Description
These Apple & Carrot Chew Sticks are a healthy, homemade dog treat made with natural ingredients like grated apple, carrot, whole wheat flour, and rolled oats. Perfectly crunchy and lightly flavored with cinnamon, these treats are easy to make and provide a nutritious snack for your furry friend.
Ingredients
Scale
Dry Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups whole wheat flour (or oat flour for gluten-free option)
- 1/2 cup rolled oats
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon (optional, for flavor)
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup apple, finely grated (remove seeds)
- 1/2 cup carrot, finely grated
- 1 egg
- 2 tablespoons coconut oil (or unsweetened applesauce)
- 1/4 cup water (more if needed)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the whole wheat flour, rolled oats, and cinnamon if you are using it. Stir to evenly distribute all dry ingredients.
- Add wet ingredients: Add the grated apple, grated carrot, egg, coconut oil (or applesauce), and water to the bowl with dry ingredients. Mix thoroughly until a dough forms. If the dough is too dry and crumbly, add additional water one tablespoon at a time until it holds together.
- Roll out the dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to about 1/4-inch thickness to ensure even baking and a good chew texture.
- Cut the chew sticks: Use a knife or cookie cutter to cut the dough into long stick shapes or any fun shapes you prefer, suitable for your dog’s size and chewing preferences.
- Bake: Arrange the cut chew sticks on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 20-25 minutes until the treats are firm and lightly golden brown, indicating they are fully cooked and crisp enough for chewing.
- Cool and serve: Remove from the oven and transfer the chew sticks to a wire rack to cool completely before offering them to your dog to avoid burns and ensure optimal texture.
Notes
- Use oat flour instead of whole wheat flour for a gluten-free option suitable for dogs with sensitivities.
- Remove apple seeds before grating as they can be toxic to dogs.
- Store baked chew sticks in an airtight container for up to two weeks or freeze for longer storage.
- Always supervise your dog when giving new treats to monitor for any allergies or adverse reactions.
- Adjust the size of the chew sticks based on your dog’s size to prevent choking hazards.
