Yummy, healthy, and easy to make! These spiced apple gummy dog treats are quick and delicious. Like most gummy treats, they’re low guilt at our place where the dogs absolutely love their gummy treats and we love that they’re getting the health benefits of quality gelatin in sneaky treat form. Shhh. Don’t tell the dogs! Follow your noses into our treat kitchen for the recipe and instructions.
Fruit, Spice, and All Things Nice
Our dogs love gummy dog treats in just about any dog-friendly flavour. Simple stock gummies are a go-to, but we also like to have a little fun with our gummies. Oli loves (LOVES) the smell of cinnamon and is a huge fan of fruity flavours, too. I decided to create an apple spice gummy recipe after watching him go wild over the cinnamon scent of Cookie + Kate’s homemade granola recipe from the Love Real Food cookbook (affiliate link) toasting in the oven. Any treat that gets old boy Oli’s “crazy eyes” is a winner in my books…
Spiced Apple Gummy Dog Treat Recipe
Gelatin Gummy Dog Treats with Applesauce and Dog-Friendly Spices
These spiced apple gummy dog treats were made in food moulds (affiliate link) as individual shaped treats, but they can also be made as set-and-slice treats in a pan. The process is the same for either method, other than slicing of course.
Treat Ingredients:
- 3/4 cup cool water or homemade (or ready-made unsalted unseasoned) stock
- 3 tbsp quality powdered gelatin
- 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce
- Sprinkle of ground ginger and/or Ceylon cinnamon (optional)
Making the Treats:
- Measure the water into a small pan.
- Sprinkle the surface with gelatin powder.
- Wait and let sit for approximately five minutes or longer for the gelatin powder to bloom / gel.
- Once the gelatin has bloomed, gently stir the mixture over low heat until the gelatin is completely dissolved. Take care not to shortcut with high temperatures or overheat. Heat can reduce the setting strength of gelatin.
- Remove from heat.
- Measure the applesauce and spices (optional) into a suitable container for mixing and pouring. Stir to combine.
- Add your prepared gelatin mixture and stir to thoroughly combine.
- Pour (or spoon) into a glass pan (cut and slice) or silicone moulds (shapes).
- Chill to set.
Gummy Dog Treat Making Tips and Tricks
- See our comprehensive post on making and storing homemade gelatin gummy dog treats for additional information.
- These treats should be kept refrigerated and can be frozen for longer storage, although freezing can affect consistency.
Recipe and Ingredient Tips and Tricks
- In my experience, 3 tbsp of gelatin powder per cup of liquid makes firm gummies. If you prefer, you can use more gelatin for added supplementation or less for a jigglier jelly treat with lower gelatin content. Individual gelatin powders may be a little stronger / weaker. Find a ratio that works for your preferences and, of course, your dog.
- In addition to being doggone delicious and fragrant, cinnamon offers some great health benefits to dogs (and people); however, it’s not suitable for everyone. Pregnant/nursing dogs in particular should not be given cinnamon. Ceylon cinnamon, also referred to as real cinnamon, is the recommended variety for dogs, if/when used.
Hungry for more tasty treats? There are all sorts of homemade dog treat ideas in our blog archives. You can use the category and tag labels to find other recipes that might be of interest or use our internal search tools to find something specific. Remember, treats (bought or homemade) are for spoiling your pup in moderation. We share ideas from treats that we’ve made ourselves for our pets, but different animals have different preferences (likes/dislikes), just like people. Some pets may have special dietary requirements and/or food allergies/intolerances. If you are ever in doubt or have questions about what’s suitable for your pet, have a chat with your trusted vet.
