Apple Carrot Dog Chew Sticks (Printable view)
Healthy apple carrot chews baked with whole grains for a satisfying treat your dog will love.
# What You'll Need:
→ Fruits & Vegetables
01 - 1 medium apple, peeled, cored, and grated
02 - 1 medium carrot, peeled and grated
→ Dry Ingredients
03 - 2 cups whole wheat flour or gluten-free oat flour
04 - ½ cup rolled oats
→ Binding Ingredients
05 - 1 large egg
06 - ⅓ cup unsweetened applesauce
07 - 2 tablespoons water, adjusted as needed
# Steps:
01 - Preheat your oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
02 - In a large bowl, combine the grated apple, grated carrot, flour, and rolled oats. Mix thoroughly until evenly distributed.
03 - Add the egg and applesauce to the dry mixture. Stir until a dough forms. If the mixture is too dry, incorporate water one tablespoon at a time until the dough holds together.
04 - On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough into sticks approximately 4 inches long and ½ inch thick for uniform baking.
05 - Place the formed sticks on the prepared baking sheet, leaving slight space between each piece to allow for even cooking.
06 - Bake for 40 to 45 minutes until the sticks are golden brown and firm to the touch. For extra crunch, turn off the oven and allow the sticks to cool inside for an additional hour.
07 - Let the chew sticks cool completely on the baking sheet or a wire rack before serving to ensure proper texture and safety for your dog.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- Watching your dogs face light up when they realize you made something specially for them
- Knowing exactly what goes into their treats without mystery ingredients or unpronounceable additives
02 -
- The overnight cooling trick transforms these from soft to perfectly chewy and dense
- Dough consistency varies with apple and carrot moisture so trust your hands over exact measurements
03 -
- Use the finer side of your box grater for apples and carrots so they distribute evenly throughout the dough
- Double the batch and freeze half because once your dog tries these they will become non-negotiable