Description
These Carrot & Apple Crunchy Cookies are a healthy, homemade treat perfect for dogs. Made with wholesome ingredients like rolled oats, whole wheat flour, fresh carrot, apple, and peanut butter, these crunchy cookies offer a nutritious snack your dog will love. They are baked to a golden crisp, providing a satisfying texture while avoiding any harmful additives or sugars. Suitable for dog owners looking for natural, safe, and delicious treats.
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 all dry components.
- Combine the wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg, unsweetened applesauce, peanut butter, and shredded carrot. Then fold in the finely chopped apple until the mixture is well combined.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients: Gradually add the wet mixture to the dry ingredients, stirring continuously until a dough forms. If the dough feels too sticky, incorporate a little more flour or oats to achieve a firm, workable consistency.
- Roll out the dough: Lightly flour your work surface or use parchment paper to roll out the dough to approximately ¼-inch thickness. Use a cookie cutter or cut into small squares or rectangles suitable for your dog’s size and preference.
- Bake the cookies: Arrange the shaped cookies on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 1 inch apart to allow for even cooking. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cookies turn golden brown and are crisp to the touch.
- Cool: Remove the cookies from the oven and transfer them to a wire rack. Allow them to cool completely to ensure they harden to the perfect crunchy texture.
- Serve and store: Offer these crunchy cookies to your dog as a healthy treat. Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week, or freeze for longer storage.
Notes
- Ensure peanut butter used is xylitol-free, as xylitol is toxic to dogs.
- Using oat flour instead of whole wheat flour makes this recipe gluten-free.
- Cinnamon is optional but adds flavor and potential health benefits for dogs.
- Adjust cookie size according to your dog’s breed and size.
- Store cookies in an airtight container to maintain freshness and crunch.
- Always introduce new treats slowly and monitor your dog for any allergic reactions.
