Carrot & Pumpkin Chews For Dogs (Easy & Fun!)

The Easy Recipe for Carrot & Pumpkin Chews

Ingredients You’ll Need

1 cup canned pumpkin (unsweetened)
1 cup finely grated carrots
1 cup oat flour (or whole wheat flour)
1 egg

You might also like: 13 Worst Dog Treats In 2025 (Avoid #7 At All Times)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C) to ensure a slower bake for a chewy texture.
Prepare the carrots: Grate them finely to ensure they blend well into the dough for an even texture.
In a large bowl, combine the pumpkin, carrots, and egg until thoroughly mixed.
Gradually add the flour, stirring until a sticky dough forms.
Shape the dough into thin strips, small logs, or fun shapes using cookie cutters or molds.
Place the shapes on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, until firm but slightly soft.
Cool completely before serving them to your dog.

Pro Tip: For softer chews, reduce baking time by 5 minutes.

For a crunchier texture, leave them in the oven for an extra 5 to 10 minutes.

Why Carrots & Pumpkin Are Superfoods for Dogs

Carrots: Nature’s Crunchy Treat

Beta-Carotene Rich: Carrots are packed with beta-carotene. It converts to vitamin A, which supports your dog’s vision, immune system, and health.
Low in Calories: A guilt-free snack perfect for dogs of all sizes.
Dental Benefits: Carrots’ crunch helps clean your dog’s teeth and reduce plaque.

Fun Fact: Many vets recommend raw carrots as a natural toothbrush for dogs!

Pumpkin: A Digestive Hero

High in Fiber: Pumpkin aids digestion. It helps with constipation and diarrhea.
Vitamin Boost: Pumpkin is high in vitamins A and C. It boosts immunity, supports eye health, and keeps your dog’s coat shiny.
Low-Fat & Filling: Perfect for dogs who need help managing their weight.

Did You Know? Pumpkin is also known to help soothe upset stomachs and regulate bowel movements in dogs.

The Surprising Benefits of Chewy Treats

Chewy treats are more than tasty snacks for your dog. They also benefit their health and behavior.

Dental Health: Chewing scrapes away plaque and tartar. It promotes healthier teeth and gums. It’s like a mini workout for your dog’s mouth!
Mental Stimulation: Chews keep dogs, especially high-energy ones, engaged. They help bored dogs too.
Anxiety Relief: Chewy things can calm anxious dogs. They redirect their focus and provide comfort.
Jaw Strength: Chewing builds your dog’s jaw muscles. It helps them handle different food textures.
Pacing Treat Consumption: Chews take longer to eat than crunchy biscuits. So, they’re great for dogs that gobble their food too fast.

Today’s Featured Article: 101 Ways To Calm Down An Overly Excited Dog (#77 Works Instantly)

Did You Know? Dogs are wired to chew.

It’s how they relieve stress and keep their teeth healthy.

A healthy, homemade chew, like these Carrot & Pumpkin Chews, will safely satisfy their instincts.

Customizing the Recipe for Your Dog

Make these chews even more special by tailoring them to your dog’s needs or preferences.

Add Protein: For flavor and protein, add a tablespoon of unsalted, xylitol-free peanut butter or plain Greek yogurt.
Grain-Free Option: For sensitive dogs, use almond or coconut flour instead of oat or whole wheat flour.
Boost Flavor: Add a pinch of cinnamon for warmth. Or, add turmeric for its anti-inflammatory properties.
Fun Shapes: Use silicone molds in the shape of paws, bones, or hearts to make the chews extra fun.
Extra Crunch: For more texture and nutrients, add chopped apples, green beans, or blueberries.

Pro Tip: Introduce new ingredients gradually. Watch for any reactions.

Fun Alternatives to Try with This Recipe

This Carrot & Pumpkin Chews recipe is just the beginning!

With a few simple tweaks, you can create fun, healthy variations that your dog will love:

Frozen Chews: Skip the oven and freeze the dough into small shapes for a refreshing summer treat. Perfect for cooling your pup on hot days!
Dehydrated Chews: Use a food dehydrator. It makes chews that last longer and are extra chewy.
Add a Surprise Center: Roll the dough around a small piece of unsalted peanut butter or a blueberry. It will add a fun, hidden surprise in each bite.
Veggie Swaps: For a twist, replace carrots with shredded zucchini or sweet potato.
Herbal Boost: Add a pinch of parsley or mint for fresher doggy breath.

Pro Tip: Experiment with different shapes, sizes, and textures to see which ones your dog likes best.

You’ll not only keep things exciting but also discover new ways to enrich your dog’s diet with variety.

Fun Fact: Dogs love novelty.

Small changes to treats can keep your pup engaged and curious at snack time!

Reading tip: 17 Worst Dog Food Brands In 2025 (Avoid #3 At All Times)

How Homemade Chews Save You Time & Money

Store-bought treats can be pricey and often include unnecessary additives.

Here’s how these homemade chews are a better alternative:

Affordable Ingredients: Staples like pumpkin, carrots, and flour cost only pennies per chew.
No Hidden Costs: Unlike commercial treats, you pay only for the food. You avoid costs for packaging, branding, and artificial additives.
Batch Baking: This recipe makes dozens of chews in one go, saving you repeated trips to the pet store.

Fun Fact: Homemade treats cost 50-70% less than store-bought ones.

They’re a budget-friendly choice for dog owners.

Tips for Achieving the Best Chewy Texture

If your dog loves chewy treats, here’s how to get the texture just right:

Bake at a Low Temperature: Baking at 300°F ensures the chews dry out slowly for a perfect chewy consistency.
Shape Matters: Thinner strips bake faster and are chewier. Thicker shapes are softer.
Let Them Cool Slowly: Turn off the oven. Leave the chews inside with the door slightly open to keep moisture.
Refrigerate Before Serving: Chill the chews in the fridge overnight. It will make them chewier.

Pro Tip: Experiment with baking times to find the perfect texture for your dog’s preference.

Why Homemade Chews Beat Store-Bought Treats

Store-bought chews may seem convenient, but they often come with hidden risks:

Harmful Additives: Many commercial treats have artificial preservatives, flavors, and colors. They could harm your dog over time.
Low-Quality Fillers: Ingredients like corn syrup add calories but no nutrition.
Potential Contaminants: Some mass-produced treats were recalled for salmonella or mold.

Editors Pick: 7 Scents To Deter Your Dog From Peeing

Did You Know? Homemade treats are fresher.

You control every ingredient.

So, your dog gets the best.

Storage Tips for Freshness

To keep your chews fresh and chewy, follow these simple storage guidelines:

At Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
Refrigeration: Extend their shelf life by keeping them in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.
Freezing: Freeze for up to 3 months—great for batch baking!

Pro Tip: Freeze the chews in individual portions so they’re easy to grab and serve.

Creative Ways to Use These Chews

Carrot & Pumpkin Chews aren’t just snacks—they’re versatile tools for bonding and training:

Training Rewards: Break them into smaller pieces for positive reinforcement during training.
Puzzle Toys: Hide chews in treat-dispensing toys to engage your dog.
Special Occasions: Use them as part of a doggy birthday celebration or a holiday treat box.

Fun Fact: These chews can improve focus and reduce anxiety during training!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even with a simple recipe, it’s easy to make small mistakes.

Here’s how to avoid them:

Wrong Pumpkin: Always use plain canned pumpkin, not pumpkin pie filling. It contains sugar and spices that are harmful to dogs.
Overbaking: Baking too long can make the treats too hard, especially for senior dogs.
Skipping fine grating: Large carrot chunks can create uneven textures. They make the dough harder to shape.
Ignoring Allergies: Always test new ingredients in small amounts to ensure your dog tolerates them well.

Pro Tip: When in doubt, consult your vet about safe ingredients for your dog.

Recommended Read: 13 Toxic Foods for Dogs (Avoid #9 Like The Plague!)

Why These Chews Stand Out

What makes these chews unique compared to other homemade dog treats?

Vet-Approved Ingredients: Safe, healthy, and nutritious for dogs of all sizes.
Customizable & Fun: Easily adapt the recipe to your dog’s preferences or dietary needs.
Simple & Affordable: With just 4 main ingredients, this recipe is accessible for everyone.

Did You Know? Homemade treats strengthen your bond with your dog.

They’ll love the extra care you put into their snacks!

Conclusion

Carrot & Pumpkin Chews are more than just treats—they’re a way to show your dog how much you care.

These chews are a perfect alternative to store-bought options.

They have a chewy texture, healthy ingredients, and are easy to prepare.

Ready to try it? Bake a batch today and watch your dog’s excitement with every bite!

⚠️ Quiz: The #1 Dog Food To AVOID (causes weight gain, saps energy & harms your dog’s gut)

A: Chicken
B: Beef
C: Pork
D: Fish
E: Vegetables

Make your selection above or click here to skip straight to the answer.

==> Click Here To Discover #1 Dog Food To Avoid