Let Me Tell You About These Chew Sticks...
So, I was cleaning out the fridge a while ago (as you do, with way too many random veggies staring you down) and I found this half-bag of carrots and one slightly sad apple. My dog, Max, was watching me with those big, hopeful eyes. I remembered this recipe I sort of cobbled together after a neighbor mentioned it—honestly, it’s gone through more versions than Doctor Who. Anyway, it’s become one of Max’s absolute favorites—I mean, the tail-wagging is off the charts—so I figured I’d share, even if my kitchen occasionally looks like a tornado hit during the process. Oh, and if you hear a crunch in the background, that's just Max giving his approval (sometimes too enthusiastically, if you ask me).
Why I Keep Making These (Besides the Puppy Dog Eyes)
I make these whenever we’re out of store-bought treats (which is more often than I’d like to admit). My family’s always saying, “Do you have more of those crunchy sticks for Max?”—as if I have an endless stash. It’s just nice knowing what’s actually in his treats, right? Plus, these don’t break the bank, and you can tweak them depending on what’s lurking in your veggie drawer. Also, I used to hate how sticky some doughs can be, but this one’s actually not too bad. Sometimes the kitchen ends up covered in flour anyway, but that’s half the fun. Or maybe just half the mess. (I once tried making them with only carrots and, uh, it was not a hit. Trust me, the apple’s important!)
What You'll Need (But Seriously, Feel Free to Improvise)
- 1 medium apple, peeled and grated (or, keep the peel on for extra fiber—my aunt says it's healthier and, honestly, I can't taste the difference)
- 2 medium carrots, grated (sometimes I use those pre-shredded bags if I’m feeling extra lazy)
- 2 cups whole wheat flour (I’ve swapped in oat flour once when I ran out—bit crumblier, but the dog didn’t seem to mind)
- 1 egg (or 2 tablespoons of unsweetened applesauce if egg’s a no-go)
- 2-3 tablespoons water (just enough to bring the dough together—it can be a little moody)
- Optional: a tablespoon of peanut butter, as long as it’s xylitol-free (sometimes I add this for a treat but then Max gets extra drooly)
How I Do It (With Some Chaos, Usually)
- First, crank the oven to 180°C (350°F). I always forget to do this until my hands are covered in dough, so maybe do it first. Or just set a timer for yourself, like I now do.
- Mix the apple, carrots, and egg in a big bowl. You want it kind of lumpy, but all mixed together. This is where I usually sneak a small taste (I know it’s dog treats, but it’s all just veggies and egg at this point!).
- Dump in the flour, and start mixing. Use your hands if you feel brave. Add water a tablespoon at a time till you get a dough that holds together but isn’t super sticky. Don’t panic if it’s a little dry; just splash in more water. (I've had batches come out like play-dough and others more like biscuit dough, but they always bake up fine.)
- Turn out onto a floured surface and roll into a rectangle-ish shape. About a half-inch thick or so—honestly, I never measure, I just go by looks.
- Slice into sticks (mine are about finger-width, but no need to be scientific about it). Sometimes I twist them a bit for fun, but mostly I just want to get them in the oven before Max loses his mind.
- Spread them on a lined baking tray. Try not to crowd them, though if you do, they just bake together and you can snap them apart later—no harm done.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until they’re golden and a bit crisp on the edges. I let mine cool right on the tray since I’m usually busy cleaning up carrot bits at this point.
What I’ve Learned (Sometimes the Hard Way)
- If you use oat flour, watch out—it bakes faster and burns easier. Learned that the hard way. Whoops.
- Don’t skip lining the tray—even if you’re feeling lazy. The sticky bits are a pain to scrape off, trust me.
- I’ve tried freezing the finished sticks—they’re okay, but a little less crunchy after thawing. Still, better than tossing them if you make a massive batch.
Some Variations I’ve Tried (With Mixed Success!)
- Once, I threw in a bit of cinnamon—smelled amazing, but Max seemed indifferent. Maybe your dog’s fancier?
- I’ve experimented with pumpkin puree instead of carrot. It was fine, but the texture wasn’t as firm. Actually, I find it works better if you mix pumpkin with the carrot rather than swap it completely.
- Tried cheese once. Not my best idea—too gooey, didn’t crisp up. Wouldn’t recommend unless you like cleaning melted cheese off your oven. (I do not.)
Equipment (Or, What If You Don't Have Everything?)
I use a cheese grater for the carrots and apple—just the box kind, nothing fancy. If you don’t have a rolling pin, a wine bottle works fine (just maybe don’t use your favorite one, as it might get doughy). And a sharp knife for slicing—though I’ve genuinely just used kitchen scissors in a pinch. Works a treat!
How I Store Them (If They Last That Long)
Just toss the cooled sticks in an airtight container—I keep mine in a cookie jar, and Max now sits in front of it like it’s his job. They’ll stay good for about a week, though honestly, in my house, they’re gone within a day or two. If you want to make them last longer, pop ‘em in the fridge. Or even freeze them, but like I said, they lose a bit of their crunch.
How I Like to Serve These
I usually just hand Max a stick when he’s been especially good (or when he successfully ignores the neighbor’s cat). Sometimes, I break them into smaller pieces and tuck them into his treat ball—it’s like doggie enrichment and snack time rolled into one. If you have a family tradition for dog treats, I’d love to hear it! Actually, I’m always on the lookout for new ideas. Or you can check out this AKC homemade dog treat guide for inspiration.
Things I Messed Up So You Don’t Have To
- I once tried rushing the baking step—took them out too soon, and they were more gummy than chewy. Not a hit, so just give them the full time. Or even a bit extra if you like them super crunchy.
- Let the sticks cool completely before stashing them away. If you don’t, they steam in the container and get soggy. Learned that the hard way, too—my bad.
- Don’t overdo the water when mixing the dough—just enough to bring it together. Too much and you’ll end up adding more flour and, well, it’s a cycle that never ends.
FAQ (Because I’ve Actually Been Asked These!)
- Can I use gluten-free flour? Yup, I’ve tried it with rice flour and oat flour—just keep an eye on the bake time and expect a bit more crumbly texture.
- My dough is too sticky—what now? Add a bit more flour, a spoonful at a time. Or chill it for a few minutes; it firms up. (I forget to do this half the time, but it does help!)
- Are these safe for puppies? As long as your pup’s eating solid food and isn’t allergic to any of the ingredients (especially watch for peanut butter), you’re good. But if you’re worried, ask your vet. There’s a handy list of safe dog foods over at ASPCA’s guide.
- Can I eat them? Honestly, yes. They taste a bit bland to me, but nothing weird in there. Not my cuppa tea, but if you’re peckish, go ahead!
- Do I have to peel the apple? Nah. Sometimes I do, sometimes I don’t—depends how much time I’ve got, or if the peel looks a bit gnarly.
So there you have it—Apple & Carrot Chew Sticks for Dogs, straight from my slightly chaotic kitchen. Give them a whirl and let me know how your furry pal likes ‘em. (And if you make a total mess, hey, at least you’re in good company.)
Ingredients
- 1 medium apple, peeled and grated
- 1 medium carrot, peeled and grated
- 2 cups whole wheat flour
- ½ cup rolled oats
- ¼ cup unsweetened applesauce
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons coconut oil, melted
- 2-3 tablespoons water (as needed)
Instructions
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1Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
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2In a large bowl, combine grated apple, grated carrot, whole wheat flour, and rolled oats.
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3Add applesauce, egg, and melted coconut oil to the dry ingredients. Mix until a dough forms. Add water, one tablespoon at a time, if the dough is too dry.
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4On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough into a rectangle about ½ inch thick. Cut into stick shapes, about ½ inch wide and 4 inches long.
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5Place the sticks on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until golden and firm.
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6Allow the chew sticks to cool completely before serving to your dog.
Approximate Information for One Serving
Nutrition Disclaimers
Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.
Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.
To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.
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