Apple and Carrot Dog Chew Sticks (Printable)
Wholesome apple and carrot chews baked to crunchy perfection, keeping pups happily occupied.
# 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 tbsp water (as needed)
# Step-by-step:
01 - Preheat your oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
02 - In a large bowl, combine the grated apple, grated carrot, flour, and oats. Mix thoroughly until evenly distributed.
03 - Add the egg and applesauce to the mixture and stir until a dough forms. If the dough is too dry, add water 1 tablespoon at a time until it comes together.
04 - On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough into small sticks about 4 inches long and ½ inch thick.
05 - Place the sticks on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them slightly apart to allow for even cooking.
06 - Bake for 40–45 minutes, or until the sticks are golden and firm. For extra crunch, turn off the oven and let the sticks cool inside for an additional hour.
07 - Let the chew sticks cool completely before serving to your pup.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- Your dog will know the difference between these and store bought treats, I promise
- They cost pennies to make compared to expensive natural chews at the pet store
- You control exactly what goes into them, no mysterious ingredients or preservatives
02 -
- Dough consistency varies by how juicy your apples are, so trust your hands over exact measurements
- The cooling in the oven step is what transforms them from soft treats into proper chews that last
- These can be stored at room temperature for a week but honestly, they've never lasted that long here
03 -
- A food processor makes grating faster, but hand grating gives you better texture control
- If your dough feels too sticky, pop it in the fridge for 15 minutes before rolling