This post may contain affiliate links learn more
If you’re anything like me, you love spoiling your four-legged friend with treats that are both healthy and delicious. Enter: Peanut Butter & Carrot Bars—the ultimate homemade snack that’s not only easy to whip up but also packed with nutritious ingredients your dog will love. Whether you have a picky pup or a treat enthusiast, these bars are sure to win over their tail-wagging approval!
Before we dive into this tail-wagging recipe, don’t forget to subscribe to receive this and more pup-friendly recipes straight to your inbox!
Why Your Dog Will Love These Bars
These bars are a delicious mix of natural peanut butter, grated carrots, and wholesome oats—ingredients you can feel good about feeding your pup. They’re soft, slightly chewy, and packed with flavor. Even better? They’re simple to make and contain none of the preservatives or fillers you often find in store-bought dog treats.
Reasons to Love this Recipe:
- Nutritious: Made with healthy ingredients like oats, carrots, and peanut butter.
- Easy to make: Only a few ingredients and no fancy kitchen tools needed!
- Customizable: Swap out ingredients to cater to your dog’s tastes or dietary needs.
- The perfect treat: Great for training, rewards, or just because.
What Do Peanut Butter & Carrot Bars Taste Like?
While your pup may not be able to express it in words, trust me—their excitement after one bite says it all! These bars have a slightly sweet flavor from the carrots and a nutty richness from the peanut butter, making them irresistible. The texture is soft yet firm enough for easy snacking, and they smell pretty amazing coming out of the oven too! I might have even tried a nibble myself (and yes, they’re totally human-safe).
Benefits of Peanut Butter & Carrot Bars
- Rich in Vitamins: Carrots are loaded with beta-carotene and fiber, promoting good eyesight and digestive health in your dog.
- Healthy Fats: Peanut butter provides essential fats that keep your pup’s coat shiny and skin healthy.
- Whole Grains: Oats are a fantastic source of fiber, helping with digestion and providing energy.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make these drool-worthy bars:
- 1 cup natural peanut butter (make sure it’s free of xylitol)
- 1/2 cup grated carrots
- 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 2 cups rolled oats
- 1/4 cup water (as needed for consistency)
Optional Additions:
- Coconut Oil: For a shiny coat boost.
- Pumpkin Puree: Adds a seasonal twist and extra fiber.
- Chia Seeds: For a little extra omega-3 power.
Tools You’ll Need:
- Mixing bowl
- Grater for the carrots
- Baking sheet or pan (an 8×8 inch pan works great)
- Parchment paper
- Spatula or spoon for mixing
How to Make Peanut Butter & Carrot Bars
Ready to make these dog-approved treats? Follow these simple steps:
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet or pan with parchment paper.
Step 2: Mix the Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the natural peanut butter, grated carrots, unsweetened applesauce, and oats. Stir until everything is well combined. Add a little water if the mixture feels too thick to spread.
Step 3: Press into Pan
Once the dough is well mixed, press it evenly into your prepared pan. The bars should be about 1/2-inch thick. If you prefer a softer treat, you can make them slightly thicker.
Step 4: Bake
Place the pan in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes until the edges turn golden brown. Keep an eye on them, as baking times can vary depending on your oven.
Step 5: Cool and Slice
Let the bars cool completely before slicing them into bite-sized pieces. These bars store well, but make sure they are fully cooled before putting them away.
What to Serve with These Bars
Your dog will enjoy these Peanut Butter & Carrot Bars all on their own, but you can also:
- Crush them as a topping: Add some crumbled bars over their regular food for a special treat.
- Freeze for a longer-lasting snack: Perfect for hot days, these bars freeze well and can be given as a cold treat.
Tips for Making the Perfect Dog Treats
- Use Natural Peanut Butter: Be sure it’s free from xylitol, a sweetener that’s toxic to dogs.
- Go Organic: If you can, choose organic carrots and oats for an extra health boost.
- Soft or Crunchy: If your dog prefers a crunchier treat, bake the bars for an extra 5-7 minutes.
Storage Instructions
Once the bars are cool, store them in an airtight container. They’ll last up to a week in the fridge or you can freeze them for up to 2 months. Simply thaw for a few minutes before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use a different type of flour instead of oats?
A: Absolutely! You can substitute oats with whole wheat flour or even rice flour if your dog has a grain sensitivity.
Q: How many bars can I give my dog?
A: These treats are rich in healthy ingredients, but like all snacks, moderation is key. Depending on the size of your dog, 1-2 small bars a day is a good guideline.
Q: What if my dog is allergic to peanut butter?
A: No worries! You can substitute peanut butter with almond butter or even sunflower seed butter for dogs with peanut allergies.
Conclusion
Making these Peanut Butter & Carrot Bars for your dog is a great way to show your love while ensuring they get wholesome, nutritious treats. With just a few simple ingredients, these bars come together quickly, and your dog will be thanking you with extra tail wags! Plus, it’s always comforting to know exactly what goes into their treats.
Looking for more delicious dog-friendly recipes? Check out these popular options:
- Chicken and Broccoli Balls for Dogs
- Strawberry and Mozzarella Biscuits for Dogs
- Pumpkin Pupsicles: Healthy Frozen Treats Your Pup Will Love
- Banana Balls for Dogs
- Strawberry and Yogurt Biscuits for Dogs
- Strawberry and Banana Oat Balls for Dogs
- Zucchini Chips for Dogs: A Healthy Homemade Treat
- Watermelon and Banana Pupsicles for Dogs
Don’t forget to share your own creations and adorable pup photos with us on Pinterest! Follow us here.
Nutritional Information (Approximate per bar):
- Calories: 70
- Protein: 2g
- Fat: 3g
- Carbs: 8g
Peanut Butter & Carrot Bars for Dogs
- Total Time: 35-40 minutes
- Yield: 12–16 bars, depending on size 1x
Description
Peanut Butter & Carrot Bars for Dogs are a healthy and easy-to-make treat your pup will love! Packed with wholesome ingredients like oats, carrots, and peanut butter, these homemade bars are soft, nutritious, and free of preservatives. They’re perfect for snacking, training, or rewarding your dog with something special.
Ingredients
- 1 cup natural peanut butter (xylitol-free)
- 1/2 cup grated carrots
- 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 2 cups rolled oats
- 1/4 cup water (adjust as needed)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8 baking pan with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, combine peanut butter, grated carrots, unsweetened applesauce, and oats. Stir well to mix.
- Gradually add water until the mixture reaches a thick, spreadable consistency.
- Press the mixture evenly into the prepared pan, smoothing the top.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until the edges turn golden brown.
- Let the bars cool completely before slicing into squares.
- Store in an airtight container for up to a week, or freeze for longer storage.
Notes
- Always check that the peanut butter is free of xylitol, which is toxic to dogs.
- For a firmer treat, bake an additional 5-7 minutes.
- These bars can be stored in the freezer and thawed as needed for a longer-lasting treat.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
- Category: Dog Treats
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Dog-Friendly, Homemade
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar (small)
- Calories: 70
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 20mg
- Fat: 3g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 0mg