Apple Dog Treat Recipe With Barley

This Apple Dog Treat recipe is a wholesome, natural snack containing the unique addition of barley -  an ancient grain grown since around 9,000 BC and known for its health benefits.

The combination of applesauce and cracked barley gives these treats a special flavor and texture, while also providing fiber, vitamins, and minerals.

Peanut butter and molasses add tempting flavor making these biscuits both delicious and nutritious, ensuring your dog will love them while benefiting from the wholesome ingredients.

This dough is easy to work with, and the treats come out crunchy and satisfying.

What's Best About These Dog Treats

• Natural Ingredients: Made with whole wheat flour, cracked barley, and applesauce, these treats offer real nutrition without any artificial additives.
• Rich in Fiber and Protein: The barley and peanut butter help support digestion and muscle health.
• Great Flavor: Applesauce and molasses add a naturally sweet flavor that dogs love.
• Simple to Make: This recipe comes together easily, with minimal ingredients and effort.
• Customizable Shapes: You can cut the dough into any fun shape your dog will love.

Apple Dog Treat Recipe Nutrition

When it comes to the nutrition, the ingredients in this recipe can't get much healthier for your pet. The standout powerhouse ingredient is barley.

You can use the hulled cracked variety and grind it to a finer texture if you wish or leave it as is for more crunchiness. Otherwise, barley flakes are an alternate choice.

• Hulled Cracked Barley: This whole grain is a great source of fiber, which aids in digestion, and provides essential vitamins and minerals, including B vitamins and iron. (Credible studies have suggested that Barley and its fiber content can be helpful to diabetic dogs.)
  
• Whole Wheat Flour: High in fiber, this flour supports digestive health and provides energy through complex carbohydrates.
• White Flour: Used to help with the dough's texture and consistency, white flour provides energy but is less nutritious than whole wheat.
• Applesauce: Low in calories and high in fiber, applesauce provides a boost of vitamins A and C, helping to support your dog’s immune system.
• Peanut Butter: A good source of healthy fats and protein, peanut butter helps build muscle and promotes a shiny coat.
• Molasses: Packed with iron, calcium, and potassium, molasses supports bone health and helps boost energy.
• Eggs: Eggs are a great source of protein, vitamins, and minerals, which are essential for your dog’s overall health.
• Milk: Provides calcium and protein, contributing to bone strength and muscle health.

Recipe Notes

Flour Substitutions:

This recipe is flexible so if you want, or need to modify this recipe for dietary needs, here are some flour substitutions:

• Gluten-Free Flours: Substitute the whole wheat flour and white flour with a gluten-free flour blend (such as rice flour, oat flour, or coconut flour).
• Oat Flour: This is another excellent option, which is high in fiber and gentle on your dog's digestive system.
• Almond Flour: You can also use almond flour for a grain-free option, though it may alter the texture slightly.

Recipe Variation Ideas:

• Add Carrots or Sweet Potatoes: Incorporate grated carrots or mashed sweet potatoes into the dough for added nutrition and flavor.
• Herb-Infused Biscuits: Add small amounts of dog-safe herbs like parsley or rosemary for a fresh twist.
• Cheese and Bacon: For a more indulgent treat, mix in some grated cheese and cooked bacon bits for extra flavor and protein.
• Pumpkin Spice: Substitute part of the applesauce with pure pumpkin puree and add a dash of cinnamon for a fall-inspired treat.
• You can substitute hulled barley with rolled barley or even oatmeal for a similar texture.

TIPS:

• Applesauce – Make sure the applesauce used for these treats, is plain applesauce with no added flavor or sugar. Organic is best.
  

• Extra Apple sauce can be substituted for peanut butter if desired.

• If you happen to have some whole barley grains, you can crack them yourself by using a food processor or a mortar and pestle to break them into smaller pieces.
  

• Dough can be rolled into a log and cut into 1/2" slices. Or, for training treats, cut the slices into six pieces. Be sure to adjust the baking time if you do this.

• Roll out dough and cut with a pizza cutter into squares.

• Roll dough into balls and flatten with a fork.

• For more crunchier treats, put them back in the oven, after it has been "turned off" and leave them there for a few hours or overnight.

Best Way to Store and How Long They Last:
To keep these Apple-Barley Dog Biscuits fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1-2 weeks.

If you want them to last longer, you can freeze them for up to 3 months. Just be sure to let them cool completely before storing, and freeze in smaller batches to avoid thawing and refreezing multiple times.

Serving Size for Dogs:
Serve 1-2 treats per day, depending on your dog’s size and the size you make the treats.

Main Equipment Needed:

• Mixing Bowls: For combining the dry and wet ingredients.
• Rolling Pin: To roll out the dough to the desired thickness.
• Cookie Cutters: To shape the dough into fun or traditional biscuit shapes.
• Baking Sheet: To place the cut dough for baking.
• Parchment Paper: To line the baking sheet and prevent sticking.
• Measuring Cups & Spoons: For accurate measurements of ingredients.

Non-Slip Mixing Bowls - 4 Piece
Nesting Plastic Mixing Bowl Set
with Pour Spouts and Handles

Dog Cookie Cutter Set
Dog Bone and Paw Print
Mold for Homemade Treats
Stainless Steel

For more healthy and delicious recipes to pamper your pup,  check out my recipe book in the right column.

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