I wrote an entire blog post about it!


A Note On Measuring

Flour – When measuring flour, a lot of people have the urge to take their measuring cup, stick it in the flour bag, and scoop. Does that sound familiar? While it may be the easiest way to gather a cup of flour, it won’t leave you with an accurate measurement. Instead, all of my recipes use the traditional “spoon and level” method.

So:

  1. Take a spoon and fluffy up the flour so it is no longer compacted in the bag or canister.
  2. Spoon the flour into a dry measuring cup until it reaches the top.
  3. Use the back of a knife to level off the flour.
  4. Do not compact it, tap it, or press it down. Just leave it fluffy.

Applesauce – When measuring semi-liquid ingredients (like peanut butter, applesauce, pumpkin purée), you’ll want to use your dry measuring cups. Again, use the spoon and level method and then use a rubber spatula (or another utensil you have on hand) to help release the ingredient.


The Puppy Pretzels Dog Treat Recipe

Puppy Pretzels: A Fun & Healthy Dog Treat Recipe

Ingredients
  

  • cups oat flour
  • ½ cup coconut flour
  • 1 large egg
  • ½ cup applesauce
  • ¼ cup finely grated carrot, lightly measured (not packed)
  • 1 tablespoon coconut oil, slightly heaping

Instructions
 

  • Preheat oven to 325ºF. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper and set aside for later.
  • In a large mixing bowl, whisk together oat and coconut flours.
  • Add remaining wet ingredients. Using a spoon, begin mixing everything together.
  • Once you're left with crumbly bits, use your hands to knead ingredients into a dough ball. Dough should have a Play Doh-like consistency. If it's too dry, add a tiny bit more coconut oil. If dough feels wet, let rest on the counter for about 5 minutes before shaping into pretzels.
  • Pinch off a piece of the dough and use your hands to roll it into a long rope. Aim to roll your dough until it's about 1/4" thick and 10 inches long.
  • Twist into pretzels! First, form a U shape. Then, cross, twist, and fold each piece to form the pretzel shape. (Watch video above for a clear visual). Press the ends down to ensure your treat is secure.
  • Place pretzels on a baking sheet. They won't spread, but your treats shouldn't touch.
  • Bake for 20 minutes. Once the timer goes off, flip them over and bake for another 5-10 minutes. The treats should become slightly golden on the outside.
  • Let treats cool on a wire rack before feeding to your pup! Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks, or in the freezer for up to 3 months.