Description
These Carrot & Apple Crunchy Cookies are a healthy, delicious homemade treat for dogs. Made with dog-safe ingredients like rolled oats, whole wheat or oat flour, shredded carrot, and finely chopped apple, these cookies provide a nutritious snack that’s both crunchy and flavorful. Naturally sweetened with applesauce and peanut butter (xylitol-free), they’re easy to make and perfect for rewarding your furry friend.
Ingredients
Scale
Dry Ingredients
- 1 cup rolled oats (make sure they’re dog-safe and gluten-free if needed)
- 1 cup whole wheat flour (or oat flour for gluten-free)
- 1 tsp cinnamon (optional, for added flavor)
Wet Ingredients
- ½ cup shredded carrot (about 1 medium carrot)
- ½ cup finely chopped apple (peeled and cored, about 1 small apple)
- 1 large egg
- ¼ cup unsweetened applesauce
- 2 tbsp peanut butter (make sure it’s xylitol-free)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Mix the dry ingredients: In a medium-sized bowl, combine the rolled oats, whole wheat flour (or oat flour), and cinnamon if using. Stir well to evenly distribute the ingredients.
- Combine the wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg, applesauce, and peanut butter until smooth. Add in the shredded carrot and finely chopped apple, stirring until the mixture is well combined.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients: Gradually add the wet mixture to the dry ingredients, stirring continuously. Mix until a dough forms. If the dough is too sticky to handle, add a little more flour or oats to reach a firm, workable consistency.
- Roll out the dough: Lightly flour a clean surface or use parchment paper to roll out the dough to about ¼-inch thickness. Use a cookie cutter to make fun shapes or cut into small squares or rectangles suitable for your dog’s size.
- Bake the cookies: Arrange the cookies on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 1 inch apart. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until they turn golden brown and become crisp.
- Cool: Remove the cookies from the oven and transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. This ensures they firm up properly and become crunchy.
- Serve and store: Serve these crunchy cookies to your dog as a wholesome treat. Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week, or freeze for longer storage.
Notes
- Ensure the peanut butter used is xylitol-free, as xylitol is toxic to dogs.
- Use whole wheat flour unless your dog is sensitive, then substitute with oat flour for a gluten-free option.
- Adjust the dough consistency by adding more flour or oats if too sticky or wet for easy rolling and cutting.
- Always introduce new treats gradually and monitor for any adverse reactions.
- Store cookies in an airtight container to maintain freshness and crispness.
- Freezing leftover cookies can extend freshness for several weeks.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dog Treats
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Pet