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.
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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!
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!!
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!!
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!
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.
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.
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!
Heather Christopher says
These work great with shredded pumpkin, the dogs love them either way!
Tracy says
Good to know!
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.
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!
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!
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.
Vanessa says
Thanks for sharing! These look so simple and healthy!
Tracy says
Thanks, Vanessa!
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!
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).
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!