Pumpkin brings gentle fiber, carrot adds color and crunch, and together they make a super simple, budget-friendly snack your dog will adore. These treats bake up lightly golden with a cozy aroma—perfect for weekend batches or training rewards.
Dog-safe note: Use plain pumpkin puree (not pie filling). If adding peanut butter, ensure it’s xylitol-free. Avoid nutmeg. When in doubt—especially for puppies, seniors, or dogs with medical conditions—check with your vet.
Quick Recipe Card
- Recipe: Pumpkin & Carrot Dog Treats
- Prep: 12 minutes
- Bake: 22–28 minutes
- Yield: ~40 mini bones (or ~18–24 medium rounds)
Ingredients
- ¾ cup 100% pumpkin puree (unsweetened)
- ½ cup finely grated carrot (lightly packed)
- 1 egg (or 1 tbsp ground flax + 3 tbsp water, rested 5 min)
- 2 to 2¼ cups oat flour (blend rolled oats) or whole wheat flour
- Optional boosters (choose 1):
- 1 tbsp xylitol-free peanut butter (flavor + binding)
- ½ tsp ground cinnamon (tiny pinch only; never nutmeg)
Tools
Mixing bowl, spatula, grater, rolling pin, cookie cutter, parchment-lined baking sheet, cooling rack.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat oven to 175°C / 350°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment.
- Mix wet: Stir pumpkin, grated carrot, and egg (or flax egg) until combined. Add peanut butter/cinnamon if using.
- Add dry: Fold in 2 cups flour. If sticky, add extra flour 1 tbsp at a time until a firm, non-sticky dough forms.
- Roll & cut: Dust surface with flour. Roll to 6 mm / ¼ in. Cut shapes and arrange on the sheet.
- Bake:
- Softer treats: 22–24 minutes
- Crunchier treats: 25–28 minutes, then turn off oven, crack the door, and dry 10–15 minutes.
- Cool completely on a rack before serving or storing.
Why These Treats Are a Smart Choice
- Pumpkin: gentle fiber; helps create a tender dough.
- Carrot: natural sweetness + color; finely grated for even bake.
- Oats/Wheat: pantry-friendly; easy to roll and shape.
- Simple list: you control the ingredients—no artificial colors or added sugar.
Storage & Make-Ahead
- Room temp: Airtight jar up to 5–7 days in a cool, dry spot.
- Freeze: Up to 3 months in zip bags; thaw at room temp.
- Re-crisp: 150°C / 300°F for 5–7 minutes, then cool.
Variations & Swaps
- Grain-gentle: Use all oat flour (slightly softer crumb).
- Grain-free: Try chickpea flour; if dry, add 1–2 tsp water.
- Training bites: Roll thin and cut tiny squares; bake 18–20 min.
- No-bake freezer pops: Blend pumpkin + carrot + spoon of plain yogurt; pour into silicone paw molds; freeze 2–3 hrs.
- Herb hint: A pinch of dried parsley for a fresh note.
Serving Size (Guide)
- Toy/small dogs: 1–2 mini treats/day
- Medium dogs: 2–3 mini or 1–2 medium/day
- Large dogs: 2–3 medium/day
Adjust for your dog’s total daily calories and activity level.
Troubleshooting
- Dough sticky? Knead in more flour; rest 5 minutes to hydrate.
- Crumbly? Add 1–2 tsp water or another spoonful of pumpkin.
- Uneven browning? Rotate the tray halfway through baking.
FAQ
Can I use baby food carrots?
Unsalted, carrot-only purée can work—check the label for additives.
Can I skip the egg?
Yes—use a flax egg for binding.
Fresh vs. canned pumpkin?
Either is fine—choose 100% pumpkin puree, not pie filling.
