If you’re like me and many other dog owners, you probably want to spoil your pup with tasty treats but without the questionable ingredients found in store-bought options.
I get it! Those pre-packaged treats often come with a laundry list of preservatives and additives, and let’s be honest, you’d rather make something healthier for your furry friend. That’s where homemade treats, like these Carrot Pumpkin Chews for Dogs, come in.
Not only are they easy to make, but they’re also packed with nutritious, dog-friendly ingredients that your pup will love. Today, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know to whip up these delicious chews in your own kitchen.
Let’s get started!
Why This Specific Recipe is Worth Making
These Carrot Pumpkin Chews are loaded with goodness, and when you see all the amazing health benefits that come from the key ingredients, you’ll agree this is definitely a recipe worth trying.
Health Benefits of Key Ingredients in the Treats
Carrots
Carrots are a fantastic source of beta-carotene, which your dog’s body converts into vitamin A. This vitamin is essential for good vision, especially in older dogs, and helps boost the immune system.
Carrots are also rich in fiber, which aids in digestion and keeps things running smoothly in your pup’s tummy. Plus, the natural sweetness of carrots is bound to make them irresistible to your dog, and they’re low in calories, so you don’t have to feel guilty about giving them a few extra treats!
Pumpkin
Pumpkin is another star ingredient in these chews, and it brings a wealth of benefits. High in fiber and rich in vitamins A, C, and E, pumpkin helps regulate your dog’s digestive system and can even help with mild constipation or diarrhea.
It’s also a great source of antioxidants, which help fight inflammation and keep your pup’s immune system strong. And did you know that pumpkin’s soft texture makes it easy on your dog’s tummy? It’s a win-win!
Oat Flour
For these treats, I’ve used oat flour because it’s easier on your dog’s digestive system than some other flours. It’s gluten-free, so it’s a great option for dogs with sensitivities or allergies to wheat.
Oat flour also contains essential nutrients like B vitamins, iron, and magnesium, which help support your dog’s skin, coat, and overall health. If your dog has a more sensitive stomach, oat flour will be a perfect choice for these treats.
How It’s a Simple Way to Save Money
Let’s be honest: buying store-bought treats can add up quickly, especially if you’re trying to find high-quality options. Making your own treats at home with ingredients like carrots, pumpkin, and oat flour is not only more affordable, but it also ensures you’re giving your dog something safe and nutritious.
You can batch-make these Carrot Pumpkin Chews, store them in your pantry or fridge, and have a healthy supply of treats ready to go whenever your dog needs a snack. Plus, your pup will love you even more for it!
Recipe: Carrot Pumpkin Chews for Dogs
These Carrot Pumpkin Chews are perfect for pups of all sizes. The mix of carrots and pumpkin makes them a super tasty treat, while the oat flour provides a soft yet chewy texture that’s perfect for your dog’s little teeth.
Prep Time & Cook Time
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
These treats don’t take long to make, and the cooking time is just enough for the chews to firm up and become perfectly chewable. You can have a batch of these ready in under an hour!
Tools Needed
- Mixing bowls (large enough for all the ingredients)
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper or silicone baking mat (for easy cleanup)
- Rolling pin (optional, for rolling out dough)
- A knife (for shaping the treats)
- Measuring spoons and cups
Ingredients Needed
- 1 cup cooked pumpkin (make sure it’s pure pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling)
- 1/2 cup finely grated carrots
- 1 egg (helps bind everything together)
- 2 cups oat flour (or a mix of oat flour and whole wheat flour if your dog can tolerate wheat)
- 1/4 cup peanut butter (ensure it’s xylitol-free!)
- 1 tablespoon honey (optional, for added sweetness)
Substitutions:
- If your dog is allergic to peanut butter, try using almond butter or sunflower seed butter instead.
- You can replace oat flour with chickpea flour for a higher-protein option.
- If your dog can’t have honey, you can skip it, though it does add a nice touch of sweetness.
How to Make This Recipe Step by Step
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This will ensure your treats bake evenly and come out perfectly golden.
Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the pumpkin, grated carrots, egg, peanut butter, and honey. Stir everything together until it’s smooth and well combined. The mixture should have a thick but slightly moist consistency.
Step 3: Add the Dry Ingredients
Next, add the oat flour (or your chosen flour) and mix until everything is well incorporated. If the dough feels a little too sticky, you can add a bit more flour until it reaches a dough-like consistency.
Step 4: Roll Out the Dough
Lightly flour your countertop with a bit of oat flour and roll out the dough to about 1/4-inch thickness. If you prefer, you can skip the rolling pin and simply flatten the dough with your hands.
Step 5: Cut the Treats
Flatten the dough with a roller, then use a knife and slice the dough into thin or a bit thick rectangles shapes. If you’re feeling extra creative, you can cut the dough into long strips, bend the into U shape and hold then twist the dough into from the U shapes till you finally get a twist.
Step 6: Bake
Place the cut treats on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone mat. Bake them for 25-30 minutes, or until they’re golden brown and firm to the touch. Make sure to keep an eye on them during the last few minutes to prevent over-baking.
Step 7: Let Them Cool
Once they’re done baking, let the treats cool completely before serving them to your dog. They’ll firm up as they cool, making them easier to chew and more satisfying for your pup.
Feeding Size: How to Serve the Treats
The size of each treat will depend on how big or small you cut them. As a general guideline, offer smaller treats for small dogs (about the size of a penny) and larger ones for bigger dogs (about the size of a quarter).
Always keep portion control in mind and remember to adjust based on your dog’s size, activity level, and dietary needs.
Storage Tips
Store these Carrot Pumpkin Chews in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. For longer storage, keep them in the fridge, where they’ll stay fresh for about two weeks. You can also freeze them for up to three months if you want to keep a stash for later!
Nutritional Values Estimated
- Calories per treat: ~30-50 (depending on size)
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Protein: 1g
- Fiber: 1g
- Fat: 1.5g
These treats are a great source of fiber, vitamins, and healthy fats, making them a nutritious snack for your pup!
Tips for Perfect Treats
If your treats are coming out too soft, try adding a little more flour to the dough. Conversely, if they’re too crumbly, a little extra peanut butter or pumpkin can help bind them together. Just remember to keep the dough moist, but not too wet.
Safety Notes
Always make sure the peanut butter you use doesn’t contain xylitol, as it’s toxic to dogs. Also, be cautious of any allergies your dog might have to certain ingredients.
Why These Ingredients Work for Dogs
Pumpkin and carrots are both gentle on your dog’s digestive system, and they provide a lot of healthy fiber and nutrients.
The oat flour makes the treats easy to digest and gentle on sensitive stomachs, while the peanut butter adds a tasty, protein-packed element. Together, these ingredients create a treat that’s not only delicious but also beneficial for your dog’s health.
Trouble Shooting: Recipe Didn’t Work After Following Guide Above
Sometimes, even the best of recipes can throw a curveball, right? Don’t worry; if your Carrot Pumpkin Chews didn’t turn out exactly as expected, we’ve got you covered. Here’s a list of possible reasons why things may not have gone as planned, and some tips to fix them.
Too Sticky Dough: If your dough was too sticky to work with, it could be because there’s too much moisture in your pumpkin or carrots. Try adding a little more oat flour to balance it out. If you don’t have enough flour on hand, chilling the dough for about 10-15 minutes in the fridge will help it firm up and make it easier to handle.
Dough Too Dry or Crumbly: If your dough ended up too dry or crumbly, this is usually because there wasn’t enough moisture. Add a bit more pumpkin puree or peanut butter to bind everything together. Just a spoonful or two should do the trick!
Treats Too Soft After Baking: If your chews came out softer than expected, you may not have baked them long enough. Every oven is different, so consider adding a few extra minutes to the baking time. You should also let them cool completely; they firm up as they cool.
Treats Too Hard: If your chews turned out too hard, try reducing the baking time or lowering the temperature slightly. Overbaking can make the treats too tough, especially if they’re small. If your dog has sensitive teeth, consider making larger, thicker chews for a softer texture.
With a little patience, you’ll have the perfect chews in no time!
Health Concerns: Avoiding Harmful Ingredients In This Recipe
As much as we love spoiling our dogs, we always need to keep their health in mind. Luckily, this recipe is full of nutritious, dog-friendly ingredients, but there are still some important things to consider:
Peanut Butter: Make sure the peanut butter you use is free of xylitol, which is toxic to dogs. Stick to natural peanut butter or check the ingredients list carefully. You also want to avoid added sugars or artificial sweeteners.
Flour: While oat flour is gentle on your pup’s stomach, some dogs may have sensitivities to wheat or gluten. If your dog is prone to food allergies, opt for chickpea flour or almond flour instead.
Carrots and Pumpkin: Both are perfectly safe for dogs and full of vitamins. However, make sure your pumpkin is the pure puree version, not the one with added sugar or spices. Too many carrots can sometimes cause mild stomach upset, so stick to moderate amounts.
Keeping an eye on these ingredients, you’re already on the right path to ensuring these treats are safe and healthy for your dog!
Cost: How Affordable is This Recipe?
Let’s talk about the wallet! This recipe is actually very cost-effective, especially compared to those premium dog treats you find in stores. The main ingredients—carrots, pumpkin, and oat flour—are all relatively inexpensive and easy to find. Even the peanut butter and honey are pantry staples you likely already have.
Here’s a quick breakdown of the cost:
- Carrots: A bunch of carrots costs about $1-$2, and you’ll only use a small portion of them.
- Pumpkin: A can of pure pumpkin puree costs around $2, and you’ll use about half for this recipe.
- Oat Flour: A bag of oat flour costs around $4, and it will last you through several batches.
- Peanut Butter: A jar of peanut butter will cost around $3, and you’ll use a tablespoon or so per batch.
You can make a large batch of chews for just a few dollars, and your dog will love them for weeks. Plus, homemade treats are far cheaper than buying pre-packaged options!
Convenience of this Recipe: How Simple is it to Make?
This recipe is a breeze! No need for complicated steps or hard-to-find ingredients. The prep time is minimal about 15 minutes and the baking time is just 25-30 minutes. The best part? You only need a few basic kitchen tools, like mixing bowls and a baking sheet.
The recipe is also flexible. You can shape the chews however you like, whether it’s with cookie cutters or just by hand. You don’t need to be a gourmet chef to make these treats, and your dog will never know how easy it was to make them.
Shelf Lifespan: How Long Before It Goes Bad?
If you store your treats properly, they should last quite a while. Here’s a quick rundown:
- Room Temperature: If you’re storing them in an airtight container at room temperature, they’ll last for about 1 week. Make sure to keep them in a cool, dry place to prevent them from getting too soft or moldy.
- Refrigerator: If you want them to last longer, refrigerating them will extend their shelf life to about 2 weeks.
- Freezer: For long-term storage, freeze the treats for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to serve them, just let them thaw out at room temperature, and they’ll be good to go.
Will All Dogs Like This Recipe?
Not every dog has the same tastes, so there’s a chance some pups may not love the chews as much as others. However, pumpkin and carrots are generally popular with most dogs, and the peanut butter adds an irresistible flavor.
If your dog has a more finicky palate, you could try tweaking the recipe perhaps adding a little bit of shredded cheese or bacon bits for extra flavor.
Also, if your dog has special dietary needs (like grain-free or low-fat), you can always adjust the ingredients to suit their preferences.
Safe Alternatives for Ingredients Use In This Recipe
If your dog has food sensitivities or allergies, there are plenty of safe alternatives you can use:
- Flour: Use chickpea flour or almond flour instead of oat flour for a gluten-free option.
- Peanut Butter: If your dog has a peanut allergy, sunflower seed butter is a great substitute.
- Honey: If you prefer not to use honey, you can leave it out, or use a bit of maple syrup instead.
Adjusting the recipe to fit your dog’s needs is easy, and you can still make delicious and nutritious treats!
Cooking Techniques That Will Work for This Recipe
Since this recipe contains flour, baking and dehydrating are your best options for cooking methods. Baking at 350°F will give your treats a nice, firm texture, and dehydrating them at a low temperature will remove moisture, preserving them for longer.
Avoid methods like microwaving or frying, as they can affect the texture and safety of the treats.
Portion Control: How Much Is Too Much?
It’s always important to keep portion sizes in mind. While these treats are healthy, they’re still treats and should be given in moderation. Here’s a quick guide:
- Small dogs: Offer a treat about the size of a small coin (around the size of a nickel).
- Medium dogs: A treat about the size of a quarter is perfect.
- Large dogs: Bigger dogs can enjoy treats the size of a half-dollar or even larger.
As a general rule, treats should make up no more than 10% of your dog’s daily caloric intake. So, if your dog is on a special diet or you’re unsure about portions, always check with your vet to ensure your dog is getting the right amount of calories.
Can I use canned pumpkin instead of fresh pumpkin?
Yes! Canned pure pumpkin is an excellent substitute for fresh pumpkin. Just make sure it’s plain pumpkin and not the spiced or sweetened variety that could contain harmful ingredients like xylitol or sugar.
My dog has a peanut allergy. Can I still make these treats?
Absolutely! You can easily swap out peanut butter for sunflower seed butter or almond butter. Both options are dog-friendly and will still make these chews just as tasty.
Can I freeze these treats for later?
Yes! These treats freeze really well. After baking and cooling, store them in an airtight container or freezer bag, and they’ll last for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to serve them, simply let them thaw at room temperature.
Final Thoughts
So yeah, that’s how to make these Carrot Pumpkin Chews for Dogs: my go-to homemade treat recipe right now. It doesn’t have to be complicated if you follow the steps I’ve shared.
Now I’d like to hear from you.
Have you tried making treats for your dog before?
If so, how did it go?
Let me know in the comments section below!
