Apple Carrot Dog Chew Sticks (Printable)
Wholesome apple and carrot chews baked to crunchy perfection. Keep your pup happily occupied with these simple, natural sticks.
# 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)
# Directions:
01 - Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) 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 baking.
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 Hints:
01 -
- These chews cost pennies to make compared to store bought treats and you control exactly what goes into them
- The natural sweetness from apple and carrot has dogs doing tricks before you even open the treat jar
02 -
- Leaving the chews in the turned off oven for an extra hour creates that irresistible crunch while saving energy
- Dough that feels slightly sticky to the touch is actually perfect because the moisture evaporates during baking
03 -
- Grate your apple and carrot directly into the measuring cup so you do not lose any of those precious juices that help bind the dough
- The dough should feel like playdough when you roll it, not too sticky and not too dry