Homemade Carrot Apple Dog Treats (Easy, Crunchy & Healthy Recipe)

Homemade carrot apple dog treats are the easiest way to spoil your pup with something healthy, crunchy, and made right in your own kitchen. Your dog just heard a bag crinkle from three rooms away, didn’t they? Perfect. Let’s bake these golden little crunchies while your furry sous-chef supervises.

Why This Recipe Works

These treats bring big results with minimal effort—here’s why they’re a slam dunk:

• Short ingredient list, big crunch. Carrot, apple, flour, oats, egg. That’s it. No preservatives, no mystery powders.
• Budget-friendly. Craft a week’s worth of treats for the price of one fancy store-bought bag.
• Crunch control. Bake time tweaks texture. Go light for tender munchers, longer for biscuit-snappers.
• Customizable. Sensitive tummy? Grain-free? You’ve got options. (See the subs section.)
• Beginner-proof. If you can stir, roll, and set a timer, you can nail these.

Key tip: Fine grating keeps the dough cohesive and the treats evenly crunchy.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Line these up and pretend you have your own cooking show—apron optional, dog enthusiasm mandatory.

• 1 large carrot, finely grated — the orange crunch hero.
• 1 medium apple, peeled and grated (no seeds/core!) — natural sweetness and aroma.
• 1 cup whole wheat flour — sturdy base for structure.
• ½ cup rolled oats — texture and gentle fiber.
• 1 large egg — nature’s binder.
• 2–3 tbsp water — add just enough to pull the dough together.

Optional (choose any):

• 1 tsp honey or molasses (skip for sugar-sensitive pups)
• Pinch of cinnamon (optional, not nutmeg!)
• 1 tsp ground flaxseed for extra fiber swagger

Pro move: Blitz oats in a blender for oat flour if you prefer a smoother crumb.

Don’t have oats? Try them in these Dog Birthday Cupcakesinstead!

Step-by-Step Instructions

1) Preheat like you mean it

Set the oven to 350°F / 175°C. Don’t skip preheating. A cold oven makes pale, soft biscuits that never quite crisp. Think of this as your warm-up set.

2) Prep your produce

Peel and finely grate the apple and carrot. Squeeze out excess liquid. Crucially, ensure all apple seeds are removed, as they are toxic to dogs.

3) Dry team, assemble

In a mixing bowl, stir flour and oats together. This evenly disperses the oats, so you don’t get pockets of sawdusty bits later. Boring moment, crucial payoff.

4) Wet team joins the party

Add carrot, apple, and egg to the bowl. Stir. Drizzle in water 1 tablespoon at a time until a soft, workable dough forms. If it clings to your hands like glue, dust in a spoonful of flour.

5) Flavor flex (optional)

Stir in a tiny drizzle of honey or a pinch of cinnamon if your vet’s cool with it. Keep it minimal—dogs don’t need much sweetness, they’re here for the crunch and smell.

6) Roll it smooth

Lightly flour your counter. Roll the dough to ¼ inch (0.6 cm) thick. Thicker dough = soft middle. Thinner dough = cracker-like snap. Choose your textural destiny.

7) Cut your shapes

Use bone or paw cutters for cute factor, or go pizza-cutter squares for speed. Your dog will not grade your geometry. Keep pieces bite-size for your pup’s mouth.

8) Pan and bake

Line a sheet with parchment or a silicone mat. Space pieces slightly apart. Bake 20–25 minutes for tender-crisp; 25–30 minutes for full crunch. Rotate the pan once for even browning.

9) Bonus crunch (optional)

For milk-bone style hardness, turn the oven off, crack the door, and let treats dry inside 10–20 minutes. This low, slow finish chases off moisture without burning edges.

10) Cool completely (seriously)

Transfer to a rack and cool 100%. It locks in texture and protects little tongues. Tempting as it is, don’t rush this step—cooling = crunch.

From experience: If your kitchen’s humid, the bonus-crunch dry-out works wonders for shelf life.

Once you’ve nailed these, check out my  Grain-Free Dog Treats with Coconut Flour for an even quicker bake.

Storage Tips

Keep them crispy and ready for sit, stay, snack.

• Room temp (best for crunch): Airtight jar, up to 1 week. Tuck in a sheet of parchment to absorb stray moisture.
• Freezer (best for longevity): Zip bag, up to 2–3 months. Thaw a few at a time on the counter.
• Fridge? Skip it. The fridge invites sogginess. If you must, quickly re-crisp in a 250°F / 120°C oven for 6–8 minutes before serving.
• Travel tip: Pack in a small tin with a desiccant pack (food-safe) to protect crunch on the go.

Important: If treats ever smell odd or feel damp and gummy, toss and rebake a fresh batch.

Why Your Dog Will Love This

Let’s be honest—dogs are flavor opportunists with elite noses.

• Roasty bakery vibes. Apple + oat aroma turns even aloof puppers into kitchen shadows.
• Satisfying snap. That first crunch? Canine ASMR.
• Gentle sweetness. Apple and carrot whisper “dessert” without sugar spikes.
• Bite-size wins. Tiny pieces mean more “good dog!” moments without calorie overload.
• Made by you. Dogs somehow know when it’s homemade. It’s edible love.

Training tip: Break biscuits into pea-sized bits for rapid-fire rewards without overfeeding.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

A little sarcasm to save your batch:

• “Preheating is optional.” Rookie mistake. Enjoy your lifeless, floppy biscuits. Or… preheat.
• Leaving apple seeds in. That’s a nope—remove core and seeds every time.
• Over-hydrating the dough. If it’s sticky like paste, you’ll get spread and mush. Add flour a spoonful at a time.
• Cutting doorstops. Half-inch slabs bake up gummy. ¼ inch is your crisp sweet spot.
• Cramping the pan. Crowding traps steam = soggy bottoms. Space them out like introverts at a party.
• Serving hot. Dogs can’t blow on food. Cool completely before taste-testing.
• Forgetting portion size. Chihuahua ≠ Great Dane. Scale the treat size accordingly.

Alternatives & Substitutions

Make the recipe fit your pantry and pup:

• Flour swaps:
  • Oat flour (blend rolled oats) for a gentler digest.
  • Rice flour for lightness.
  • Coconut flour is thirsty—use less and add water slowly.
  • Almond flour works mixed 50/50 with oat for tender bites (pricey but tasty).
• Grain-free path: Try oat + almond or chickpea flour; adjust hydration as needed.
• Fruit swaps: Pear or banana stand in well. Never grapes or raisins.
• Veggie swaps: Pumpkin (fan favorite), sweet potato, or zucchini (squeeze moisture).
• Flavor nudges: A pinch of cinnamon is okay; avoid nutmeg. Fresh parsley adds bright notes and a breath-friendly vibe.
• Fat tweaks: 1 tbsp coconut oil adds aroma and a slightly richer crumb.
• Texture boosters: Mix in ground flaxseed for structure and a hint of nuttiness.

Guiding rule: When swapping flours, add water gradually and stop when the dough is soft, cohesive, and not tacky.

FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

Can I eat these too?
Sure—they’re human-safe. Just set expectations to “wholesome and plain.” Your dog will still act like you baked a five-course tasting menu.

How many can I give per day?
Treats are extras, not dinner. Small dogs: 1–2 mini pieces. Medium: 2–3. Large: 3–4. Adjust for training days by shrinking the pieces.

Can puppies have them?
Yep—break into teeny bits and introduce slowly like any new food. Always keep water nearby.

Grain-free household here—what should I use?
Go with oat + almond or chickpea flour. Start with less water; add by teaspoons until the dough just holds.

Why aren’t mine crunchy?
Likely too thick or underbaked. Roll to ¼ inch, bake on the longer end, and use the oven-off dry-out trick for 10–20 minutes.

Do they help with bad breath?
Not really, but they won’t make it worse. Add a pinch of fresh parsley if your vet’s cool with it.

Can I use silicone molds?
Absolutely. Press dough in firmly, level the tops, bake 20–25 minutes, then pop out and dry on a sheet for 5–10 more minutes for extra crisp.

Final Thoughts

You just made Homemade Carrot Apple Crunchies with real ingredients and real love. No boutique price tag. No weird additives. Just a jar of golden biscuits that make “sit” happen faster than you can say “who wants a treat?”

Keep a stash on the counter for everyday rewards, and a backup bag in the freezer for rainy-day zoomies. Shapes can be crooked, edges imperfect—your dog does not care. They care about that first snap, the cozy bakery smell, and the fact that you made this just for them. Now go make your pup’s day. 🐾

🐾 Loved this recipe? Don’t forget to save it on Pinterest so you can whip up these heart-shaped crunchies anytime your pup gives you the ‘puppy eyes’! Click the image below to pin it ⬇️

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Homemade Carrot Apple Dog Treats

Yield: About 24 small treats

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes

These homemade carrot apple dog treats are crunchy, healthy, and easy to make with just a few simple ingredients. Packed with fresh carrots, crisp apples, and whole grains, they’re a budget-friendly way to spoil your pup with wholesome snacks right from your kitchen.

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Ingredients

• 1 large carrot, grated
• 1 medium apple, grated (seeds and core removed)
• 1 cup whole wheat flour
• ½ cup rolled oats
• 1 large egg
• 2–3 tablespoons water (as needed)
• Optional: 1 teaspoon honey (only if your dog tolerates it)

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Grate carrot and apple using a box grater or food processor.

In a large bowl, mix flour and oats.

Add grated carrot, grated apple, egg, and 2 tablespoons water. Stir until a sticky dough forms. Add more water if too dry, or flour if too wet.

Lightly flour your work surface. Roll dough to about ¼-inch thick.

Cut into heart shapes (or any cutter shape you like).

Place on prepared baking sheet.

Bake for 25–30 minutes, until golden and firm.

Let cool completely before serving to your pup.

Notes

Storage: Keep in an airtight jar for 1 week, or freeze for up to 2 months.

Substitutions: Swap apple with pear, banana, or pumpkin. Use oat, rice, or coconut flour if grain-free.

Avoid: Never include apple seeds or cores, as they’re unsafe for dogs.

Tip: Make smaller shapes for tiny dogs, or bigger for large breeds.

Mistake to avoid: Don’t refrigerate — it makes treats soggy instead of crunchy.

Nutrition Information:

Yield: 12 (depending on dog size)
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 35Total Fat: 0.7gCarbohydrates: 6gFiber: 1gSugar: 1gProtein: 1g