If you’re searching for a wholesome, homemade treat for your furry friend, look no further than Carrot & Pumpkin Chews for Dogs. These delightful chews bring together vibrant carrots, creamy pumpkin, and other dog-safe ingredients to create a snack that’s delicious, nutritious, and perfect for rewarding your loyal pup. Freshly baked and full of tail-wagging flavor, these treats will quickly become a favorite in your home!
Ingredients You’ll Need
-
Canned Pumpkin Chews:
- 1 cup canned pumpkin (unsweetened)
- 1/2 cup shredded carrots
- 2 1/2 cups whole wheat flour
- 1/4 cup rolled oats
- 1 egg
- 1/4 cup water (more if needed)
How to Make Carrot & Pumpkin Chews for Dogs
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F, making sure it’s thoroughly heated for even baking. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure cleanup is a breeze—trust me, you’ll appreciate this later!
Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the canned pumpkin, shredded carrots, egg, and water. Mix everything together until the mixture looks smooth and well blended. Not only does this add color and nutrition, but the aroma alone will get your dog’s nose twitching!
Step 3: Add the Dry Ingredients
Now it’s time to bring in the whole wheat flour and rolled oats. Stir them into the wet mixture until a stiff, workable dough forms. If the dough feels too dry or crumbly, just add more water one tablespoon at a time—a little goes a long way.
Step 4: Shape the Chews
Lightly dust your countertop with flour and roll out the dough to about 1/4-inch thickness. This is the fun part—grab your favorite cookie cutters or simply slice into squares with a knife. Get creative with shapes and sizes, just make sure they’re pup-appropriate.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Arrange the chews on your prepared baking sheet, leaving a bit of space between each one. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the edges turn golden and the chews feel firm to the touch. The anticipation in your kitchen will be palpable!
Step 6: Cool and Serve
Let the Carrot & Pumpkin Chews for Dogs cool completely on a wire rack before treating your pup. This ensures they are safe to eat and reach the ideal crunchy-chewy texture dogs love.
How to Serve Carrot & Pumpkin Chews for Dogs
Garnishes
While these chews are delightful on their own, you can dust them lightly with extra rolled oats or press a tiny parsley leaf into the top before baking—both for a lovely look and a dash of freshness.
Side Dishes
Pair Carrot & Pumpkin Chews for Dogs with a small bowl of plain Greek yogurt or a handful of fresh apple slices (no seeds) for a snack plate that’s both nourishing and exciting for your dog. Always ensure any side you serve is dog-safe and portioned appropriately.
Creative Ways to Present
Stack a few chews in a cute jar tied with ribbon for a sweet doggy birthday gift, or arrange them on a special “treat plate“ during training sessions. You can even swap shapes for holidays to make every batch feel unique and festive.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep extra Carrot & Pumpkin Chews for Dogs in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want them to stay fresh longer, the fridge is your best friend—just be sure to let them return to room temp before serving.
Freezing
Batch baking is a lifesaver! Freeze cooled chews in a zip-top bag with as much air removed as possible. They’ll keep well for up to three months. When you want to treat your pup, simply thaw a few at a time overnight in the fridge or on the counter.
Reheating
If your chews have gone a bit soft after storage or freezing, you can refresh them by popping them in a 325°F oven for 5–7 minutes. Let them cool thoroughly before handing off to your eagerly waiting dog.
FAQs
Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned?
Absolutely! Just make sure to use pure, unseasoned pumpkin purée, and drain any excess liquid to match the consistency of canned. Roasting and mashing pumpkin at home is a great upgrade if you have the time.
Are Carrot & Pumpkin Chews for Dogs suitable for puppies?
These chews are generally safe for puppies over 8 weeks old, but always break larger treats into bite-sized pieces and supervise your puppy while they enjoy their snack.
Can I substitute the whole wheat flour?
Yes, if your dog has a wheat allergy or sensitivity, oat flour or a gluten-free, dog-safe baking blend can be used instead, though you may need to adjust the water content slightly.
How many chews can I give my dog each day?
Treats like these should make up no more than 10% of your dog’s daily caloric intake. Give Carrot & Pumpkin Chews for Dogs as a special snack, not a meal replacement, and always consider your pet’s size and activity level.
Do these chews work for cats or other pets?
This recipe is designed specifically for dogs, and some ingredients like pumpkin and oats aren’t always ideal for cats or other animals. For safety, stick to sharing these with your canine companions only.
Final Thoughts
Homemade doesn’t get much more rewarding than these Carrot & Pumpkin Chews for Dogs. Your pup will love every last crumb while you get the satisfaction of knowing exactly what’s in their treats. Give this recipe a try and enjoy every happy tail wag that follows!
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Carrot & Pumpkin Chews for Dogs Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 24 medium chews 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Carrot & Pumpkin Chews are delicious homemade dog treats that are easy to make and perfect for spoiling your furry friend. Packed with wholesome ingredients like pumpkin, carrots, and whole wheat flour, these treats are sure to be a hit with your dog!
Ingredients
Canned Pumpkin Chews:
- 1 cup canned pumpkin (unsweetened)
- 1/2 cup shredded carrots
- 2 1/2 cups whole wheat flour
- 1/4 cup rolled oats
- 1 egg
- 1/4 cup water (more if needed)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Mix ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the canned pumpkin, shredded carrots, egg, and water. Mix well. Add the flour and oats, and stir until a stiff dough forms.
- Roll out dough: Roll out the dough on a floured surface to about 1/4-inch thickness. Use cookie cutters or a knife to cut into desired shapes.
- Bake: Place the chews on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the chews are firm.
- Cool and serve: Let cool completely before serving to your dog.
Notes
- Always use plain pumpkin puree with no added sugar or spices.
- These treats should be given as occasional snacks, not meal replacements.
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, or refrigerate for longer freshness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dog Treats
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Pet-Friendly
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chew
- Calories: 55
- Sugar: 0.5g
- Sodium: 5mg
- Fat: 1g
- Saturated Fat: 0.2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0.6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 9g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 5mg
