Easy Carrot Apple Crunchies for Dogs Recipe
Easy Carrot Apple Crunchies are homemade dog treats combining nutritious carrots, sweet apples, and wholesome oat flour to create crunchy, tasty snacks your dog will love. These treats are simple to prepare, baked to golden perfection, and tailored to provide essential nutrients like fiber and vitamins A and C while avoiding harmful ingredients.
- Author: Ella
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 30 treats (depending on size) 1x
- Category: Wholesome Dog Treats
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Pet/Animal Food
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup grated carrots (about 2 medium carrots)
- 1 cup grated apple, core and seeds removed (about 1 large apple)
- 1 cup oat flour (or substitute with whole wheat, almond, or chickpea flour)
- 1 large egg
- ½ cup unsweetened applesauce (optional for added moisture)
Optional Add-ins
- Peanut butter (ensure xylitol-free), a small amount for flavor
- Pumpkin puree for extra fiber and taste
- Sweet potatoes as a nutritious alternative
- Prepare the Ingredients: Wash and peel the carrots and apple. Grate both using a box grater or food processor until you have approximately one cup of each.
- Mix the Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, combine the grated carrots and apple, then add the egg and oat flour (or your chosen flour). If using, mix in the unsweetened applesauce. Stir well until the mixture forms a dough-like consistency.
- Shape the Treats: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Roll out the dough on a floured surface to about ¼ inch thickness for uniform thickness, then cut into shapes using cookie cutters or simply form small bite-sized pieces by hand.
- Bake the Treats: Place the shaped treats spaced evenly on the baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for about 25 minutes, or until they turn golden brown and feel firm to the touch.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the treats from the oven and allow them to cool completely on a wire rack before serving safely to your dog.
Notes
- If the dough is too sticky, gradually add more flour until manageable.
- Ensure treats are baked thoroughly to prevent spoilage.
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature up to 1 week, refrigerate up to 2 weeks, or freeze up to 3 months.
- Avoid toxic ingredients such as chocolate, grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, and xylitol.
- Portion treats according to your dog’s size and caloric needs (small dogs: 1 treat; medium dogs: 2–3 treats; large dogs: up to 5 treats).
- Consider adding safe flavor enhancers like peanut butter or pumpkin puree for picky eaters.
- Consult your veterinarian before introducing new ingredients or if your dog has allergies.
Keywords: dog treats, homemade dog snacks, carrot apple dog treats, healthy dog treats, baked dog treats, pet snacks, easy dog recipe