Pumpkin Carrot Chews for Dogs always catch my eye when I walk through the treat aisle at the pet store. But, wow, those little bags can cost a pretty penny for what’s honestly just a handful of snacks. I kept thinking, “There’s gotta be a way to make these at home for my crazy pup that isn’t a headache.” Trust me, if you’ve ever found yourself staring at your dog while wondering if there’s an easy, nutritious snack you can whip up—you’re in the right place.
Here, you’ll not only get a simple guide on whipping up Pumpkin Carrot Chews for Dogs, but also tips that’ll save you money and probably win you some tail wags along the way. If you love learning about stuff like this, check out the best homemade dog food tips too.
Why Carrot & Pumpkin Chews Are Great for Dogs
Alright, here’s something I tell every dog lover who’ll listen: Pumpkin and carrot are kinda like magic ingredients for pups. First up, pumpkin. It’s super gentle on doggie stomachs and loaded with fiber. That means it helps with, well, you know—doggy digestion issues. Plus, it’s a vitamin powerhouse.
Now, carrots. Chew on this: They’re crunchy, sweet (but not too much), and full of beta carotene. That stuff’s good for the eyes. Dogs go nuts for that satisfying snap when they bite them.
I was really surprised my super picky rescue girl gobbled these chews up. Plus, no mystery ingredients—I know exactly what’s going in. There’s like, actual peace of mind when you’re feeding your dog stuff you made. Oh, and both pumpkin and carrot are naturally low in fat but high in flavor. Win-win, right?
So yeah, Pumpkin Carrot Chews for Dogs aren’t just a treat—they’re a sneaky way to feel good about spoiling your furry BFF.
“I started making pumpkin carrot chews at home, and my lab literally dances as soon as he hears the oven beep. His coat’s shinier, and we haven’t had any stomach troubles since.”
-Jenny from Austin
Pumpkin Carrot Chews for Dogs
How to Make Carrot & Pumpkin Chews for Dogs
You would not believe how easy this is—even if you burn toast half the time, you got this. I usually set aside about 30 minutes, counting cleanup. Here’s all you’ll need:
- 1 cup pumpkin puree (unsweetened, the plain stuff—NOT pumpkin pie!)
- 1 large carrot, grated (I honestly don’t even peel it. More fiber, less hassle)
- 2 cups oat flour (blend old-fashioned oats in your blender if you’re out)
- 1 egg (for binding)
- Optional: sprinkle of ground flaxseed or turmeric if you’re feeling “extra”
How I do it:
First, crank your oven to 325°F. Line a baking sheet (foiled lazy style or parchment if you fancy). Mix everything in a bowl until it’s like play-dough. If it’s sticky, just add more flour, tablespoon at a time. I like to roll it out and slice it into strips, but no judging if you channel your inner preschooler and make funky shapes.
Lay ’em out and bake for around 25–30 minutes. You want them dry but not rock solid.
Let them cool, then hand one off to your four-legged taste tester. Instant hero.
Pumpkin Carrot Chews for Dogs
Storage Tips for Homemade Dog Chews
Honestly, I learned this the hard way (think, weird smells, mushy blobs in a bag—yuck). These aren’t loaded with preservatives like those fancy store-bought ones, so you’ve gotta store them right.
If you know your pup will devour them within a week, toss them in an airtight container and keep them somewhere cool. My fridge is the go-to—keeps them fresh and makes them last longer, sometimes even past two weeks. If you’re really batch-cooking, the freezer is a lifesaver. Just pop them in little zip bags and grab one or two as needed.
Bonus: Chews straight from the fridge on a hot day? Kind of like puppy popsicles. I’ve never seen mine so excited for a snack.
Pumpkin Carrot Chews for Dogs
Notes and Tips: Make the Most Out of Your Homemade Chews
You thought you were done? Nah, I’ve got a few final nuggets for you—learned by trial and a whole bunch of error.
- If you wanna up the crunch, try baking a few minutes longer. Just keep an eye on ’em—they go from chewy to fossil real fast.
- Playing with add-ins is fair game. My dog loses it for a pinch of cinnamon, but always check it’s safe for dogs.
- Shapes don’t matter to the dog. Make stars, blobs, whatever—your dog will care way less than you think.
- Try offering Pumpkin Carrot Chews for Dogs as rewards for training. My stubborn old terrier learned “high five” because she thought these were five-star restaurant stuff.
Pro tip: Keep a small stash in your treat pouch. It’ll save your bacon next time your dog does the “I’ll only come back if you bribe me” routine.
Pumpkin Carrot Chews for Dogs
More Homemade Dog Treats Recipes
Looking for more ways to dazzle your pup at snack time? Once you’ve nailed Pumpkin Carrot Chews for Dogs, the possibilities explode. I’ve experimented with sweet potato biscuits, apple bites, and even tried cheese-spinach puffs for my vegan friends.
Some folks say you can’t beat store treats, but man—I call baloney. The joy on your dog’s face when they bite into a home-baked goodie? Priceless. There are a zillion easy-to-follow recipes out there (search around, you’ll be amazed), and most swap in stuff you already have at home.
If you want simple, customizable, and wallet-friendly options, making your own dog treats is totally the way to go. Save yourself a trip to the store, and who knows? Your dog just might start hanging out in the kitchen a lot more.
Pumpkin Carrot Chews for Dogs
Oh—before you run off—if you want even more ideas or just love step-by-step breakdowns, check this out for a super-detailed look at how to make pumpkin carrot dog treats. It’s packed with good ideas, and honestly, can’t recommend it enough for beginners who want to knock it out of the park: How to make pumpkin carrot dog treats – Pook’s Pantry Recipe Blog. Give it a peek, then let me know if your dog’s “thank you” dance gets wilder—mine sure did.
Pumpkin Carrot Chews for Dogs
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Pumpkin Carrot Chews for Dogs
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Dog Treats
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Dog Food
- Diet: None
Description
Easy and nutritious homemade chews for your dog made with pumpkin and carrot.
Ingredients
- 1 cup pumpkin puree (unsweetened)
- 1 large carrot, grated
- 2 cups oat flour
- 1 egg
- Optional: sprinkle of ground flaxseed or turmeric
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 325°F (165°C).
- Line a baking sheet with foil or parchment paper.
- Mix all ingredients in a bowl until they resemble play-dough. If sticky, add more flour, tablespoon at a time.
- Roll out the mixture and slice into strips or shape as desired.
- Place on the baking sheet and bake for 25-30 minutes until dry but not rock solid.
- Let cool before serving to your dog.
Notes
If you want to increase the crunchiness, bake a few minutes longer. Keep treats in an airtight container and store in the fridge for freshness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chew
- Calories: 50
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 5mg
- Fat: 1g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
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