Pumpkin & Carrot Cookies (Vet-Approved)

The Easy Recipe for Pumpkin & Carrot Cookies

Ingredients You’ll Need

1 cup canned pumpkin (unsweetened)
1 cup of grated carrots
2 cups whole wheat flour (or oat flour for a gluten-free option)
1 egg

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Grate the carrots finely and squeeze out any excess moisture.
Mix pumpkin, grated carrots, and egg in a large bowl until well combined.
Gradually add the flour, stirring until a dough forms.
Roll out the dough to about ¼-inch thickness and cut it into shapes using cookie cutters.
Place the shapes on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until they are firm.
Cool completely before offering them to your furry friend.

Pro Tip: Use fun cookie cutters (like dog bones or paw prints) to make the treats even more special!

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Why Pumpkin & Carrots Are Great for Dogs

Pumpkin: A Nutritional Powerhouse

Fiber-Rich: Pumpkin supports digestive health by regulating bowel movements and soothing upset stomachs.
Packed with Vitamins A & C: These help boost immunity and keep your dog’s skin and coat healthy.
Low-Calorie Snack: Great for dogs on a weight management plan.

Fun Fact: Many vets recommend pumpkin for dog constipation and diarrhea!

Carrots: A Crunchy Superfood

Beta-Carotene Benefits: Carrots are full of beta-carotene. It converts to vitamin A, which supports vision and immune health.
Dental-Friendly: The crunchy texture of carrots helps clean your dog’s teeth naturally.
Low in Calories: Perfect for guilt-free snacking or treats.

Did You Know? Carrots are sweet.

They are a healthy alternative to sugary snacks.

Surprising Health Benefits of Pumpkin & Carrots

Did you know pumpkins and carrots are good for dogs? They taste great and have unique health benefits. Both ingredients work together to support your pup’s health in unexpected ways.

Hydration Boost: Pumpkins are 90% water. It’s a great way to hydrate your dog in hot weather.
Weight Management: Both pumpkin and carrots are low in calories and high in fiber. They help dogs feel full without overeating. This is perfect for dogs that need to lose weight.
Improved Vision: Carrots have beta-carotene, which converts to vitamin A. It boosts your dog’s immune system and improves their eyesight as they age.
Anti-Inflammatory Properties: Pumpkin has antioxidants that reduce inflammation. This helps dogs with joint pain or arthritis.
Healthy Gut: Pumpkin and carrots have soluble fiber. It feeds gut bacteria, improving digestion and nutrient absorption.

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Fun Fact: Dogs that eat fiber-rich foods, like pumpkin, are less likely to bloat or get gas.

So, this treat is a win for you and your pup!

Customizing the Recipe for Your Dog

Every dog has unique tastes and dietary needs, so why not make this recipe your own? Here are some easy ways to customize:

Add Protein: Mix in 1 tbsp of unsalted, xylitol-free peanut butter or plain Greek yogurt.
Grain-Free Option: For gluten-sensitive dogs, use almond or coconut flour instead of whole wheat flour.
Flavor Boost: Sprinkle a pinch of cinnamon into the dough—dogs love the warm aroma!
Extra Crunch: Add chopped apples, green beans, or blueberries for texture and nutrients.
Smaller Bites: Use small cookie cutters for training treats or for smaller breeds.

Pro Tip: Introduce new ingredients slowly. This ensures your dog tolerates them.

How These Treats Save You Money

Store-bought treats can cost a fortune, often without offering real nutritional value. Here’s how making these homemade cookies can save you money:

Affordable Ingredients: Pumpkin, carrots, and flour are cheap. They cost just pennies per cookie.
No Hidden Costs: Commercial treats often have fillers and additives. You are paying for them, unknowingly.
Batch Baking: This recipe yields dozens of cookies, cutting down on trips to the pet store.

Fun Fact: The average dog eats over $200 in treats a year.

Imagine the savings if you made them yourself!

The Hidden Dangers of Store-Bought Treats

Store-bought treats may look appealing, but many contain harmful additives and low-quality ingredients.

Preservatives: Chemicals like BHA and BHT are widely used. They may pose health risks over time.
Excess Sugar and Salt: Many treats are high in sugar or salt. They contribute to obesity and heart issues.
Low-Quality Fillers: Ingredients like corn syrup or animal by-products have no nutrition. They can trigger allergies in sensitive dogs.

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

Did You Know? Recent dog treat recalls were due to salmonella or mold contamination.

Making your own treats eliminates these risks.

It ensures your dog gets only the best.

The Vet-Approved Benefits of Homemade Treats

Why do vets recommend homemade treats like these pumpkin and carrot cookies?

Ingredient Control: You know exactly what’s going into your dog’s treats.
Allergy-Friendly: Adjust the recipe to suit your dog’s dietary needs (e.g., grain-free or low-fat).
Fresh and Safe: Homemade treats are free from harmful preservatives and artificial additives.

Did You Know? Many commercial treats have artificial dyes.

They exist only to make them more appealing to humans.

Storage Tips for Maximum Freshness

Homemade treats lack the preservatives of store-bought ones.

So, proper storage is key.

Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
Refrigeration: If you’ve added extras like yogurt or peanut butter, keep them in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.
Freezing: Freeze for up to 3 months—perfect for batch baking!

Pro Tip: Freeze individual portions for easy grab-and-go treats during walks or training.

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Common Mistakes to Avoid When Making Dog Treats

Making treats at home is simple. But a few mistakes could harm your dog’s health or the cookies’ quality. Here’s how to avoid them:

Using the Wrong Pumpkin: Always use plain, unsweetened canned pumpkin. Pumpkin pie filling contains sugar and spices like nutmeg, which are toxic to dogs.
Skipping the Grating Process: Finely grate the carrots to ensure they mix well into the dough. Large chunks may bake unevenly and make the cookies crumbly.
Overbaking the Cookies: You want the treats firm, but not too hard. This is especially important for puppies and senior dogs with sensitive teeth.
Adding Unsafe Ingredients: Avoid using sugar, salt, or artificial sweeteners, like xylitol. They can be deadly to dogs.
Not Checking for Allergies: Pumpkin and carrots are usually safe. But always test new treats for allergies by introducing them slowly.

Pro Tip: If you’re unsure about an ingredient, ask your vet before using it in your homemade treats.

Creative Ways to Use These Treats

These cookies aren’t just snacks—they’re versatile tools for bonding and training:

Training Rewards: Break the cookies into smaller pieces. Use them as rewards for training.
Puzzle Toys: Hide cookies in puzzle feeders or snuffle mats. They will keep your dog mentally stimulated.
Special Occasions: Bake a fresh batch for birthdays, holidays, or doggy playdates.

Fun Fact: Dogs learn best with high-value treats as rewards!

Important Safety Notes

While this recipe is designed to be safe, here are a few precautions to keep in mind:

Portion Control: Treats should make up no more than 10% of your dog’s daily caloric intake.
Ingredient Safety: Use only unsweetened canned pumpkin. It must not have added spices, like nutmeg, which are toxic to dogs.
Introduce Gradually: If your dog hasn’t had pumpkin or carrots before, start with a small amount. This will ensure there are no adverse reactions.

Pro Tip: Always consult your vet before feeding new foods to dogs with allergies or health issues.

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

Why Homemade Treats Are Better

Homemade treats like these Pumpkin & Carrot Cookies stand out for many reasons:

No Additives: These cookies have no preservatives or artificial flavors, unlike store-bought ones.
Customizable Nutrition: Adjust the recipe to fit your dog’s needs and tastes.
Guaranteed Freshness: Bake smaller batches for maximum freshness.

Did You Know? Homemade treats can lower the risk of obesity and other health issues.

These are caused by poor-quality, commercial options.

Conclusion

Your dog deserves nothing but the best, and these Pumpkin & Carrot Cookies are a simple way to show them love.

With just four ingredients and a little time, you can make vet-approved treats.

They are healthier, safer, and cheaper than store-bought ones.

Bake a batch today—your dog will thank you with every tail wag and happy bark!

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E: Vegetables

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