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If you’re like me, your furry friend is more than just a pet—they’re family! And what better way to show them love than with a homemade treat that’s as healthy as it is delicious? These Carrot & Apple Oat Bars for Dogs are packed with wholesome ingredients, super easy to make, and will have your dog begging for more. Plus, they’re entirely free of artificial ingredients and preservatives—just pure, dog-approved goodness! 🐾
Why You (and Your Dog!) Will Love This Recipe
- Healthy Ingredients: Made with fresh apples, carrots, and oats, these bars are filled with fiber, vitamins, and nutrients to support your dog’s overall health.
- Perfect Texture: Soft yet chewy, these bars are ideal for dogs of all sizes and ages, even for those with sensitive teeth.
- Customizable: You can easily swap out ingredients to suit your dog’s preferences or any dietary restrictions they may have.
- Quick & Easy: With just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep, you can whip these up in no time!
What Do These Bars Taste Like?
Obviously, I haven’t tried these myself (though they smell delicious!). The real test came from my dog, Bella, and let me tell you—the tail-wagging speaks for itself! The subtle sweetness of apples and carrots gives these bars a naturally enticing flavor for your dog. The oats create a satisfying chew, making them a perfect snack for your pup.
Benefits of Carrot & Apple Oat Bars for Dogs
- Boosts Immunity: Carrots are high in beta-carotene and Vitamin A, which help boost your dog’s immune system and promote eye health.
- Supports Digestive Health: Apples and oats are rich in fiber, which aids in digestion and helps regulate bowel movements.
- No Unnecessary Additives: These bars are free from artificial preservatives, colors, and flavors, making them a much healthier alternative to store-bought treats.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 ½ cups rolled oats
- 1 medium apple (grated)
- 1 medium carrot (grated)
- 1 egg
- ¼ cup unsweetened applesauce
- 1 tbsp honey (optional)
Tools You’ll Need
- Mixing bowl
- Grater
- Baking tray
- Parchment paper
- Spatula
How to Make Carrot & Apple Oat Bars for Dogs
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking tray with parchment paper. This will prevent the bars from sticking and make clean-up a breeze.
Step 2: Prep the Ingredients
Grate the apple and carrot into a mixing bowl. The finer you grate them, the easier it will be to combine with the oats.
Step 3: Mix It All Together
Add the rolled oats, egg, applesauce, and honey (if using) to the bowl with the grated apple and carrot. Mix until all ingredients are well-combined.
Step 4: Form the Bars
Spread the mixture evenly onto the lined baking tray, aiming for about a ½-inch thickness. Use a spatula to smooth out the surface.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Pop the tray into the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the bars are firm and lightly golden around the edges. The smell when this is in the oven is incredible!
Step 6: Cool & Cut
Once baked, let the bars cool completely before cutting them into squares or rectangles, depending on the size of your dog.
What to Serve with These Dog Treat Bars
While these Carrot & Apple Oat Bars are a treat on their own, you can serve them alongside your dog’s meals for a little extra crunch or break them up into smaller pieces to use as training treats. You could even pair these with a dog-friendly peanut butter dip for an extra-special snack!
Tips for Making the Perfect Dog Bars
- Substitutions: If your dog doesn’t like apples, try using pumpkin or sweet potato puree instead. You can also swap out the carrots for zucchini or squash.
- Make Them Crunchy: If your dog prefers crunchy treats, bake the bars for an extra 5-10 minutes, or until they’re crisp.
- Batch & Freeze: These bars freeze wonderfully! Just cut them into individual portions and store in the freezer for up to 3 months. Perfect for when you want to keep a stock of treats on hand!
Storage Instructions
Store the bars in an airtight container for up to one week at room temperature. For longer storage, keep them in the fridge for up to two weeks, or freeze them in a sealed container for up to three months.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Make These Without Eggs?
Yes! If your dog is allergic to eggs, you can replace the egg with a flaxseed “egg.” Just mix 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed with 3 tablespoons of water and let it sit for 5 minutes before adding to the mixture.
Are These Bars Suitable for Puppies?
Absolutely! These bars are soft and easy to chew, making them a great treat for puppies. Just be sure to cut them into smaller portions appropriate for your pup’s size.
Can I Use Instant Oats?
For the best texture, I recommend using rolled oats. However, you can use instant oats in a pinch—just note that the bars may turn out softer and less chewy.
Conclusion
There you have it—an easy, healthy, and delicious way to treat your furry friend! These Carrot & Apple Oat Bars for Dogs are a guilt-free indulgence that your dog will adore. Whether you’re looking to spoil your dog or simply want to make snack time healthier, this recipe has got you covered.
Have You Tried This Recipe?
I’d love to hear how your dog liked these bars! Feel free to leave a review or share a photo of your creation on Pinterest or Instagram—don’t forget to tag me here on Pinterest! so I can see your pup enjoying their snack!
Nutritional Information (Per Bar)
- Calories: 45
- Protein: 1.5g
- Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 1.5g
Looking for more dog-friendly recipes? Check out these other treats:
- Chicken & Broccoli Balls for Dogs
- Strawberry & Mozzarella Biscuits for Dogs
- Pumpkin Pupsicles for Dogs
- Banana Balls for Dogs
- Strawberry & Yogurt Biscuits
- Strawberry & Banana Oat Balls
- Zucchini Chips for Dogs
- Watermelon & Banana Pupsicles
Carrot & Apple Oat Bars for Dogs: A Nutritious Treat Your Pup Will Love!
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 12–16 bars 1x
Description
Carrot & Apple Oat Bars for Dogs are an easy-to-make, healthy homemade treat packed with fiber and nutrients from apples, carrots, and oats. Perfect for dogs of all ages, these bars are soft, chewy, and made with simple ingredients you probably already have at home. A tasty, wholesome snack that your furry friend will love!
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups rolled oats
- 1 medium apple, grated
- 1 medium carrot, grated
- 1 egg
- ¼ cup unsweetened applesauce
- 1 tbsp honey (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking tray with parchment paper.
- Grate the apple and carrot into a mixing bowl.
- Add oats, egg, applesauce, and honey (if using) into the bowl, and mix well.
- Spread the mixture evenly onto the lined baking tray, about ½ inch thick.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until firm and lightly golden.
- Let the bars cool completely, then cut into squares or rectangles.
Notes
- Store the bars in an airtight container for up to 1 week or in the fridge for 2 weeks.
- These bars can be frozen for up to 3 months.
- You can swap apples for pumpkin or sweet potato puree, and carrots for zucchini.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dog Treats
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Dog-Friendly