Description
These Carrot & Apple Crunchy Cookies are a wholesome, homemade treat perfect for your canine companion. Made with dog-safe ingredients like rolled oats, whole wheat flour, shredded carrots, and apples, these crunchy cookies are both nutritious and delicious. They’re lightly flavored with cinnamon and peanut butter, ensuring a tasty snack your dog will love. Easy to bake and free from harmful additives, these treats provide a healthy alternative to store-bought dog biscuits.
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 blend all dry components evenly.
- 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 uniform.
- Form the dough: Gradually add the wet mixture into the dry ingredients, stirring consistently until a dough forms. If the dough is too sticky, incorporate a bit more flour or oats to get a firm, workable dough suitable for rolling.
- Roll out the dough: Lightly flour a clean surface or lay down parchment paper and roll out the dough to approximately ¼-inch thickness. Use cookie cutters to shape the dough, or cut it into small squares or rectangles tailored to your dog’s size and preferences.
- Bake the cookies: Arrange the shaped dough pieces on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 1 inch apart to allow for slight expansion. Bake for 20-25 minutes until they turn golden brown and develop a crisp texture.
- Cool completely: Remove the baked cookies from the oven and transfer them to a wire rack to cool fully, ensuring they harden into crunchy treats.
- Serve and store: Offer these crunchy cookies as a healthy treat to your dog. Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week, or freeze them to extend freshness.
Notes
- Ensure all ingredients such as peanut butter are xylitol-free and safe for dogs.
- Use gluten-free oats and flour if your dog has gluten sensitivities.
- These treats can be customized with other dog-safe fruits or vegetables.
- Always introduce new treats gradually to monitor for any adverse reactions.
- Store baked cookies in airtight containers to maintain freshness and prevent moisture absorption.
