Quick and easy four-ingredient treats for dogs and horses.
I have another Valentine’s Day recipe for you today. So far in this category this year, I’ve made Heart Cookies with Cinnamon Icing and Poe’s Jacket Star Wars Cookies, but those are treats for boring old human beings. Today I’m sharing treats for our most adorable valentines, our pets!
I have a bad habit of feeding my pets people food. My cats like popcorn and pineapple off of pizza, my dog lives for table scraps, and my horse’s favorite treats are sour patch kids, but I know those aren’t exactly good for them.
I feel much better about giving them something that is made with all-natural ingredients and isn’t full of oil and sugar. And that’s how these Carrot Oat Applesauce Treats came into being.
These treats are super easy to make, use ingredients you probably already have on hand, and whip up in about 10 minutes before going in the oven. The resulting treats are solid and easily portable, but slightly gummy so it gives pets something to chew on.
Ella sat in the entry way to the kitchen then entire time they were being made, just waiting for them to be done. Okay, she does that any time I cook anything in the kitchen, but she was extra excited about these. I know it.
When it came time for taste testing, they were a hit. Ella gobbled hers down and Daff was searching my pockets for more (BTW, horse people, these treats won’t fall apart in your coat pockets!!).
The cats weren’t terribly impressed, but they’re cats. There’s just no pleasing them.
Scroll past the recipe for some more dog treats. (More horse treats coming soon. 🙂 )
Carrot Oat Applesauce Treats for Dogs and Horses
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup oats (quick for dogs, quick, steel-cut or old-fashioned are fine for horses)
- 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 1/2 cup (about 1 large) carrot finely grated
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees and cover a baking tray with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
- Mix all four ingredients in a medium bowl.
- Use a tablespoon to drop clumps of the mixture on to the baking tray. Shape if you wish.*
- Bake for 18-20 minutes, until treats are set.
Notes
Nutrition
This post may contain affiliate links, which means I receive a small commission if you make a purchase using them. There is absolutely no additional cost to you.
More Dog Treats
The perfect homemade high-value dog treats for training. Easy, inexpensive, and irresistible to dogs. Your pup will do anything for these things. Also cat friendly–your cat would probably be willing to trip you for one.
Birthday Cupcake Dog Popsicles with Tuna Frosting
Cupcake-shaped dog popsicles made with chicken broth and a pureed tuna frosting. Simple to make and your dog is going to LOVE them!
April @ Girl Gone Gourmet says
We have a 6-month old golden retriever and I bet he’d love these – especially since they’re chewy. I think he’d like chewing on these instead of our baseboards, so I better get baking 🙂
Tracy says
Ha, treats are a much better option than your baseboards! I do not miss the puppy stage, adorable as it is!
Gillian Ann Kitchen says
Tracy love this receipe I shall be making some very soon.. do you know how many they could have a day…
Thank you… Gillian
Tracy says
Hi, Gillian, it’s really up to you and the size of your dog. I probably give Ella, my lab mix 2 to 4ish total in a day when I make them.
Liz says
My dog loves these; I thought he would because he comes running whenever anyone is eating carrots. Thanks for the recipe!
Tracy says
LOL. My dog is exactly the same. Glad he enjoyed the recipe!
Dana says
These cookies are so cute! Also, love your photos and your animals <3
I'm totally going to share this recipe with my Mom. She grooms horses once a week, and she's got a dog. I'm sure she'll be jazzed to whip these up.
Tracy says
Thanks, Dana!
Patricia @ Grab a Plate says
My German Shepherd (who is such a beggar in her older years!) would flip for these! I must give them a try! When I first saw them I though, “Oo, yum!” I guess I could eat them too if I really wanted 🙂 Thanks!
Tracy says
Ah, I love German shepherds! I actually saw a human cookie recipe on Pinterest that was almost this recipe minus the carrots, so you totally could. 😉
Jessica says
These are seriously adorable!! My parents’ two labs would love these fun little treats!
Tracy says
Thanks, Jessica. I bet they would. I know my lab (mix) did!
Janette says
My oldest Dog is diagnosed with cancer, I want him to have a birthday party with his brother and best buddy! Thank you, they will love these, and help make this birthday very special!!
Tracy says
Hi Janette, I’m so sorry to hear about your dog’s diagnosis! Throwing him a birthday party sounds like a lovely idea. I really hope they all enjoy these treats. I know my girl did!
Rebekah | Kitchen Gidget says
I think I love Daff – my favorite candy is Sour Patch Kids too! Your pets are so cute and the treats, too!
Tracy says
Great minds! 😉 Thanks, Rebekah.
Summer says
Wow! These sound and look really good ♥
summerdaisy.net
Tracy says
Thanks, Summer!
Jay @ IndustryEats says
Hi Tracy!
I love this post. I think it was a great idea to break away from the human food for a bit to create something for our four legged friends. While I don’t have a dog to feed a special treat to, I do happen to have 29 horses. Well, I don’t, but the horse sanctuary across the street does. I wonder if they would like to skip their Tractor Supply cookies for some homemade ones. We have a huge draft horse over there that likes to hog everything. His name is Piper and he’s quite the pig. He’ll take our treats, eat them, chase everyone else out of the way, kick his hind legs in the air and then come back for more. He’ll stick his nose in our jackets and pickpocket us. I always feel so bad for all those other little horses who don’t get a chance to stop by. You know the kind, the little ones with the freckles (I hope you’re laughing by now).
Anyway, thanks for the post and giving me the chance to tell someone my horse story. I love that kind of stuff.
Take care,
Jay
Tracy says
Oh my gosh, Jay, you came to the right place. Horse stories are my FAVORITE. 😉 Your story did crack me up, because I totally know the type. My mare is pastured with a gelding who is just like Piper! You have to go into the pasture if you want to give her a treat. You can’t really see it in the photo, but he was standing right next to me trying to get the one I was feeding her. It made for an interesting photo shoot.
Mabel says
Cool! For a change, i will make a lot of this for my horse (Ralda). She will love this tasty knick knacs. Thank you Tracy. ^_^
Tracy says
Thanks, Mabel! I hope Ralda likes them.
Katie says
Hi! I can’t wait to try these, I’m glad you shared the recipe!
I’m just wondering should I cook the steel cut oats before I make these or is that not necessary?
Thanks!
Tracy says
Hi Katie! No cooking necessary. My lab mix, horse, and my horse’s picky eater pasture mate all loved the steel cut version. 🙂 I hope your pets enjoy them!
Jennifer says
Can I make these with with coconut flour you think?
Tracy says
I’ve never cooked with coconut flour, so I’m not sure, but I did a little research and it seems like it should be possible. Since coconut flour is so absorbent, start with 2 tablespoons and add more if needed. If you try it, let me know how it works out for you! Here’s more info on coconut flour in dog treats: http://www.dogtreatkitchen.com/treat-recipes-with-coconut-flour.html
Dana Benjamin says
I know everyone on my farm would like a sample of these babies. Thank you for sharing!
Tracy says
Thanks, Dana!
Karen says
used regular oats and added about a tablespoon of peanut butter. wasn’t sure if my boy would like them. he loved them 🙂 Thanks!
Tracy says
I’m so happy to hear that, Karen! Peanut butter sounds like a great addition!
Michelle says
Do you have to refrigerate the cookies?
Tracy says
Hi Michelle, they are fine at room temperature for a few hours, but for long-term storage, should be kept in the fridge.
Steffi says
Hey Tracy. Are these treats supposed to be alittle doughie on the inside?
Tracy says
Hi Steffi, I wouldn’t describe the insides as particularly doughy. When cooled, they are about the texture of a really robust oatmeal cookie. Hope that helps!
Dana Benjamin says
Anything that dogs and horses both like is something I need to know how to make.
Tracy says
Right!? Now if I could just figure out a treat that’s dog, horse, and cat friendly. 😉
quel says
wow my dogs kcee and riley will love these alswell as my horses penny and levi possibly patches the pony i show aswell and tj the one i ride
Tracy says
I hope they all enjoy them!!
Kayla says
Do I have to use apple sauce or can I just use water?
Tracy says
I’ve never tried it, but it would probably work. I would start with just a couple tablespoons of water and keep adding just until there is enough liquid for all of the ingredients to hold together.
Whitney says
My GSD would absolutely love these! He loves frozen carrots so this is perfect for him! Could I put these in my silicone baking molds and bake them that way or is it best to just shape them on a pan?
Tracy says
Ah, I love GSDs so much!! A silicone mold should work just fine (the cooking time might be a little longer or shorter depending on the mold size). You will definitely get a prettier treat if you use a mold, but if you bake them on a foil-covered baking sheet, you don’t have to do dishes. So it’s totally up to you. 😉
Ashley says
These sound amazing, but my Stafford shire is allergic to carrots. His eyes and face turn red and puffy after he eats them (He absolutely loves carrots though). Is there somthing I can substitute for them?
Tracy says
Oh no, bummer for him! Honestly, I’m not sure if you could really substitute something else. Functionally, you could replace the carrots with grated zucchini (they might need a bit more flour since zucchini is wetter), but I don’t know if they would taste super appetizing to a dog. If you don’t mind fish and you are looking for an easy treat, you can try these tuna treats: https://bakingmischief.com/2016/06/08/high-value-dog-treats/ They are really simple too, and no carrots. 😉
Dawn says
Hi Diane, i made these treats today and they are literally in the oven as I write this! My niece Faith had 2 black labs hailey & sadie, today is there birthday they are nine! Well hailey passed a few weeks ago & we are all mourning her! They are sisters so we are having a party for sadie who hasn’t been her self since! ( but getting better) i made the peanut butter carrot delight cake it looks delicious! I didn’t use the oil in the treats instead i used a little apple sauce & a little pumpkin puree (both organic) i cant wait to try them
Dawn says
Im sorry some how my phone wrote diane! I hate that!
Tracy says
Auto correct is the worst! 🙂
Tracy says
Thanks, Dawn! We had to put Ella’s sister down a couple of years ago, so I know how hard that can be for everyone, canine and human. Hope Sadie enjoys the treats and has a good birthday!
Nora says
What about parsnips?
Tracy says
Parsnips should work just fine!
KaleaCakes90 says
Sweet potatoes are a great alternative to carrots! They taste great and dogs love it!
Jessie Fay says
These looks amazing! We just adopted a pooch this last Sunday and, so far, I’ve made peanut butter/banana/oatmeal treats in the shape of little ducks lol (she’s a Catahoula mix). I am definitely going to try these next! Thanks for sharing your recipe 🙂
Tracy says
Thanks, Jessie! Your girl sounds adorable. Ella has actually has a little catahoula in her. Her mom was all spotty, but you can’t see it in Ella at all. She’s just lab black. 🙂
Vicki says
Can these be made with whole wheat flour or almond flour
Tracy says
Hi, Vicki. Yes. You can use either.
Steve says
what about rolled oats?
Tracy says
Hi Steve. Fine for horses. I’d stick to quick cooked for dogs.
Kaitlin says
Hey! I am thinking about making these for my dog, he is a Maltese, will he still like them
Tracy says
Hi Kaitlin, if he likes carrots and non-meaty treats, he will probably like these. My childhood dog didn’t like veggies and wouldn’t have touched them. My lab LOVES them, so it really just depends on the dog.
ChristineJones says
Do these cool into crunchy cookies? My horse (Karma) doesn’t eat any mushy treats 🙁
Tracy says
These aren’t mushy and super soft. They are more a little gummy and solid, but not crunchy. What a funny quirk. I’ve never seen that one before! 🙂
Julie says
I made these tonight. They smelled amazing while baking! My great white Pyrenees & black lab both loved them.
Another reason I made them is because my daughter and I are going to a horse farm tomorrow. I added cinnamon and substituted the regular flour for half and half coconut flour and oat flour. I know the recipe has oats (I used gluten free steel cut), but read mixed reviews regarding the oat flour. I used Bob’s Redmill. Is it safe for their gut health? PS-I used a mini Apple cutter and while they don’t all look perfect due to using gluten free flours, they are still cute! Thank you for the recipe!
Tracy says
Hi Julie, thanks for the comment. Glad your dogs enjoyed them! (I love Great Pyrenees, I can never get over how big and fluffy they are!)
Oat flour should be fine. I hope you two enjoy your day at the horse farm. I literally can’t think of a better way to pass a fall day. 🙂
Paula pringle says
These are in the oven as I type. I can’t wait for Lucy to taste one. I am just starting out now to make homemade treats for my Labrador mix she’s 11 months old.
Tracy says
I hope she enjoyed them, Paula! (My own lab mix definitely does 😉 )
Janel says
Making these now 🙂 how long would you say these should last refrigerated?
Tracy says
Hi Janel, about 5-7 days, but mine always get eaten way before then. 😉 Hope your furry friends enjoy them!
Jennifer Maddox says
do you think these would work in the dehydrator also??
Tracy says
Hi Jennifer, I’m not sure. I have almost zero dehydrator experience. If you do try, please report back!
Didi says
Your pets are adorable. I do love Ella. I think my pup will love these treats. I love that they only have healthy ingredients. I’m going to make them this weekend.
Tracy says
Thanks, Didi!! I hope your dog enjoys them!
Susie Fox says
Can these treats be frozen? I would like to make them for all my family’s dogs for Christmas – but right now whilest I have the time!
Tracy says
Hi, Susie, I’m not sure. I wouldn’t have a problem freezing extras for my dog, but I’m not sure how the freezing and defrosting process will affect how they look. Since you’re giving them as gifts, I’m worried they might look a bit dried out afterwards. I would do a little test batch just to be sure. If you do try, please let us know how it works out!
Mary says
Thanks for the great recipe. I have 4 granddogs and I’m always looking for healthy treats for them. One is very picky with treats and food but he sure loved these. I have made them a few times now and I froze the first batch. They were fine once thawed but the dogs also love them frozen!
Tracy says
I’m so happy to hear the granddogs enjoy them! 🙂 Thanks, Mary!
Hannah says
Thank you for the recipe, my Chessie will love these!!
Tracy says
Thanks, Hannah! Hope Chessie enjoys them!
Vivian says
Can the carrot oat and applesauce treats be frozen. I’m making them for a barn “bake” sale and if I can freeze them I can make lots more.
Tracy says
Hi, Vivian, you definitely can freeze them, but I’m not sure if they’d look dried out or odd after freezing. Since this is for a bake sale, I’d do a little test batch first and see how they look. For best results defrosting the frozen treats, defrost them at room temperature in a single layer on paper towels so they don’t get soggy.
If you do try freezing them, please let me know how they turn out!
Valeria says
Hi Tracy,
This treats sound amazing, I just have one question to store them…fridge is the only option? A have a very nice “treat crystal bowl” in my kitchen that I would love to use for this.
Tracy says
Hi, Valeria. Totally fine! Just keep an eye on them if you don’t use them within a couple of days. Since they don’t completely dry out in the oven, I worry about them going moldy if left to sit too long (like any baked good).
Jane says
I made these the other night for Milo and Rocco. Milo is my 97 lb. Boxer and Rocco is my 50 lb. Reagle. They LOVE them! Milo laid in front of the oven while the treats were baking. I’m adding this to my “Treats for the Boys” book!
Tracy says
Whoa, that is one BIG boxer! LOL. So glad the boys enjoyed the treats, Jane!
Vanessa says
Thanks for sharing! These look so simple and healthy!
Tracy says
Thanks, Vanessa!
Keiko says
These were such a big hit with the horses and the dog! I even made a batch (along with the gingerbread treats) to give to my friend on her birthday. The only thing is the mixture is really wet, so I ended up adding about 1/4-1/2 cup more flour than what it called for.
Tracy says
Thanks, Keiko! So glad everyone enjoyed them.
Ilene says
We made these for my daughter’s horse ChaCha. They were super cute (we made hearts and stars) and a huge hit! Thanks!
Tracy says
So glad ChaCha enjoyed them. And what a cute name for a horse. I love that!
bailey says
I had added a little extra oat and I use whole wheat flour, I also found squishing the batter into cookie cutters made for perfect little hearts every time and it was very time saving, my Tuker and Swayze know they are getting home made treats when ever the cookie cutters come out they sit under the island wait for me to be done, thanks for the recipe! my babies surly enjoyed them 🙂
Tracy says
So glad they enjoyed them, Bailey!
Deb Jones says
Wondering if these are soft or crunchy??
Tracy says
Hi, Deb, they’re not really soft or crunchy, They’re a little gummy and chewy, kind of like a really dense oatmeal cookie. I wouldn’t recommend them for older dogs/horses that are missing teeth if that’s why you’re asking.
Heather Christopher says
These work great with shredded pumpkin, the dogs love them either way!
Tracy says
Good to know!
Patricia B says
Hi. I’m just wondering if the oven cooks the oats enough to give to dogs. Have you tried using cooked oats? I’m making these tomorrow and I’m tempted to make the oats on the stove before mixing them with the rest of the ingredients. But I’m not sure what that will do to the consistency of the finished treat. Thanks!
Tracy says
Hi, Patricia, I haven’t ever made these with cooked oats. If you try it, let me know how it turns out!
Amy Spurgin says
I’m wondering how to make these more crunchy, like a dog biscuit. Any ideas or suggestions? Thanks
Tracy says
Hi, Amy. You could try baking them a little longer till they dry out more. Just keep an eye on them to make sure they’re not burning.
Sharon says
I have one senior dog who is missing a few teeth. Do you think the recipe will be to chewy fir her?
Tracy says
Hi, Sharon, if your senior has trouble with chewy things, I probably wouldn’t try these. Maybe try something like these tuna treats? https://bakingmischief.com/2016/06/08/high-value-dog-treats/ They’re chewy, but much smaller and easier to eat.
ang mac says
Thank you for sharing this recipe! My Appolosa is going to Love these! I’ve been looking for something better than the usual peppermint. He’ll never see this goodness coming!
Tracy says
Aw, hope your guy enjoys them!
Kerri says
I have been making these since I first pinned your recipe a year or two ago. My dog, his doggy friends, and all the animals (horses, donkey, rabbits, chinchillas) at the ranch I volunteer for absolutely LOVE these treats. They see me drive up and know that I have something for them if they work hard with our clients. Having 5 horses surround me trying to be first for treats is such a wonderful feeling! Thank you for sharing!!
Patsy says
My friend’s horses LOVED these! Making her more today.
I used quick oats, and they shaped well. Going to try dropping it into my a cookie cutter to shape them quicker this time.
Tracy says
Aw, so glad she enjoyed them!!
Marissa says
I can’t wait to try these for my dog ♥️
I was actually wondering if I could substitute the flour for something gluten free such as almond or coconut flour because my dog is allergic to wheat!
Thanks!
Tracy says
You should be able to swap the flour without too much trouble, but the amount needed probably won’t be exactly the same. I’d mix all the ingredients except the flour and then stir in flour bit by bit until you get a “dough” that will clump together so you can form it into treats and bake it. Hope that helps!