Apple-Carrot Oat Bites: A Healthy and Delicious Homemade Dog Treats Recipe

If you have a dog in your life, you know the joy of seeing their tail wag when you hand them a special treat. These apple-carrot oat bites are extra special homemade dog treats, made with love bye you.

While store-bought dog treats are convenient, many contain unnecessary fillers, artificial preservatives, and mystery ingredients. The good news? Making your own dog treats is easy, affordable, and lets you control exactly what goes into them.

Why Make Homemade Dog Treats?

There are plenty of reasons to opt for homemade over store-bought when it comes to treating your pup:

• Better Ingredients: You control the quality and ensure your dog gets nutritious, whole-food ingredients.
• No Preservatives or Fillers: Many commercial treats contain unnecessary additives that don’t contribute to your dog’s well-being.
• Customizable: Have a pup with dietary restrictions? Homemade treats allow you to tailor the recipe to their needs.
• Cost-Effective: Making treats at home can be significantly cheaper than premium dog treats from the store.
• Fun and Rewarding: There’s something satisfying about baking up a batch of treats for your dog and seeing their excitement.

Apple-Carrot Oat Bites: My Homemade Dog Treats Recipe

This recipe combines fiber-rich apples, vitamin-packed carrots, and hearty oats to create a nutritious, crunchy treat your dog will love.

Ingredients

• 1 cup finely grated apple (seeds and core removed)
• 1 cup finely grated carrots
• 1 ½ cups rolled oats
• 1 cup whole wheat flour
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tablespoon coconut oil, melted
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 2 tablespoons water (adjust as needed)

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
2. Combine dry ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, stir together the rolled oats, whole wheat flour, and cinnamon.
3. Mix in the wet ingredients: Add the grated apple, grated carrots, eggs, and melted coconut oil to the dry mixture. Stir well to combine. If the dough seems too dry, add water a tablespoon at a time until it’s workable.
4. Roll and shape: Lightly flour a surface and roll the dough out to about ¼-inch thickness. Use a cookie cutter to create fun shapes or simply cut the dough into small squares with a knife.
5. Bake: Place the treats on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until golden brown and firm.
6. Cool completely before serving to your pup.

Notes

Here’s a couple of things I’ve learned making this recipe:

1. If adding water, just add a few drops at a time! The first time I made this I added the whole 2 Tbsp at once. The result? Super sticky dough that needed more flour added to make it workable! More patience up front helps a lot – there is a lot of moisture in the carrots and applies, just give it time to work its way through the dough before adding any water.
2. Because of the grated carrots, these do not cut out nice and cleanly with a cookie cutter. I mean, your dog won’t mind ragged edges, in fact they don’t care about the shape at all! Save yourself some hassle and just cut these into squares.

Storage Tips

Once cooled, store these treats in an airtight container:

• At room temperature: Up to 1 week
• In the refrigerator: Up to 2 weeks
• In the freezer: Up to 3 months (just thaw before serving)

Ingredient Spotlight: Why These Are Great for Your Dog

• Apples: A good source of fiber, vitamin C, and antioxidants. Just be sure to remove the seeds and core, as they can be toxic to dogs.
• Carrots: Rich in beta-carotene and vitamin A, carrots promote eye health and provide a satisfying crunch.
• Oats: Gentle on the stomach and a great source of fiber and protein, oats help keep digestion smooth.
• Cinnamon: This spice can offer anti-inflammatory benefits in small amounts, but don’t overdo it.

Can I Modify This Recipe?

Absolutely! One of the great things about homemade treats is that you can customize them. Here are some possible swaps and variations:

• No wheat? Substitute oat flour or rice flour for the whole wheat flour.
• Extra crunch? Add a tablespoon of ground flaxseeds for additional fiber and omega-3s.
• More protein? Swap one of the eggs for ¼ cup of plain Greek yogurt.
• Different flavors? Try adding mashed banana instead of apples for a fun twist.

Tips for Baking Dog Treats

• Avoid excessive sweetness. Dogs don’t need added sugar—fruit provides enough natural sweetness.
• Keep them crunchy! If your dog likes crispier treats, leave them in the oven for an extra 5 minutes.
• Cool before serving. Hot treats can burn your pup’s mouth, so allow them to cool completely before offering.

The Perfect Treat for Any Occasion

These Apple-Carrot Oat Bites are ideal for everyday rewards, training sessions, or even special celebrations like your pup’s birthday or adoption anniversary. Whether you have a big dog or a tiny one, these treats can be made in different sizes to suit their needs.

Final Thoughts

Making your own dog treats isn’t just a way to ensure your pet gets high-quality ingredients—it’s a labor of love. Your dog brings joy and companionship to your life, so why not return the favor with something wholesome and homemade?

Try this recipe out and let us know how your pup likes them! If you enjoy baking for your dog, consider making a batch to share with fellow pet parents. Happy baking, and happy tail wags!

Before you go….check out our other tasty homemade dog treat recipes: Homemade Cheesy Peanut Butter & Sweet Potato Dog Treats and Easy One-Ingredient Sweet Potato Dog Treats Your Pup Will Love!