Windfall apples can be a dangerous snack for dogs (check out our Veg Patch Villains article here), but with Cowdray's Apple Day on the horizon are there any safe ways for our pups to enjoy the harvest bounty? 

Dehydrated apple snacks are growing in popularity, and are a healthy and tasty way to share this fruity favourite with our four-legged friends. You can even make them at home! 

Let’s peel back the facts… 

What are dehydrated apples?

Dehydrated apples are simply apples with the moisture removed, leaving behind a chewy, shelf-stable snack that’s naturally sweet and packed with fibre. They’re a hit with humans, and are paw-sitively perfect for dogs too, as long as they’re munched in moderation (no matter how tasty they are)!

These chewy slices are:

• Low in fat and calories, making them ideal for dogs watching their waistlines
• Rich in fibre, vitamin C, potassium, iron, and a host of antioxidants. Apples are excellent supporters of digestion and immune health
• Free from artificial additives, when prepared naturally (more on that later)

But, before you replace your standard treats with apple alternatives, there are a few things to keep in mind…

• The dehydration process concentrates natural sugars found in apples. While apples are undeniably nutritious, too many could lead to weight gain or upset tummies.
• Dehydrated apples can be tough, and pose a choking hazard. Always cut them into bite-sized pieces and supervise snack time, especially with small breeds.
• Some dogs may be sensitive to apples. Introduce slowly and watch for signs like itching, vomiting, or diarrhoea.

How to make apple treats

Clean and slice apples

Give your apples a wash and dry them thoroughly, there’s no need to peel them. Cut them into thin slices no thicker than ½-inch - preferably thinner. The thinner you can cut them, the faster they will dry! It is very important to remove all of the core at this stage, apple pips are toxic to dogs, so be sure that no trace is left behind.

Pat dry

Lay the slices out on kitchen roll, and pat them dry. The more moisture you can absorb at this stage, the better! This is a great way to use up the slightly crinkly apples that have been left at the bottom of the fruit bowl and may be past their juicy best… 

Prepare for dehydrating

There are many methods you can use to dehydrate apples: a dehydrator, air fryer, oven and even microwave. 

Oven:

• Preheat the oven to the lowest temperature 140°F to 170°F (60°C to 75°C) is perfect. 
• Arrange your apples on a metal cooling rack
• Keep the oven door slightly ajar (use a wooden spoon to prop it open) to allow heat to escape whilst drying the apples. 
• Dry the apples for 2-3 hours, turning them every 30 mins

Air fryer: 

• Heat your air fryer to 20°F to 140°F (50°C to 60°C).
• Arrange your apples on the metal tray, they can slightly overlap if necessary 
• Dry the apples for 15 minutes, turning them every 5 minutes
• For crispier treats, you could increase the heat to 325° for 4-5 minutes at the end of the process, but watch carefully – there’s crispy, then there’s burnt!

Dehydrator:

• Set your dehydrator to 135°F (57°C).
• Arrange your apples on the tray, with no overlap
• Put the apples in the dehydrator
• Run at this temperature for at least an hour, before reduce the temperature to 135°
• Dehydrate the apples for around 12 hours – the time will depend entirely on the juiciness of the apples at the start! 

Microwave

• Arrange your apples on a microwave-safe plate or microwave-safe tray lined with parchment paper, with no overlap
• Select the lowest power setting on your microwave, 30% power is often the lowest option.
• Microwave your apples at 30-second intervals, checking their texture after each cycle
• If you notice any slices drying quicker than others, remove them until they are all uniform

Dehydrated apples are a nutritious treat for your dog (and you!), and a lovely way to celebrate Apple Day. If stored in an airtight container, they can keep for up to a year, although it’s unlikely that these tasty treats will hang around that long! 

But remember, no matter how tasty they may be, keep snack portions small and monitor your pup’s reaction to any new foods.

Happy snacking!