Apple Carrot Chew Sticks (Printable version)
Healthy apple carrot chews your pup will love. Simple, natural ingredients baked to golden perfection.
# What you'll need:
→ Fruits & Vegetables
01 - 1 medium apple, peeled, cored, and grated
02 - 1 medium carrot, peeled and grated
→ Dry Ingredients
03 - 2 cups whole wheat flour (or gluten-free oat flour)
04 - ½ cup rolled oats
→ Binding Ingredients
05 - 1 large egg
06 - ⅓ cup unsweetened applesauce
07 - 2 tablespoons water (as needed)
# Directions:
01 - Preheat your oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
02 - In a large bowl, combine the grated apple, grated carrot, flour, and oats. Mix thoroughly until evenly distributed.
03 - Add the egg and applesauce to the mixture and stir until a dough forms. If the dough is too dry, add water 1 tablespoon at a time until it comes together.
04 - On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough into small sticks approximately 4 inches long and ½ inch thick.
05 - Place the sticks on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them slightly apart to ensure even cooking.
06 - Bake for 40 to 45 minutes, or until the sticks are golden and firm. For extra crunch, turn off the oven and let the sticks cool inside for an additional hour.
07 - Let the chew sticks cool completely before serving to your pup to ensure safe eating temperature.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- These wholesome chews use real ingredients you can actually pronounce and probably already have in your kitchen.
- Your dog gets the satisfaction of a long-lasting chew without any mysterious additives or preservatives.
02 -
- Letting the sticks dry in the cooling oven is the secret step that transforms them from soft treats into genuine long-lasting chews.
- The dough should feel firm but not crumbly—if it is too wet, the sticks will not hold their shape during baking.
03 -
- Grate the apple and carrot finely to prevent chunks from falling out during shaping.
- Watch the sticks closely in the last 10 minutes of baking as they can darken quickly.