These Carrot Dog Treats Are My Pup’s Favorite Crunchy Reward
When I’m looking for a treat that’s just as good for my dog as it is tasty, I reach for this carrot dog treat recipe. They’re packed with wholesome ingredients like oats, applesauce, and shredded carrots—and they bake up into crunchy little biscuits that make my pup’s tail wag with excitement every time.
The best part? I can feel good knowing exactly what’s going into them. No preservatives, no weird fillers, just honest, healthy ingredients I’d eat myself (though I’ll admit, they’re not as exciting for humans as they are for dogs). Whether I’m baking a batch for training rewards, daily snacks, or gifting to other pup parents, these carrot dog treats always hit the mark.
Why I Keep This Recipe on Repeat
Here’s why these treats have become a staple in my dog treat rotation:
- Wholesome and nutritious: Carrots are loaded with fiber and beta-carotene.
- Super easy to make: No fancy tools or equipment required.
- Budget-friendly: Way cheaper than store-bought treats.
- Dog-approved flavor and crunch: Every time I open the jar, my pup comes running.
- Perfect for gift-giving: Cute shapes and healthy ingredients make them ideal for sharing.
Ingredients You’ll Need
(Makes about 2 dozen small treats | Prep Time: 10 minutes | Bake Time: 30–35 minutes)
- 1 cup finely shredded carrots
- 1/2 cup natural applesauce (unsweetened)
- 1 egg
- 2 1/2 cups oat flour (or ground oats)
- Optional: 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon (check with your vet if your pup has sensitivities)
How I Make These Crunchy Carrot Dog Treats
1. Preheat and Prep
I start by preheating the oven to 350°F and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat.
2. Mix the Dough
In a large bowl, I combine the shredded carrots, applesauce, and egg, mixing well. Then I stir in the oat flour a little at a time until a soft dough forms. If it’s too sticky, I add a bit more flour until it’s easy to roll out.
3. Roll and Cut
On a lightly floured surface, I roll out the dough to about 1/4-inch thickness. I use mini cookie cutters (bones, hearts, paws—whatever I have on hand) to cut out the treats and place them on the baking sheet.
4. Bake Until Golden
I bake for 30–35 minutes or until the treats are golden and firm to the touch. For a crunchier texture, I sometimes leave them in the oven with the heat turned off for another 30 minutes to dry out more.
5. Cool and Store
Once they’re fully cooled, I store the treats in an airtight container. They keep well at room temp for about a week, or in the fridge for up to 3 weeks. I also freeze extras for longer storage.
My Tips for Perfect Dog Biscuits
- Grate the carrots finely: They incorporate better and create smoother dough.
- Use oat flour for gentler digestion: Great for sensitive tummies (or make your own by blitzing oats in a blender).
- Cut small shapes: These are perfect for training rewards and portion control.
- Let them cool completely: This helps the treats crisp up and keeps them fresh longer.
- Store in a cool, dry place: Moisture = mold. Always keep treats in an airtight container.
When I Make These Treats for My Pup
These carrot treats are perfect for:
- Training sessions
- Daily reward snacks
- Post-bath or vet visit “good boy” moments
- Dog birthday parties or gotcha day gifts
- Homemade gift bags for fellow dog parents
They also make great holiday or seasonal treats when I use festive cookie cutters.
FAQs From My Dog-Loving Kitchen
Q: Can I use regular flour instead of oat flour?
Yes, but oat flour is more dog-sensitive-stomach friendly. Whole wheat flour works too, but always check for allergies.
Q: Can I freeze these treats?
Absolutely. I freeze them in batches and thaw a handful at a time as needed.
Q: Can I add peanut butter?
Totally—just make sure it’s natural and xylitol-free. Swap out some of the applesauce for PB if you like.
Q: Are these safe for puppies?
Yes! They’re soft enough for teething and packed with healthy, simple ingredients. Just cut into smaller pieces.
Q: How do I know they’re fully baked?
They’ll be golden and firm to the touch. If you want extra crunch, bake longer or dry them out in the oven after baking.
Why These Carrot Dog Treats Are a Tail-Wagging Success
They’re easy, nutritious, and totally satisfying for my four-legged best friend. With just a few pantry ingredients and a little time, I can whip up a treat that feels good to give and makes my pup go absolutely wild. Whether you’re a first-time treat maker or looking to skip the store-bought stuff, these carrot dog biscuits are the perfect place to start.
These Carrot Dog Treats Are My Pup’s Favorite Crunchy Reward
Ingredients
- 1 cup finely shredded carrots
- 2 cups natural applesauce (unsweetened)
- 4 teaspoons ground cinnamon (check with your vet if your pup has sensitivities)
- 2 cups whole wheat flour
- 1/2 cup rolled oats
- 1/4 cup peanut butter (unsweetened and unsalted)
- 1/4 cup water (as needed)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, mix the shredded carrots, applesauce, and peanut butter until well combined.
- Add the whole wheat flour, rolled oats, and ground cinnamon to the mixture.
- Gradually add water until the mixture forms a dough.
- Roll out the dough on a floured surface to about 1/4 inch thickness.
- Cut into shapes using cookie cutters.
- Place the treats on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake for 30 minutes or until the treats are golden brown and crunchy.
- Allow to cool completely before serving to your pup.
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