These Pumpkin Carrot Dog Cookies are simple, wholesome treats your dog will love. They smell warm and nutty from the peanut butter, and the pumpkin keeps them soft with a slightly sweet carrot bite. They bake up golden-brown with a firm edge and a tender center — perfect for training or a special snack. For a human-inspired cookie idea, see this carrot cake cookies recipe for flavor inspiration you can adapt for your pup.
Recipe Information
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Servings: 24 small cookies
- Difficulty Level: Easy
Nutrition Information
(Approximate per cookie; values are estimates)
- Calories per serving: 61 kcal
- Protein: 2.4 g
- Carbohydrates: 9.2 g
- Fat: 1.8 g
- Fiber: 1.2 g
- Sugar: 0.5 g
- Sodium: 20 mg
Why Make This Pumpkin Carrot Dog Cookies
These cookies use dog-safe, whole ingredients. Pumpkin adds moisture, fiber, and a gentle sweetness dogs enjoy. Carrots bring crunch and color plus vitamin A. Whole wheat flour and oats give a hearty texture, and peanut butter adds flavor dogs can’t resist. They bake quickly, store well, and let you control the ingredients so you avoid fillers and excess salt or sugar found in many store-bought treats.
How to Make Pumpkin Carrot Dog Cookies
Follow a few easy steps: mix the wet ingredients, add dry ingredients to form a dough, roll and cut, then bake until golden. The dough is slightly sticky but firms when chilled or after a brief rest. Expect a warm, earthy aroma while they bake.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup pumpkin puree
- 1 cup grated carrots
- 2 cups whole wheat flour
- 1/4 cup rolled oats
- 1/4 cup peanut butter
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 egg
Directions:
Step 1: Preparation
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it. Measure the pumpkin, grate the carrots, and gather the flour, oats, peanut butter, water, and egg. If your peanut butter is very thick, warm it a few seconds so it mixes smoothly.
Step 2: Mixing
In a large bowl, mix together the pumpkin puree, grated carrots, peanut butter, and egg until smooth. Gradually add the whole wheat flour and rolled oats. Stir until the mixture forms a rough dough. Add water a tablespoon at a time if the dough feels too dry; stop when it holds together but is not too sticky.
Step 3: Cooking
Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and roll it to about 1/4 inch thick. Use cookie cutters to cut out shapes and place them on the prepared baking sheet about 1/2 inch apart. Bake for 20–25 minutes or until the cookies turn golden brown at the edges and feel firm.
Step 4: Finishing
Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the sheet for a few minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Cool fully before giving them to your dog so they firm up and are safe to handle.
How to Serve Pumpkin Carrot Dog Cookies
Serve one or two as a treat during training, a reward after a walk, or a special snack. Break larger cookies into small pieces for training sessions. Let the cookie sit at room temperature for a few minutes to soften slightly if your dog prefers a gentler texture.
How to Store Pumpkin Carrot Dog Cookies
- Room temperature: Keep in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks.
- Freezer: Freeze in a sealed bag or container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator or at room temperature before serving.
Label the container with the date to keep track of freshness.
Expert Tips for Perfect Pumpkin Carrot Dog Cookies
- Use plain canned pumpkin, not pumpkin pie filling, which has added sugar and spices.
- If the dough seems sticky, chill it 15 minutes — it will be easier to roll.
- For uniform cookies, use a silicone baking mat or parchment and lightly flour your cutter.
- If your dog has a nut allergy, swap peanut butter for unsweetened mashed banana or plain Greek yogurt (use less water if using banana).
- Test one cookie first to make sure your dog tolerates all ingredients, especially if trying a new brand of peanut butter.
Delicious Variations
- Sweet potato swap: Replace pumpkin with mashed cooked sweet potato for a sweeter cookie.
- Apple-cinnamon hint: Add 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce and a pinch of dog-safe cinnamon (optional) for a fruity twist.
- Seed boost: Mix in 1 tablespoon chia or ground flaxseed for extra omega-3s and fiber.
- Grain-free option: Replace whole wheat flour with oat flour or a dog-safe grain-free flour blend and slightly reduce the liquid.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Are these cookies safe for puppies?
A: Yes, in small amounts. Puppies have sensitive stomachs; start with a tiny piece and watch for any reaction. Adjust portion sizes by age and weight and consult your vet for puppies under 4 months.
Q: Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned?
A: Yes. Cook and mash fresh pumpkin until smooth, then measure 1 cup. Remove excess water by draining if needed so the dough isn’t too wet.
Q: My dough crumbled when I rolled it. What went wrong?
A: It was too dry. Add water a teaspoon at a time until the dough holds together. Alternatively, add a small extra tablespoon of peanut butter or an extra egg yolk for binding.
Q: My dog is allergic to peanuts. What can I use instead?
A: Use mashed banana, unsweetened applesauce, or plain Greek yogurt as a binder and flavor. Adjust water to get the right dough consistency.
Q: How long do these treats stay fresh without refrigeration?
A: Stored in an airtight container at room temperature, they stay fresh for about 5 days. For longer storage, refrigerate up to 2 weeks or freeze up to 3 months.
Q: Can I make bite-sized training treats?
A: Yes. Roll the dough thinner (about 1/8 inch) and cut into small shapes. Bake a few minutes less and watch closely so they don’t over-bake.
Q: Are spices like cinnamon safe for dogs?
A: Small amounts of plain cinnamon are generally safe, but avoid nutmeg and any spice mixes containing xylitol or other harmful additives. When in doubt, skip spices.
Conclusion
These pumpkin carrot dog cookies are an easy, wholesome way to treat your dog with real ingredients and simple steps. They smell warm and nutty while baking and keep well for training sessions or special occasions. For another home-baked take on similar flavors, check this detailed guide on How to make pumpkin carrot dog treats. Give the recipe a try — your dog will thank you with happy tail wags.
Print
Pumpkin Carrot Dog Cookies
- Total Time: 40
- Yield: 24 small cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Wholesome pumpkin and carrot cookies that your dog will love, perfect for training or special snacks.
Ingredients
- 1 cup pumpkin puree
- 1 cup grated carrots
- 2 cups whole wheat flour
- 1/4 cup rolled oats
- 1/4 cup peanut butter
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 egg
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
- In a large bowl, mix together the pumpkin puree, grated carrots, peanut butter, and egg until smooth. Gradually add the flour and oats, stirring until a rough dough forms. Add water as needed.
- Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and roll it to about 1/4 inch thick. Use cookie cutters to cut the dough and place shapes on the baking sheet.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes until golden brown and firm. Let cool before serving.
Notes
Use plain canned pumpkin, not pumpkin pie filling. Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days at room temperature, 2 weeks in the refrigerator, or 3 months in the freezer.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 25
- Category: Dog Treats
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Dog-Friendly
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 61
- Sugar: 0.5g
- Sodium: 20mg
- Fat: 1.8g
- Saturated Fat: 0.3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 9.2g
- Fiber: 1.2g
- Protein: 2.4g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
