There’s something extra special about making homemade dog treats, especially when you know exactly what’s going into each bite. These Soft Peanut Butter Carrot Dog Treats are a personal favorite in my kitchen because they combine wholesome ingredients, plenty of peanut butter flavor, and a tender texture that dogs absolutely adore. With a dash of sweetness from carrots and applesauce, these treats are perfect for pups who love a soft snack—plus, you’ll feel great knowing every ingredient is pup-approved and nutritious!
Ingredients You’ll Need
-
Dry Ingredients:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup rolled oats
Wet Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup natural peanut butter (xylitol-free)
- 1/2 cup finely shredded carrots
- 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 1 egg
- 2–3 tablespoons water as needed
How to Make Soft Peanut Butter Carrot Dog Treats
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper—this step makes cleanup a breeze and prevents the treats from sticking.
Step 2: Mix the Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine your flour, oats, peanut butter, shredded carrots, applesauce, and egg. Stir everything together with a sturdy spoon or spatula until you get a shaggy, thick dough. If the dough seems dry or crumbly, add water one tablespoon at a time until it comes together and feels soft, but not too sticky.
Step 3: Roll Out the Dough
Lightly dust your work surface with flour and turn the dough out onto it. Roll the dough to about 1/4-inch thick—a great thickness for these Soft Peanut Butter Carrot Dog Treats, as it keeps them tender but sturdy enough for handling.
Step 4: Cut and Arrange
Use your favorite cookie cutters to cut out shapes—bones, hearts, or stars are always fun! Place the cutouts onto your lined baking sheet, spacing them just slightly apart (they won’t spread much while baking).
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Slide the baking sheet into the oven and let the treats bake for 12–15 minutes. You’re looking for lightly golden edges, which means they’re baked through but still nice and soft in the middle. Let them cool completely on a wire rack before treating your furry friend—or storing for later.
How to Serve Soft Peanut Butter Carrot Dog Treats
Garnishes
While you don’t need to garnish these treats, a tiny sprinkle of finely chopped parsley or a swipe of extra peanut butter (again, always xylitol-free!) on top can add a gourmet touch your dog will love—and it looks adorable for pup parties or gift boxes!
Side Dishes
Pair the Soft Peanut Butter Carrot Dog Treats with a bowl of cool water or alongside a crunchy carrot stick for a balanced, refreshing snack time experience. If you’re hosting a doggy playdate, these treats go over especially well with a little homemade frozen yogurt for dogs.
Creative Ways to Present
Package a few Soft Peanut Butter Carrot Dog Treats in a clear cellophane bag with a ribbon for a thoughtful homemade gift. Or serve them on a fun dog-themed plate at your pup’s birthday party. You can even layer them in a jar to create a “treat tower” display!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once completely cool, store your leftover treats in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh and soft for up to a week, making them perfect for grab-and-go rewards during walks or training sessions.
Freezing
If you’ve made a big batch, Soft Peanut Butter Carrot Dog Treats freeze beautifully. Place them in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag, label with the date, and freeze for up to three months. Simply thaw a few on the counter or in the fridge before serving.
Reheating
While these treats are designed to be served at room temperature, you can warm them briefly in the microwave (just 5–10 seconds!) to get that fresh-from-the-oven aroma that dogs find irresistible. Always check that they’re cool enough before offering to your pup.
FAQs
Can I use whole wheat or gluten-free flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Absolutely! Whole wheat flour adds extra nutrients, while gluten-free blends make these treats ideal for pups with allergies. Just be sure to choose a dog-safe flour blend.
Is it safe to use store-bought peanut butter?
Yes, as long as the peanut butter is xylitol-free. Read labels carefully, since xylitol is toxic to dogs. Plain, natural peanut butter is always best for making Soft Peanut Butter Carrot Dog Treats.
Can I substitute something else for applesauce?
Unsweetened pumpkin puree or mashed banana work well in place of applesauce. These add similar moisture and mild sweetness, keeping the treats soft and tasty.
How long will the treats stay fresh?
Stored in the fridge, they’ll keep for about a week. If you want to keep them longer, pop them in the freezer and thaw as needed so your pup always has a fresh treat on hand.
Are these treats suitable for puppies and senior dogs?
The soft texture of these Peanut Butter Carrot Dog Treats makes them an excellent option for puppies who are still teething and seniors who need gentler snacks. Always supervise treat time, and break treats into smaller pieces for very small pups.
Final Thoughts
If you’re ready to see some seriously wagging tails, give these Soft Peanut Butter Carrot Dog Treats a try. Your furry friend will love every bite, and you’ll love knowing exactly what’s in their treats. Happy baking!
Print
Soft Peanut Butter Carrot Dog Treats Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 24 small treats 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Soft Peanut Butter Carrot Dog Treats are a wholesome and delicious snack for your furry friend. Made with natural ingredients, these treats are easy to prepare and perfect for pampering your pet.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup rolled oats
Wet Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup natural peanut butter (xylitol-free)
- 1/2 cup finely shredded carrots
- 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 1 egg
- 2–3 tablespoons water as needed
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Mix the dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, oats, peanut butter, carrots, applesauce, and egg. Stir until a dough forms. Add water if needed.
- Shape and bake: Roll out the dough, cut into shapes, and place on the baking sheet. Bake for 12–15 minutes until golden.
- Cool and store: Allow the treats to cool completely before serving or storing.
Notes
- Use peanut butter without xylitol.
- Store in the refrigerator for up to a week or freeze for longer storage.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dog Treats
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Pet
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 treat
- Calories: 45
- Sugar: 0.5 g
- Sodium: 20 mg
- Fat: 2.5 g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1.8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 4.5 g
- Fiber: 0.4 g
- Protein: 1.2 g
- Cholesterol: 6 mg
