Simple low-temperature baked gnaw biscuits made with kibble, applesauce, carrot, and hay for small pet enrichment.
Safety first: Offer a small taste the first time and watch your pet for any tummy upset before serving more.
Foods to avoid
Do not use any kibble or ingredients that contain added sugars, chocolate, or xylitol.
Ingredients
Instructions
Measure and crush kibble: Place the cup of kibble in a bowl and press gently with the back of a spoon until pieces are broken into smaller bits but not turned to powder.
Chop the hay: Take the half cup of hay and cut it into short pieces with kitchen shears so the strands are about half an inch long.
Add wet ingredients: Stir the applesauce and grated carrot into the kibble and hay until the mixture starts to clump together.
Adjust moisture if needed: If the mix feels too dry to hold, add the tablespoon of water a little at a time until it forms a soft but not sticky dough.
Shape the biscuits: Scoop small portions and press them into flat oval shapes about two inches long and half an inch thick, placing them on the lined sheet with space between each.
Bake at low temperature: Slide the sheet into the 200 F oven and bake for 45 minutes until the biscuits feel dry and firm to the touch.
Cool completely: Remove the sheet from the oven and let the biscuits rest on a rack until they reach room temperature before offering any to your pet.
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Tips & serving
Offer one or two biscuits at a time alongside regular meals. Major diet changes should be discussed with a veterinarian.
- Gives small pets a longer-lasting chew option they can work on with their teeth
- Turns small amounts of leftover kibble and hay into a usable treat
Storage
Substitutions
Use pumpkin puree in place of applesauce if preferred. Swap the carrot for a small amount of finely grated zucchini.
Small Pets recipe FAQ
Can Kibble Applesauce Hay Gnaws replace my pet's regular diet?
Treat it as an occasional extra, not a meal plan. Offer one or two biscuits at a time alongside regular meals. Major diet changes should be discussed with a veterinarian.
Can pets have kibble?
This recipe uses kibble in a small, pet-appropriate amount. Skip it if your pet has a known sensitivity, and read the foods-to-avoid note on this page before serving.
How long does Kibble Applesauce Hay Gnaws keep?
Keep in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. Freeze extras in a freezer bag for up to two months and thaw a few at a time.
What's the safest way to try this with my pet?
Offer a small amount beside regular food, introduce one new recipe at a time, and watch appetite, stool, skin, and behavior for a day or two.
Sources