Soft, chewy, and packed with gut-friendly goodness—these DIY dog treats are as healthy as they are delicious.
If you’re looking for a wholesome treat that’s both simple to make and gentle on your dog’s tummy, these Pumpkin Carrot Chews are the answer. With just three dog-safe ingredients and no grains, dairy, or additives, they’re a fantastic option for dogs with sensitive stomachs or food allergies. Best of all, they have a chewy texture dogs love and are packed with fiber-rich goodness to support digestion.
Made from fresh carrots, pure pumpkin purée, and a touch of healthy oil, these chews are not only affordable but also freezer-friendly. Whether your pup prefers nibbling on something soft or you’re seeking an easy homemade alternative to store-bought treats, these chews deliver comfort and nutrition in every bite.
🥕 Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s all you need to whip up these nutritious chews for your dog:
- 3–4 small to medium carrots, peeled and finely grated
- ½ cup unsweetened pumpkin purée (make sure it’s 100% pure with no added sugar or spices)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (or a dog-safe alternative like coconut or flaxseed oil)
These three ingredients combine to create a soft dough that’s full of fiber, natural sweetness, and healthy fats. The result? A homemade chew your dog will look forward to every time.
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prep the Carrots
Start by peeling and finely grating your carrots. The finer the shred, the better the mixture will hold together in the dough. You can use a handheld grater or a food processor—just be sure to avoid large chunks that could create uneven textures or make shaping difficult.
For convenience, baby carrots work just as well as regular ones—just make sure they’re also finely grated. The smaller the pieces, the better your chews will bind and bake evenly.
2. Mix Everything Together
In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the grated carrots, pumpkin purée, and olive oil. Stir until you get a thick, sticky mixture that holds together when scooped. The dough should be soft but not overly wet.
If the mixture feels too loose, let it sit for 5–10 minutes. Carrots and pumpkin will slowly release moisture and firm up the dough naturally without needing to add any extra flour or filler.
3. Shape the Chews
Scoop out small portions using a spoon or your hands and form them into your preferred shape—think log rolls, flattened ovals, or bite-sized nuggets. For larger breeds, longer sticks work well. For toy breeds or training rewards, smaller pieces are ideal.
If you’re feeling creative, press the dough into silicone molds or use cookie cutters for fun shapes like bones or hearts. Just make sure the pieces are uniform in size so they bake evenly.
4. Bake Low and Slow
Preheat your oven to 250°F (120°C) and line a baking tray with parchment paper. Spread the chews out evenly, giving them a little space between each one to allow airflow for better drying.
Bake for 2 to 2½ hours, flipping the treats halfway through. The goal is to gently dehydrate the chews—not to brown them—so they turn out firm on the outside and chewy on the inside. Keep an eye on them during the final 30 minutes for best results.
5. Cool and Store
Once out of the oven, place the chews on a wire rack to cool completely. As they cool, they’ll firm up slightly more and become that satisfying chewy texture your pup will adore.
Only store the treats once fully cooled. If you seal them while warm, moisture can build up and cause them to soften or spoil faster.
🧊 Storage Tips
Store the cooled chews in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to 2 weeks, or freeze for up to 3 months.
You can thaw the frozen chews overnight in the fridge or offer one chilled straight from the freezer as a fun, cooling treat on hot days.
🐕 Feeding Guidelines
These chews are meant to be a treat, not a meal replacement. Because they’re high in fiber, moderation is key—especially if your dog isn’t used to pumpkin or carrots.
- Small dogs: ½ to 1 chew daily
- Medium to large dogs: 1–2 chews daily
Introduce new treats slowly and always monitor your pet, especially the first time trying something new.
🌿 Ingredient Benefits at a Glance
- Carrots: High in vitamin A and antioxidants, great for eye health and immunity.
- Pumpkin: Loaded with soluble fiber, helps with digestion and regular bowel movements.
- Olive Oil: A source of healthy fats that support skin, coat, and overall well-being.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use pumpkin pie filling instead of pumpkin purée?
No—pumpkin pie filling contains added sugar and spices (like nutmeg) that are harmful to dogs. Always use 100% plain pumpkin purée.
Can I swap olive oil for another oil?
Yes! Coconut oil or flaxseed oil are great dog-safe alternatives that also support coat health and digestion.
Are these chews safe for puppies?
If your puppy is eating solid foods and doesn’t have trouble with fiber, you can offer a small piece. As always, check with your vet first.
Can I use baby carrots instead?
Absolutely. Just grate them finely so they mix well into the dough.
🐾 Final Thoughts
These Pumpkin Carrot Chews are the kind of homemade treat you’ll feel good about giving your dog. They’re quick to make, easy to store, and tailored to support your pup’s digestive health while satisfying their chewing instincts. Whether you’re baking a batch as a weekend project or freezing extras for later, these chews are a bark-worthy addition to your homemade dog treat collection.
Recipe Card
🐶 Easy Homemade Pumpkin Carrot Chews for Dogs
Ingredients
Method
- Prep the Carrots
- Start by peeling and finely grating your carrots. The finer the shred, the better the mixture will hold together in the dough. You can use a handheld grater or a food processor—just be sure to avoid large chunks that could create uneven textures or make shaping difficult.
- For convenience, baby carrots work just as well as regular ones—just make sure they’re also finely grated. The smaller the pieces, the better your chews will bind and bake evenly.
- Mix Everything Together
- In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the grated carrots, pumpkin purée, and olive oil. Stir until you get a thick, sticky mixture that holds together when scooped. The dough should be soft but not overly wet.
- If the mixture feels too loose, let it sit for 5–10 minutes. Carrots and pumpkin will slowly release moisture and firm up the dough naturally without needing to add any extra flour or filler.
- Shape the Chews
- Scoop out small portions using a spoon or your hands and form them into your preferred shape—think log rolls, flattened ovals, or bite-sized nuggets. For larger breeds, longer sticks work well. For toy breeds or training rewards, smaller pieces are ideal.
- If you’re feeling creative, press the dough into silicone molds or use cookie cutters for fun shapes like bones or hearts. Just make sure the pieces are uniform in size so they bake evenly.
- Bake Low and Slow
- Preheat your oven to 250°F (120°C) and line a baking tray with parchment paper. Spread the chews out evenly, giving them a little space between each one to allow airflow for better drying.
- Bake for 2 to 2½ hours, flipping the treats halfway through. The goal is to gently dehydrate the chews—not to brown them—so they turn out firm on the outside and chewy on the inside. Keep an eye on them during the final 30 minutes for best results.
- Cool and Store
- Once out of the oven, place the chews on a wire rack to cool completely. As they cool, they’ll firm up slightly more and become that satisfying chewy texture your pup will adore.
- Only store the treats once fully cooled. If you seal them while warm, moisture can build up and cause them to soften or spoil faster.
Notes
Store the cooled chews in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to 2 weeks, or freeze for up to 3 months. You can thaw the frozen chews overnight in the fridge or offer one chilled straight from the freezer as a fun, cooling treat on hot days. 🐕 Feeding Guidelines
These chews are meant to be a treat, not a meal replacement. Because they’re high in fiber, moderation is key—especially if your dog isn’t used to pumpkin or carrots. Small dogs: ½ to 1 chew daily Medium to large dogs: 1–2 chews daily Introduce new treats slowly and always monitor your pet, especially the first time trying something new.