Fresh Apple Carrot Dog Biscuits

Finding healthy, homemade treats for our four-legged friends can be quite the challenge. Between reading ingredient labels at the pet store and worrying about what goes into commercial dog treats, it’s enough to make any pet parent feel overwhelmed. Plus, with so many dogs having food sensitivities these days, knowing exactly what’s in their treats becomes even more important.

That’s why these apple carrot dog biscuits are such a win: they’re made with simple, wholesome ingredients you can trust, they’re easy to whip up in batches, and they’re perfect for dogs with common food allergies. Best of all, you probably have most of these ingredients in your kitchen already.

What Kind of Apple Should I Use?

For homemade dog treats, you’ll want to pick an apple that’s both sweet and firm. Fuji, Gala, or Honeycrisp apples are great choices since they hold up well when grated and have a natural sweetness that dogs love. Stay away from Red Delicious apples, as they tend to get mushy and don’t have the best flavor. Make sure to wash your apple thoroughly and remove the core and seeds (which can be harmful to dogs), but feel free to leave the peel on – it adds extra fiber and nutrients. If your apple is very juicy, you might want to start with less water in the recipe and adjust as needed to get the right dough consistency.

Options for Substitutions

Making these dog treats but missing some ingredients? Here are some pet-safe swaps you can try:

• Whole wheat flour: You can swap this with regular all-purpose flour, oat flour, or rice flour. If your dog has gluten sensitivity, coconut flour works too, but you’ll need to use about 1/3 less and add an extra egg since coconut flour is more absorbent.
• Oats: Quick oats or rolled oats both work fine. You can also replace oats with quinoa flakes or additional flour if needed.
• Apple: Any type of apple works well, or you can substitute with mashed banana, grated pear, or even unsweetened applesauce (use about 1/2 cup).
• Carrots: Sweet potato, pumpkin, or squash (grated) can replace carrots. Just make sure to squeeze out excess moisture if using these alternatives.
• Vegetable oil: Other dog-safe options include coconut oil, olive oil, or even unsweetened applesauce for a lower-fat version.
• Egg: For dogs with egg allergies, you can use 1/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce or 1 mashed banana as a binding agent.

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Baking

The biggest challenge when making homemade dog treats is getting the moisture level right – too much water can make the dough sticky and difficult to roll, while too little will result in crumbly biscuits that fall apart. Start with 1/4 cup of water and add more gradually, since the moisture from the grated apple and carrots will contribute to the overall wetness of the dough. Another common mistake is rolling the treats too thin, which can lead to burnt edges – aim for about 1/4 inch thickness to ensure even baking and a satisfying crunch for your pup. To extend the shelf life of these treats, make sure they’re completely cool before storing, and bake them until they’re thoroughly dry (they should be hard when tapped) – this might take longer than you expect, but it’s worth the extra time to prevent mold growth.

What to Serve With Dog Biscuits?

These homemade dog biscuits make great treats on their own, but there are lots of fun ways to make them extra special for your pup! Try spreading a thin layer of natural peanut butter (xylitol-free) on top for an extra-tasty reward, or serve them alongside some fresh apple slices or baby carrots for a healthy snack time. You can also pair these biscuits with your dog’s regular meal as a special topper, breaking them into smaller pieces to mix with their kibble. Just remember to count these treats as part of your dog’s daily calorie intake and adjust portions accordingly.

Storage Instructions

Keep Fresh: These homemade dog treats will stay good in an airtight container at room temperature for about a week. If your kitchen tends to be warm or humid, you might want to pop them in the fridge where they’ll last for 2-3 weeks. Just make sure they’re completely cool before storing to prevent any moisture build-up.

Freeze: These treats are perfect for making in big batches! Place them in a freezer-safe container with parchment paper between layers and they’ll keep fresh for up to 6 months. I like to make a double batch and always have some ready for my furry friend.

Thaw: When you’re ready to treat your pup, just grab what you need from the freezer and let the biscuits thaw at room temperature for about 30 minutes. Once thawed, they’ll have the same crunchy texture your dog loves!

Preparation Time	15-20 minutes
Cooking Time	40-45 minutes
Total Time	55-65 minutes
Level of Difficulty	Easy

Estimated Nutrition

Estimated nutrition for the whole recipe (without optional ingredients):

• Calories: 800-900
• Protein: 15-20 g
• Fat: 40-50 g
• Carbohydrates: 100-110 g

Ingredients

• 2 1/2 cups whole wheat flour
• 1/2 cup oats
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar (optional depending on dog’s preference)
• 1 apple (cored and grated, peel left on)
• 1/2 cup grated carrots (peeled)
• 1 beaten egg
• 1/3 cup vegetable oil
• 1/4 to 1/2 cup water (adjust for moisture as apples add some)

Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Cookie Sheet

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C).

While the oven is warming up, grease a cookie sheet to prevent the biscuits from sticking during baking.

Step 2: Prepare Fruits and Vegetables

Using a food processor, core and grate the apples.

Then, peel and grate the carrots.

Set aside these grated ingredients to mix with the wet ingredients later.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, oats, and brown sugar.

Mix until these dry ingredients are evenly distributed.

Step 4: Mix Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, beat the egg.

Then, add in the oil, water, and the grated apples and carrots.

Mix these ingredients thoroughly until they are well combined.

Step 5: Form the Biscuit Dough

Pour the wet ingredient mixture into the bowl with the dry ingredients.

Stir everything together until the mixture forms a cohesive dough.

Once mixed, carefully roll out the dough.

Use a small cookie cutter to cut out shapes of your choice for the dog biscuits.

Step 6: Bake the Biscuits

Place the shaped dough onto the greased cookie sheet.

Bake in the preheated oven for 40 to 45 minutes, or until the apple juices are soaked and the biscuits are firm to the touch.

Step 7: Cool, Share, and Store

After baking, allow the biscuits to cool completely.

Once cooled, they are ready to share with the pups in your life!

To maintain freshness, store the biscuits in an air-tight container.

This recipe yields approximately 20 to 24 small dog biscuits.