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Apple & Cranberry Dog Dental Sticks Recipe for Fresh Breath recipe card

Apple & Cranberry Dog Dental Sticks

Homemade chewy dental sticks with apple and cranberry to help support your dog’s oral health and freshen breath.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 10 sticks
Course: Dog Treats
Cuisine: Homemade Dog Treats
Calories: 78
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Ingredients
  • 1 cup unsweetened applesauce no xylitol or added sugar
  • 1/2 cup fresh or dried cranberries unsweetened (if dried, soak in warm water and drain)
  • 2 tablespoons coconut oil melted
  • 2 tablespoons ground flaxseed
  • 1 tablespoon honey optional
  • 1 cup oat flour
  • 1 cup whole wheat flour or chickpea flour for a grain free version
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon optional

Method
 

  1. If using dried cranberries, soak them in warm water for 10 minutes, then drain well and chop roughly. If using fresh cranberries, rinse, pat dry, and chop into small pieces.
  2. Preheat the oven to 325°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  3. In a large bowl, stir together the applesauce, melted coconut oil, ground flaxseed, and honey until smooth.
  4. Add the oat flour, whole wheat flour or chickpea flour, and cinnamon to the bowl. Mix until a firm, slightly tacky dough forms, adding a small splash of water or extra flour only if needed to reach a workable dough.
  5. Scoop about 2 tablespoons of dough, press it flat in your hand, and sprinkle a few cranberry pieces along the center.
  6. Fold the dough around the cranberries and roll it between your palms into a 4 to 5 inch stick. Place the formed stick on the prepared baking sheet. Repeat with the remaining dough to make 10 sticks, spacing them slightly apart.
  7. Bake for 35 to 40 minutes, until the sticks are firm and lightly golden on the edges.
  8. Turn off the oven and let the sticks sit inside for 10 minutes for extra crunch, if desired.
  9. Transfer the sticks to a wire rack and cool completely before serving or storing.

Notes

- Always use unsweetened applesauce and unsweetened cranberries, and never use any product containing xylitol, which is toxic to dogs.
- For wheat sensitive dogs, replace the whole wheat flour with chickpea flour in equal amounts.
- Store fully cooled sticks in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 to 7 days, in the refrigerator for up to 14 days, or in the freezer for up to 2 months.
- Serve as an occasional treat, not as a meal replacement, and adjust your dog’s regular food to account for extra calories.
- For very small dogs or strong gulpers, break the sticks into smaller pieces before serving to reduce choking risk.