Caramel apples are delicious, but not for dogs. Try telling that to my dogs, though – they love apples! They drool when they smell an apple or apple juice. This made me decide to create a treat made with apples that they could enjoy this fall. The great thing about homemade treats is you can modify the recipe to fit your dog’s tastes, allergies, diet, etc. There’s no reason why your pup shouldn’t be able to join in on the festivities this season!
Festive Fall Stuffed Apple Recipe
Ingredients To Make 2 Apples:
– 2 medium apples
– 2 carrots
– Non-fat plain yogurt
– Canned Pumpkin
– Peanut butter
– Optional: Honey, carob chips
You will also need:
– A sharp knife
– Measuring untinsels
– Spoon
– Mixing bowl and handheld mixer
– Parchment paper
– Plate
Make The Stuffed Apples
Step 1. Wash and cut your apples in half and cut out the core. Remember, there is arsenic in this part of the apple, so be sure to get it all.
Step 2. Fill each half of the apple with peanut butter and then put the apple back together.
*I have one dog that is not a big fan of peanut butter, so in one of the apples, I put canned pumpkin and 2 teaspoons of honey (for stickiness) instead.
Step 3. Wash and peel the skinny side of the carrot. Cut into a piece roughly 3” long. Stick into the apple where the peanut butter is (just like a stick on a candy apple).
Step 4. Place on parchment paper on a plate and freeze for roughly 2 hours.
Step 5. Using a handheld mixer, mix approximately 5 spoonfuls of plain yogurt and 3 tablespoons of pumpkin until very smooth.
*If you wish, you could also roll in crushed carob chips, for an extra fancy apple.
Step 6. Take your apples out of the freezer and dip in the yogurt, rolling them gently by the carrot stick to coat. Return to parchment paper. If needed, you can spoon yogurt and pumpkin over apple to coat thin areas.
Step 7. Freeze for at least another two hours.
Step 8. To serve, remove the apples from the freezer and give one to your dog somewhere you don’t mind him making a mess. If you have a small dog, you can slice the apple up and give him pieces over a few days—just keep it in the freezer so the yogurt won’t spoil.
Step 9. Watch your pup enjoy a safe, healthy fall treat!
