Autumn at Overlook brings crisp air, golden leaves and the snap of orchard apples. It’s a season for nourishment, when simple foods like apples and cheese can support our Labradors through coat changes, shifting energy and breeding. Apples offer fiber and antioxidants[1][3], while cheese adds calcium and protein[2] for strong bones and steady growth.
Recipe: Apple & Cheese Harvest Bites
These soft-baked bites celebrate the fall harvest with apple and a touch of cheese. They’re especially useful for pregnant or lactating dams needing bone-building nutrients without excess fat. Raw honey can be added for flavor and antioxidants[4].
Ingredients:
- 1 cup unsweetened applesauce or shredded apple
- ¼ cup shredded cheese (low-fat cheddar or low-fat mozzarella)
- 1 egg
- 1¾ cups flour (oat flour or whole wheat flour — start with 1½ cups if using wheat, add as needed)
- 1 tbsp raw honey (optional, for taste)
- ½ tsp baking powder (optional, for texture)
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a baking tray with parchment.
- Mix applesauce (or shredded apple), egg, honey, cheese and flour until dough forms.
- (If using mozzarella like we did in our YouTube video, you may need 1–2 extra tablespoons of flour to balance moisture.)
- Roll into small balls or press into cookies.
- Bake 20–25 minutes until lightly golden. Cool completely before serving.
Feeding Notes
- Storage: Refrigerate up to 5 days or freeze up to 2 months.
- Serving Size: 1–2 bites for a medium Labrador. Adjust for size and activity.
- Breeder Tip: Excellent as training rewards during pregnancy and lactation, when calcium demand is high but fat intake should remain moderate.
Watch us make the recipe here:
References
- PetMD: Apples for Dogs – Benefits & Precautions
- AKC: Can Dogs Eat Cheese?
- Dogs Naturally: Quercetin in Apples for Inflammation
- GoodRx: Safe Use of Honey in Dogs
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