You love your dog, right? Of course you do. And you want to give them the best treats. But when you look at the back of some store-bought treat bags, the ingredient list is a mile long and full of words you can’t even say.
There’s a better way.
Making your own dog treats is easier than you think. It’s also cheaper and way healthier. These Carrot Pumpkin Chews are a favorite in my house, and my dog goes absolutely wild for them.
Why Bother Making Your Own Dog Treats?
It’s a fair question. You’re busy. But here’s the short and sweet of it.
First, you control everything. No weird preservatives, no fillers, no mystery meat. Just good, simple food you can feel great about giving your best friend.
Second, it saves money. The cost of premium dog treats can add up fast. The ingredients for these chews are cheap and probably already in your kitchen.
Finally, your dog will know you made them with love. Okay, maybe they won’t know that, but they will know they taste amazing.
The Good Stuff Inside
Let’s look at why these simple ingredients are so good for your pup.
| Ingredient | Benefit for Dogs |
|---|---|
| Pumpkin | Great for digestion |
| Carrots | Full of Vitamin A |
| Whole Wheat Flour | Good source of fiber |
| Egg | Provides protein |
What You’ll Need
This recipe uses basic pantry items. No need for a special trip to the store.
- 2 ½ cups whole wheat flour
- 1 cup pumpkin puree (make sure it’s 100% pure pumpkin, not pie filling)
- ½ cup shredded carrots
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons coconut oil, melted
- ½ teaspoon ground ginger (optional, but great for tummies)
Tools of the Trade
You don’t need any fancy gadgets for this.
- Large mixing bowl
- Spatula or wooden spoon
- Baking sheets
- Parchment paper
- Rolling pin
- Pizza cutter or knife
Let’s Get Cooking: The Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these simple steps and you can’t go wrong.
Step 1: Get your oven ready. Preheat it to 300°F (150°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper so nothing sticks.
Step 2: In your large bowl, mix the pumpkin puree, shredded carrots, melted coconut oil, and the egg. Stir it all together until it’s well combined.
Step 3: Add the whole wheat flour and ground ginger to the wet ingredients. Mix until a stiff dough forms. It might be easier to use your hands near the end to bring it all together.
Step 4: Lightly flour your counter and roll the dough out to about ¼-inch thickness. Don’t worry about it being perfect.
Step 5: Use a pizza cutter or knife to cut the dough into small, chew-sized rectangles or squares. You can use cookie cutters if you want to get fancy.
Step 6: Place the chews on your prepared baking sheets. They don’t spread much, so you can place them fairly close together.
Step 7: Bake for 40 to 50 minutes. The treats should be hard and dry to the touch. The baking time makes them chewy and long-lasting.
Step 8: Turn off the oven, but leave the treats inside with the door cracked open for another hour or two. This helps them dry out even more, making them extra chewy.
Step 9: Remove from the oven and let them cool completely on a wire rack before treating your dog.
Pro Tips From My Kitchen
I’ve made a lot of dog treats over the years. Here are a few things I’ve learned.
Don’t Overmix the Dough
Just like with pie crust, you want to mix the dough until it just comes together. Overworking it will make the final treats tough instead of chewy.
Low and Slow is the Key
The low oven temperature is on purpose. You’re not just baking these; you’re dehydrating them. This process removes moisture, which gives them their chewy texture and helps them last longer without preservatives.
Check Your Labels
This is a big one. Always use 100% pure pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling. The pie filling is loaded with sugar and spices like nutmeg, which can be toxic to dogs.
Substitutions and Fun Variations
Feel free to mix things up based on what you have or what your dog likes.
Flour Swaps
Not a fan of wheat? No problem. You can use other flours.
| Flour Type | Notes |
|---|---|
| Oat Flour | Gluten-free option |
| Brown Rice Flour | Another good gluten-free choice |
| Coconut Flour | Use less, it’s very absorbent |
Tasty Add-ins
A few ideas to make these treats extra special:
- Peanut Butter: Add ¼ cup of xylitol-free peanut butter. Always check the label, as xylitol is very dangerous for dogs.
- Sweet Potato: Swap the pumpkin for mashed sweet potato.
- Parsley: Add a tablespoon of fresh, chopped parsley for fresh breath.
Storing Your Homemade Chews
Because these are made without preservatives, you need to store them properly.
Let the chews cool completely. Any warmth will create moisture, which leads to mold.
Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. For longer storage, keep them in the fridge for up to three weeks or in the freezer for three months.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. My dough is really sticky. What did I do wrong?
Ans: Nothing! It just means your pumpkin puree had a bit more moisture. Add a little more flour, one tablespoon at a time, until the dough is easy to handle.
Q2. Can I use baby food carrots instead of shredding my own?
Ans: Yes, that’s a great shortcut. Just make sure the baby food is 100% carrots with no added salt or sugar. Use about ½ cup.
Q3. How do I know when the treats are done baking?
Ans: They should feel hard and dry on the outside. They will continue to harden as they cool. If they seem soft after cooling, you can pop them back in a low oven for another 15 minutes.
Wrapping Up
See? Making healthy, delicious treats for your dog is simple. You get peace of mind knowing exactly what they’re eating, and they get a snack they’ll absolutely love.
Go ahead and give this recipe a try. Your dog will thank you for it. Come back and leave a comment to let me know how it went and what your furry taste-tester thought
