Homemade Carrot & Pumpkin Snack Sticks for Dogs 🥕🎃
If you love spoiling your pup with healthy treats, these Carrot & Pumpkin Snack Sticks are a must-try! They’re nutritious, easy to make, and free from preservatives — plus, they’ll have your dog’s tail wagging the second they come out of the oven.
Perfect for Pinterest pet parents who want wholesome, DIY dog treats that double as a bonding activity.
Why Make Dog Treats at Home?
Homemade dog treats aren’t just about spoiling your furry friend — they’re about giving them the best:
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Control the ingredients – No artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives.
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Allergen-friendly – Skip common irritants like wheat, dairy, or soy.
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Nutritious and balanced – Add vitamins, minerals, and fiber that support digestion, coat health, and immunity.
Ingredients for Carrot & Pumpkin Snack Sticks
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1 cup pure pumpkin puree (NOT pumpkin pie filling)
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1 cup grated carrots (about 2 medium carrots)
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2 cups oat flour (blend rolled oats until fine)
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1 egg (optional for binding — skip if sensitive)
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1 tbsp coconut oil or water
Why they’re healthy:
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Carrots – Rich in vitamin A, great for eyes, teeth, and digestion.
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Pumpkin – High fiber for healthy digestion, plus skin and coat benefits.
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Oat flour – Gluten-free, gentle on sensitive stomachs.
Step-by-Step: How to Make Them
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Mix wet ingredients – Combine pumpkin, carrots, and egg in a large bowl.
- Add oat flour gradually, mixing until a dough forms.
- Adjust texture – Add coconut oil or water if too dry; add more oat flour if too sticky.
- Shape sticks – Roll dough into ½-inch-thick sticks (shorter for small dogs).
- Bake for 25–30 mins until golden and firm. For crunchier sticks, let them cool in the oven with the heat off.
- Cool completely on a wire rack before serving.
Storage Tips
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Fridge – Airtight container, up to 1 week.
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Freezer – Up to 3 months; thaw before serving.
Fun Variations
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Peanut Butter Boost – Add 2–3 tbsp natural peanut butter (no xylitol).
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Berry Blast – Fold in a handful of blueberries for antioxidants.
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Sweet Potato Swap – Replace carrots with grated sweet potato for a softer chew.
Troubleshooting
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Too Sticky? Add more oat flour, 1 tbsp at a time.
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Too Soft? Bake 5–10 mins longer or let them crisp in the oven as it cools.
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Dog Dislikes Carrot? Swap for zucchini or sweet potato.