Training sessions go through a lot of treats, so these mini nibbles are made to be tiny, crunchy and low in calories. Three ingredients get rolled into one thin sheet, scored into a grid, and baked. Once cool, they snap apart into more than 150 bite-sized rewards.
We baked and filmed this recipe in our own kitchen. Watch the video, then bake along.
Quick summary
| Recipe at a glance | |
|---|---|
| Yield | 150+ tiny bites |
| Oven | 160°C (320°F) |
| Bake time | 25-30 minutes, plus 20 minutes drying in the oven |
| Texture | Thin and crunchy |
| Best for | Reward-based training, recall practice, puppy classes |
| Storage | Up to 4 weeks in a jar at room temperature |
Ingredients
- 80 g (1/3 cup) homemade pumpkin puree, well strained
- 60 g (1/4 cup) homemade unsweetened applesauce
- 90 g (1 cup) oat flour, plus extra as needed
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 160°C (320°F).
- Mix the pumpkin puree, applesauce and oat flour into a firm, non-sticky dough. If it feels tacky, work in more oat flour 1 tablespoon at a time.
- Place the dough on a sheet of parchment paper and roll it out very thin, about 3 mm (1/8 inch).
- With a pizza cutter or chef’s knife, score the sheet into a grid of tiny 1 cm (3/8 inch) squares.
- Slide the parchment onto a baking tray and bake for 25-30 minutes, until dry and firm.
- Turn off the oven and leave the nibbles inside for 20 minutes to finish drying.
- Once completely cool, snap along the score lines into individual bites.
Tips for perfect training nibbles
- Roll it evenly. A thin, even sheet bakes at the same rate, so you won’t get soft spots in the middle and burnt corners.
- Score, don’t cut through. Scoring keeps the sheet in one piece in the oven and makes snapping easy afterwards.
- Choose your size. Larger rectangles are handy for big dogs. Keep them small for puppies and for long training sessions.
Keep an eye on the training budget
Tiny treats still add up. On a long training day, reduce your dog’s main meal slightly so treats stay under 10% of daily calories. That way you can reward generously without extra weight gain.
How to store training nibbles
Keep them in an airtight jar at room temperature for up to 4 weeks, as long as they are crunchy all the way through. Any pieces that bend instead of snap still hold moisture, so keep those in the fridge and use them within a week.
Frequently asked questions
Why use applesauce in dog treats?
Unsweetened applesauce adds moisture and a little natural sweetness, so you don’t need any oil or sugar. Use homemade or check that store-bought applesauce has no added sugar or xylitol.
How small should training treats be?
Pea-sized is ideal for most dogs. Your dog should be able to eat the reward in a second or two and get straight back to work.
Can puppies eat these?
Yes, once they are eating solid food. Introduce them slowly and keep the pieces small.
More autumn treats to try
- Pumpkin Bark-scotti with Carrot & Oats
- How to make dog-safe applesauce
- How to make homemade pumpkin puree for dogs
Want all eight recipes in one place? Download our free Homemade Autumn Dog Treats PDF.
These treats are occasional snacks, not complete meals. If your dog has diabetes, pancreatitis, kidney disease, or food allergies, check with your vet before trying a new recipe.
