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As a pet parent, there’s nothing quite like seeing your pup’s eyes light up when they know a tasty snack is coming their way. Today, I’m so excited to share a dog-friendly recipe that’s healthy, simple to make, and sure to get those tails wagging! Peanut Butter & Carrot Dog Cookies are a delightful treat that combines two favorite dog flavors—savory peanut butter and sweet carrots—into a nutritious, crunchy snack your furry friend will love. 🐾
And the best part? These treats are made with wholesome ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen! Want to receive more pet-approved recipes straight to your inbox? Subscribe now for fun and healthy ideas for your fur babies!
Why You’ll Love These Peanut Butter & Carrot Dog Cookies
They’re Packed with Nutrients
These cookies are more than just a treat—they’re a little bundle of health benefits! Carrots provide a great source of fiber, vitamins A and K, and antioxidants, while peanut butter adds healthy fats and protein. Together, they help support your dog’s skin, coat, and overall health.
Irresistible Taste
Peanut butter and carrots? That’s basically dog heaven. The slight sweetness of the carrots mixed with the rich, nutty flavor of peanut butter makes these cookies downright addictive to dogs. My pup comes running as soon as he hears me pulling out the peanut butter jar!
Simple & Customizable
I promised you versatile, and here’s proof! You can easily adapt this recipe depending on what you have on hand, and I’ll share some awesome substitutions below. Whether you want to make the cookies chewy or crispy, this recipe can do it all. Plus, they smell amazing while baking—so good that you might be tempted to try one yourself!
The Benefits of These Dog Cookies
- Wholesome Ingredients: No fillers or preservatives, just real, dog-approved food.
- Budget-Friendly: Homemade treats are not only healthier, but they’re also far more affordable than store-bought dog cookies.
- Easily Digestible: The fiber from the oats and carrots helps with digestion, making these treats easy on your pup’s tummy.
- Safe and Nutritious: You can be confident knowing exactly what goes into these cookies, and they are free of artificial additives.
Ingredients List
Here’s what you’ll need to whip up a batch of these pup-approved cookies:
- 1 cup whole wheat flour (or gluten-free flour if your dog has sensitivities)
- 1/2 cup rolled oats
- 1/2 cup grated carrots (about 1 medium carrot)
- 1/2 cup natural peanut butter (make sure it’s xylitol-free!)
- 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce (optional but adds moisture)
- 1 egg
- 1/4 cup water (adjust as needed for dough consistency)
Necessary Tools for Preparation
- Mixing bowl
- Grater for the carrots
- Rolling pin
- Cookie cutters (bone-shaped if you want to be extra!)
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
Ingredient Substitutions & Additions
- No Oats? You can substitute more flour or use finely ground flaxseed instead.
- No Applesauce? Replace it with mashed bananas for a hint of sweetness that dogs love!
- Flour Alternatives: If your dog is sensitive to wheat, you can use oat flour, rice flour, or even coconut flour.
- Boost with Veggies: Add a little pumpkin puree or finely chopped spinach for more nutrients.
How to Make Peanut Butter & Carrot Dog Cookies: Step-by-Step
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Step 2: Mix the Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the flour, oats, grated carrots, peanut butter, and egg. Mix until well combined. If the dough is too thick, gradually add the water to achieve the right consistency.
Step 3: Roll & Cut the Dough
Lightly flour a surface, then roll out the dough to about 1/4 inch thickness. Use cookie cutters to cut out shapes—this is the fun part! Bone shapes are classic, but you can get creative here.
Step 4: Bake
Place the cookies on the lined baking sheet, leaving a little space between each one. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until they’re golden and firm. If you want them extra crunchy, leave them in the oven for another 5 minutes with the heat turned off.
Step 5: Cool & Store
Allow the cookies to cool completely before giving them to your dog. Store them in an airtight container for up to a week or freeze them for longer storage.
What to Serve with These Cookies
These cookies are the perfect post-playtime snack! Pair them with fresh water, or serve them as a treat after a healthy meal. You could even break one up and sprinkle it over your dog’s regular kibble for an extra-special dinner.
Tips for Making the Best Dog Cookies
- Peanut Butter Warning: Always double-check that your peanut butter does not contain xylitol, which is toxic to dogs.
- Crispy vs. Soft: For a chewier cookie, bake for a shorter time. For crunchy cookies (which many dogs prefer), bake a bit longer and let them cool in the oven.
- Treat Size: Adjust the size of the cookies to match your dog’s size. Smaller cookies are ideal for small breeds, while bigger ones suit large dogs better.
Storage Instructions
These cookies will keep for about a week at room temperature in an airtight container. For longer storage, pop them in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to serve, just thaw at room temperature.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I use almond butter instead of peanut butter?
Yes! Just ensure that the almond butter doesn’t contain xylitol or added sugars.
How many treats should I give my dog?
These treats are a snack, so limit them to 1-2 cookies per day, depending on your dog’s size and dietary needs.
Are these cookies safe for puppies?
Yes, as long as your puppy is old enough for solid foods, these treats are perfectly safe. Always introduce new foods slowly, and in moderation.
Conclusion
These Peanut Butter & Carrot Dog Cookies are simple, healthy, and an absolute hit with dogs! Whether you’re looking for a way to reward your pup after a walk or just want to bake something special for your four-legged friend, these treats fit the bill. Plus, they’re fun to make, and you can feel good knowing they’re filled with wholesome ingredients.
I hope you and your pup enjoy these cookies as much as mine do! Don’t forget to leave a review and share your cookie creations on Pinterest—I’d love to see what you bake!
Nutritional Information (Approximate per Cookie)
- Calories: 60
- Protein: 2g
- Fat: 3g
- Fiber: 1g
- Carbs: 7g
For more homemade dog treat inspiration, check out these delicious options:
- Chicken and Broccoli Balls for Dogs
- Strawberry and Mozzarella Biscuits for Dogs
- Pumpkin Pupsicles for Dogs: Healthy Frozen Treats
- Banana Balls for Dogs
- Strawberry and Yogurt Biscuits
- Strawberry and Banana Oat Balls for Dogs
- Zucchini Chips for Dogs
- Watermelon and Banana Pupsicles
Happy baking!
PrintPeanut Butter & Carrot Dog Cookies: A Tail-Wagging Treat!
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
Description
Peanut Butter & Carrot Dog Cookies are a healthy, easy-to-make treat your furry friend will love! Made with natural ingredients like grated carrots, peanut butter, and oats, these crunchy cookies are packed with flavor and nutrition. Perfect for dogs of all sizes and free from preservatives or artificial additives. Whip up a batch in no time and spoil your pup with these homemade delights!
Ingredients
- 1 cup whole wheat flour (or gluten-free flour)
- 1/2 cup rolled oats
- 1/2 cup grated carrots (about 1 medium carrot)
- 1/2 cup natural peanut butter (xylitol-free)
- 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce (optional)
- 1 egg
- 1/4 cup water (adjust as needed)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, combine the flour, oats, grated carrots, peanut butter, egg, and applesauce (if using). Mix until a dough forms.
- If the dough is too thick, slowly add water until you reach the desired consistency.
- Lightly flour a surface and roll out the dough to about 1/4 inch thickness.
- Use cookie cutters to cut the dough into fun shapes.
- Place the cookies on the prepared baking sheet, spaced slightly apart.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until golden and firm.
- Allow the cookies to cool completely before serving them to your dog.
Notes
- Ensure your peanut butter is free of xylitol, which is toxic to dogs.
- For a softer cookie, bake for less time; for crunchier cookies, bake for 5 extra minutes with the oven off.
- Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week, or freeze for up to 3 months.
- You can substitute mashed bananas for applesauce if preferred.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
- Category: Dog Treats
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Homemade
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 60
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 20mg
- Fat: 3g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Carbohydrates: 7g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 10mg