Ingredients
1. **2 whole medium apples** Fresh Crisp Red Apples — *(Must remove core, stem, and all seeds entirely before prep.)* — 🐾 *Benefit: Rich in dietary soluble fiber, Vitamin A, and Vitamin C for digestive and immune health.*
2. **1/2 cup** All-Natural Creamy Peanut Butter — *(Verify label strictly contains ONLY peanuts (NO xylitol or artificial sweeteners).)* — 🐾 *Benefit: Provides high-quality plant proteins, healthy fats, and Vitamin E for coat health.*
3. **1/4 cup** Fresh Whole Blueberries — *(Rinse thoroughly; can use frozen blueberries if fresh are unavailable.)* — 🐾 *Benefit: Packed with powerful antioxidants, anthocyanins, and Vitamin C to fight cellular oxidation.*
4. **1/2 cup** Unsalted Beef or Chicken Bone Broth — *(Must contain NO onions, NO garlic, and NO added sodium.)* — 🐾 *Benefit: Supports joint health with natural collagen while providing essential electrolytes and hydration.*
Instructions
Step 1: Prep and Core the Apples
Wash the apples thoroughly under cool water. Slice off the top stem area, then carefully use an apple corer or melon baller to scoop out the central core, seeds, and stem, creating a hollow deep well inside the apple while leaving the bottom intact to form a sturdy cup.
> 💡 **Pro Tip:** Ensure all tiny black seeds are completely removed, as apple seeds contain trace amounts of amygdalin (cyanide).
Step 2: Layer the Antioxidant Fruit Base
Drop 4 to 5 fresh blueberries into the bottom of each hollowed-out apple cup to create an inner surprise layer.
> 💡 **Pro Tip:** Gently press the blueberries down to plug the base so liquid broth doesn’t leak out during assembly.
Step 3: Stuff with Peanut Butter and Top with Broth
Spoon generous dollops of xylitol-free peanut butter inside the cavity, layering remaining blueberries throughout. Pour unsalted bone broth over the top until the hollow center is filled to the brim.
> 💡 **Pro Tip:** Leave 1/4 inch at the top of the apple to allow liquid expansion as the bone broth freezes.
Step 4: Freeze Solid and Serve
Place stuffed apples upright in a muffin tin or small freezer-safe container. Freeze for at least 4 hours, or overnight, until completely solid. Serve outdoors or on an easy-to-clean surface.
> 💡 **Pro Tip:** For smaller dogs, cut the frozen apple into half or quarters after freezing to ease chewing.
Daily Weight & Breed Portion Guidelines
– **Toy & Small Dogs (< 20 lbs):** 1/4 of a stuffed frozen apple per treat session (slice post-freeze).
– **Medium Dogs (20 – 50 lbs):** 1/2 of a stuffed frozen apple per treat session.
– **Large & Giant Dogs (50+ lbs):** 1 whole stuffed frozen apple treat as an occasional cooling summer snack.
– 🩺 *Veterinary Note: Treats should not exceed 10% of your dog’s daily caloric intake. Always supervise your dog while eating frozen treats.*
Storage & Shelf-Life
– **Refrigerator:** Not recommended for thawed storage as liquid will seep. Keep raw cored apples un-stuffed in fridge for up to 3 days.
– **Freezer:** Store frozen stuffed apples in an airtight freezer bag or glass container for up to 2 months.
– **Shelf-Life:** Best consumed frozen solid within 60 days of preparation.