Apples and carrots are two of the most popular fresh snacks for dogs, and they bake beautifully into soft, chewy cookies. These homemade apple and carrot dog treats combine grated apple and carrot with oat flour, rolled oats and an egg for a naturally sweet, wheat-free treat with flecks of orange in every bite.
The dough comes together in one bowl, needs no rolling and bakes in about 20 minutes. Below you will find the full recipe, how to prepare apples safely for dogs, tips for a softer or crunchier finish, storage times and answers to common questions.
Quick Facts
- Prep time: 15 minutes
- Bake time: 20–22 minutes
- Oven: 350°F (175°C)
- Yield: About 30 cookies (2 inch / 5 cm)
- Texture: Soft-chewy; crunchier option included
- Wheat-free: Yes (oat-based)
Preparing Apples Safely for Dogs
Apple flesh is a great dog-friendly ingredient, but the core, stem and seeds should always be removed. Apple seeds contain compounds that can release cyanide when chewed, and the core can be a choking hazard. Wash the apple, quarter it, cut out the core and every seed, then grate the flesh with the skin on for extra color and fiber. Sweet varieties like Gala, Fuji and Honeycrisp work best.
Why This Combination Works
Grated apple adds moisture and gentle sweetness, while carrot adds color, texture and a mild earthy flavor. Together they replace the sugar and much of the fat you’d find in a human cookie. Oat flour and rolled oats absorb the fruit juices and keep the treats tender, and the egg binds everything so the cookies hold their shape.
Equipment and Ingredient Notes
You need only a box grater, a mixing bowl, a baking sheet and parchment. If you don’t have oat flour, blend 1 3/4 cups (160 g) of rolled oats in a blender for about 30 seconds until fine; it works just as well. Choose plain rolled or quick oats, not flavored instant oatmeal packets, which often contain sugar and salt. Coconut oil keeps the cookies tender, but a teaspoon of olive oil can replace it, or you can leave it out entirely for a slightly drier cookie. Use a large egg; if you only have medium eggs, add a tablespoon of water.
Apple Carrot Oat Dog Treats
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups (180 g) oat flour (or blended rolled oats)
- 1/2 cup (45 g) rolled oats
- 1 medium apple, cored, all seeds removed, finely grated (about 3/4 cup / 100 g)
- 1 medium carrot, finely grated (about 1/2 cup / 55 g)
- 1 large egg
- 1 tbsp (14 g) coconut oil, melted
- 1–2 tbsp water, only if needed
Instructions
- Heat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Grate the apple and carrot on the fine side of a box grater. Squeeze the grated apple gently in a clean towel to remove excess juice.
- In a large bowl, whisk the egg and coconut oil, then stir in the apple and carrot.
- Add the oat flour and rolled oats and mix until a thick, scoopable dough forms. Add water a tablespoon at a time only if it feels dry.
- Scoop level tablespoons of dough onto the sheet, about 1 inch (2.5 cm) apart.
- Flatten each mound to about 1/3 inch (8 mm) with a damp fork or the bottom of a glass.
- Bake for 20–22 minutes, until the edges are golden and the cookies feel firm on top.
- Cool on the sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack and cool completely.
Storage
Because they contain fresh fruit and vegetables, store these treats in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week. Freeze for up to 3 months and thaw at room temperature for 20 minutes. Dried crunchy versions (see below) keep at room temperature for 5 days.
Softer or Crunchier
- Extra soft (great for seniors): bake 18 minutes and store in the fridge.
- Crunchier: flatten to 1/4 inch (6 mm), bake 22 minutes, then turn the oven down to 225°F (110°C) and dry for 45–60 minutes.
- Cut-out shapes: add 1/4 cup more oat flour, roll between parchment to 1/4 inch and use cookie cutters.
Variations
- Add 2 tablespoons natural, unsalted peanut butter with no xylitol (check the label for “xylitol” or “birch sugar”) for a nutty flavor.
- Replace the egg with 1/4 cup (60 g) plain unsweetened pumpkin puree.
- Swap half the carrot for grated zucchini, squeezed dry.
- Use whole wheat flour instead of oat flour if your dog tolerates wheat.
More fruit-and-veg ideas: 15 healthy homemade dog treat ideas and homemade sweet potato dog chews.
Tips for the Best Results
Grate finely so the apple and carrot melt into the dough rather than leaving large wet pieces. Squeezing the apple is the key to cookies that hold their shape. Let the dough rest for five minutes before scooping so the oats can absorb moisture. Bake on the middle rack, and rotate the pan halfway if your oven has hot spots.
Ways to Serve and Share
These cookies break neatly into quarters, which makes them handy for training sessions on walks. For enrichment, crumble one into a snuffle mat or a puzzle feeder. They also make a lovely autumn or Christmas gift for friends with dogs: pack a dozen in a small box lined with parchment, keep them chilled, and add a label with the ingredients and a use-by date one week from baking. If you are making them for a dog you don’t know, leave out the peanut butter variation in case of allergies.
How Many Should Your Dog Have?
These are light treats, but they still count. Keep treats under about 10% of daily calories: one or two cookies for a small dog and two or three for a large dog. Break them into pieces for training.
Dog Safety Notes
- Peanut butter: use only natural, unsalted peanut butter with no xylitol (check the label for “xylitol” or “birch sugar”). Choose unsalted and unsweetened.
- Never add: chocolate or cocoa, grapes, raisins or currants, onion, garlic, chives or leeks, macadamia nuts, nutmeg, alcohol, raw yeast dough, cooked bones, added salt or sugar, or artificial sweeteners.
- Fruit and veg prep: remove apple cores and seeds, use seedless watermelon without rind, and use plain unsweetened pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling) and plain unsweetened yogurt.
- Portions: treats should make up no more than about 10% of your dog’s daily calories. Cut pieces to suit your dog’s size and supervise chewing.
- Check with your vet before introducing new foods if your dog has allergies, a sensitive stomach, diabetes, pancreatitis, kidney disease or is on a prescription diet. Introduce one new treat at a time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can dogs eat apples and carrots?
Yes, most dogs can eat apple flesh and carrots in moderation. Always remove apple cores and seeds, and cut pieces to a safe size.
Do I need to peel the apple or carrot?
No. Wash them well and grate with the skin on. Peeling is optional for a smoother texture.
Can I use applesauce instead of fresh apple?
Yes. Use 1/2 cup (120 g) unsweetened applesauce and add 2–3 tablespoons more oat flour.
Why are my apple carrot treats soggy?
The apple likely held too much juice. Squeeze the grated apple and bake a few minutes longer.
More Homemade Dog Treat Recipes
- 15 Healthy Homemade Dog Treat Ideas
- Homemade Peanut Butter Dog Treats With Simple Ingredients
- How to Make Crunchy Homemade Dog Biscuits
- Homemade Sweet Potato Dog Chews
This article is for general information and is not a substitute for advice from your veterinarian.