Making homemade treats for your dog can be especially rewarding when you want something simple with just a few ingredients. These 3-Ingredient Chickpea Apple Soft Chews were created with sensitive tummies in mind and carefully tested for a consistently soft, chewy texture that works well for older dogs, puppies, or dogs who simply prefer a gentler bite. They offer a practical, natural alternative to treats with common allergens or unnecessary additives: chickpea flour provides naturally gluten-free, plant-based protein, while apples add natural sweetness and fiber. The finished chews can be a wholesome, sensible part of your dog's diet, but treats should always make up only a small portion of daily calories. Although every ingredient here is dog-safe, talk with your veterinarian before making any significant dietary changes to be sure they suit your specific dog's health needs.
Safety first: Keep treats and extras under about 10% of your dog's daily food - the regular diet should do the heavy lifting.
Foods to avoid
Never use apples with seeds, as apple seeds contain small amounts of cyanide. Always core apples thoroughly. Do not use apple products containing xylitol, an artificial sweetener that is highly toxic to dogs. Ensure all ingredients are plain and free from added sugars, salt, or artificial preservatives.
Ingredients
Instructions
Prepare the Apple Puree: Wash the apple thoroughly, then core it and chop it into small pieces; you can leave the skin on for extra fiber, especially if you're using organic apples. Add the chopped apple to a blender or food processor and blend until completely smooth and lump-free, creating a puree that gives the chews their natural sweetness and moisture.
Combine Dry Ingredients: Measure the chickpea flour into a large mixing bowl. Chickpea flour is naturally gluten-free, offers a good source of plant-based protein, and helps give these baked treats their soft, chewy texture.
Mix the Dough: Add the prepared apple puree to the chickpea flour, then gradually pour in the water or broth, starting with 1/4 cup, and mix with a spatula or your hands until a firm, pliable dough forms. Because the apple's moisture can vary, add more liquid a tablespoon at a time if the dough is too dry and crumbly, or a sprinkle more flour if it is too sticky; the finished dough should be easy to handle without sticking to your fingers.
Roll and Shape: Lightly dust a clean work surface with a small amount of extra chickpea flour, place the dough on top, and roll it evenly to about 1/4 inch thickness with a rolling pin. Cut out the treats with small cookie cutters, such as a bone, paw, or mini-circle, or use a knife to cut small squares or rectangles for a more rustic look.
Bake the Chews: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper, then carefully transfer the cut-out treats to the sheet with a small space between each one. Bake for 20-25 minutes, until the treats feel firm to the touch but are still soft and chewy when gently squeezed; they should not become hard or crispy.
Cool Completely: Remove the baking sheet from the oven, transfer the warm chews to a wire cooling rack, and let them cool completely to room temperature. Cooling is essential for setting the texture and preventing condensation that can cause spoilage during storage, and the treats will firm up slightly while still keeping their desired softness.
Made this recipe?
Tap the paw so other pet parents know it’s worth making.
Be the first to make it
Tips & serving
These treats are intended as a supplemental snack, not a meal replacement. Offer 1-3 small chews per day, depending on your dog's size, activity level, and overall dietary needs. Always adjust your dog's main meal portions to account for treat calories to help maintain a healthy weight. Fresh water should always be available.
- Soft and chewy texture, ideal for sensitive teeth or older dogs
- Limited ingredients for dogs with dietary sensitivities
- Homemade allows control over ingredients and quality
- Naturally gluten-free with chickpea flour
- Wholesome snack as part of a balanced diet
- If your dough is too sticky, add a little more chickpea flour, a tablespoon at a time, until it is manageable.
Storage
Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
Substitutions
- Apple
You can substitute apple puree with other dog-safe fruit or vegetable purees like pumpkin puree (not pie filling) or mashed banana. The texture might vary slightly.
- Flour
While chickpea flour is key to the soft texture here, oat flour or brown rice flour could be used, but they may result in a denser or slightly different chew. Avoid wheat flour if your dog has sensitivities. Water/
- Broth
Unsweetened, unflavored plain yogurt (in small amounts) can also be used as part of the liquid, adding probiotics, but adjust liquid amount carefully.
Dogs recipe FAQ
Can Soft & Chewy 3-Ingredient Chickpea Apple Dog Treats replace my dog's regular diet?
Treat it as an occasional extra, not a meal plan. These treats are intended as a supplemental snack, not a meal replacement. Offer 1-3 small chews per day, depending on your dog's size, activity level, and overall dietary needs.
Is chickpea flour okay for dogs?
This recipe uses chickpea flour in a small, dog-appropriate amount. Skip it if your dog has a known sensitivity, and read the foods-to-avoid note on this page before serving.
How long does Soft & Chewy 3-Ingredient Chickpea Apple Dog Treats keep?
Store cooled treats in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. For longer storage, treats can be frozen in an airtight freezer bag or container for up to 2-3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
How should I introduce this treat?
Start with a taste-size portion next to your dog's usual food, and hold off on serving more until you have seen that it agrees with them.
Can I use a different type of fruit?
Yes, you can substitute apple puree with other dog-safe pureed fruits or vegetables such as pumpkin puree (ensure it is plain, not pie filling) or mashed banana. The final texture might vary slightly depending on the moisture content of the substituted ingredient.
My treats came out hard, not soft. What happened?
If your treats are hard, it is likely they were overbaked. Baking time can vary slightly between ovens. Next time, try reducing the baking time by 3-5 minutes and check for firmness. You want them firm but still pliable and soft when gently pressed.
Sources