Homemade Dog Treat Recipe for Allergies Using Lentils & Carrots

Zack Keithy, our author, is a certified veterinarian technician (UC Blue Ash) for over 6 years (contact him here). The articles written here are based on his expertise and experience, combined with a review by our expert vet reviewers including Dr M. Tarantino. Learn more about us here.

Have​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌ you ever felt powerless when seeing your pet scratching, biting its fur, or having a bad stomach?

It is hard when you suspect that their food might be the cause. A lot of commercial treats are full of allergens, thus our sensitive dogs become miserable.

However, you can make tasty and safe treats for them straight from your ​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌home. Let’s find out how.

Recipe Overview

• This homemade treat recipe uses lentils and carrots to create a delicious and safe option for dogs with allergies.
• It’s packed with fiber, essential vitamins, and plant-based protein.
• Prep time: 15 minutes.
• Cook time: 30-35 minutes.
• Yields: Approximately 40-50 small treats.

Ingredients List

• 1 cup red lentils, uncooked (Estimated cost: $0.75)
• 2 cups water (Cost: $0.00)
• 2 medium carrots, peeled and finely grated (Estimated cost: $0.60)
• 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce (Estimated cost: $0.25)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil (Estimated cost: $0.15)
• 1/2 cup oat flour (Estimated cost: $0.50, or make your own from rolled oats)
• 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder (Estimated cost: $0.10)
• (Optional) 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger (Estimated cost: $0.05)
• Total Estimated Cost: $2.40

Suitable Substitutions:

• Red lentils: Green lentils can work, but may require slightly longer cooking.
• Carrots: Sweet potato (cooked and mashed) or pumpkin puree (not pie filling) are good alternatives.
• Olive oil: Coconut oil can be used instead.
• Oat flour: Rice flour or chickpea flour can be substituted if there’s an oat allergy.

Step-by-Step Instructions

• Rinse the lentils: Put the red lentils in a fine-mesh sieve and rinse them well under cold water.
• Cook the lentils: Put the rinsed lentils and 2 cups of water in a medium saucepan. Bring it to a boil. Then lower the heat, cover, and let it simmer for about 15-20 minutes until the lentils are soft and have absorbed most of the water.
• Mash the lentils: Once cooked, drain any remaining water. Mash the lentils thoroughly with a fork or potato masher until smooth.
• Combine ingredients: In a large bowl, mix the mashed lentils, grated carrots, unsweetened applesauce, olive oil, turmeric, and ginger (if using). Stir everything together really well.
• Add oat flour: Slowly add the oat flour, a little at a time, mixing until a firm dough forms. If it’s too sticky, add a bit more oat flour. If it’s too dry, add a tiny bit more applesauce.
• Preheat oven and prepare baking sheet: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
• Form the treats: Roll the dough into small balls, about 1/2 inch in diameter. You can also roll out the dough and use a small cookie cutter if you want shapes.
• Bake: Place the treats on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the treats are firm and slightly golden brown. They should be crunchy.
• Cool completely: Let the treats cool completely on a wire rack before giving them to your dog. They will firm up even more as they cool.

Feeding Guidelines

• Small dogs (under 20 lbs): 1-2 treats per day.
• Medium dogs (20-50 lbs): 2-4 treats per day.
• Large dogs (over 50 lbs): 4-6 treats per day.
• Puppies: Give only a small amount, maybe half a treat, once or twice a day. Make sure they can chew it easily.
• Seniors: These treats are soft enough for older dogs. Adjust portion sizes if they are less active.
• Very active dogs: You can offer slightly more treats, but remember they are supplements, not meal replacements.
• Always introduce new treats slowly to check for any sensitivities.
• Remember, treats should not make up more than 10% of your dog’s daily caloric intake.
• Talk to your vet for personalized advice, especially if your dog has specific health conditions or dietary needs.

Nutritional Benefits of the Recipe

• Lentils: These are a great source of plant-based protein and dietary fiber, which helps with digestion and keeps your dog feeling full. They also provide iron, folate, and manganese.
• Carrots: Packed with beta-carotene, which converts to Vitamin A and supports good vision, immune function, and skin health. They also offer fiber and antioxidants.
• Unsweetened Applesauce: A good source of fiber and Vitamin C. It adds natural sweetness without added sugars.
• Olive Oil: Provides healthy monounsaturated fats and Omega-6 fatty acids, beneficial for skin, coat, and overall cellular health.
• Oat Flour: A naturally gluten-free grain that offers complex carbohydrates for energy and additional fiber. It’s often well-tolerated by dogs with wheat allergies.
• Turmeric: Known for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which can help with joint health and overall well-being.
• Ginger: Can aid digestion and has anti-inflammatory benefits.

Storage and Serving Tips

• Refrigeration: These treats stay fresh in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5-7 days.
• Freezing: For longer storage, freeze the treats in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2-3 months. Thaw them in the refrigerator overnight or at room temperature for a few hours before serving.
• Reheating: You don’t need to reheat them.
• Serving ideas: Give them at room temperature or slightly warmed if your dog prefers. You can also crumble them over their regular kibble as a tasty topper.

Common Questions & Troubleshooting

Can I use dried lentils or do they need to be pre-soaked?

No, you don’t need to pre-soak the lentils for this recipe. Just rinse them well and cook them as directed.

My dog has a specific allergy to oats. What can I use instead of oat flour?

If your dog can’t have oats, you can use rice flour or chickpea flour as a substitute. Both are generally well-tolerated and gluten-free.

The dough is too sticky/dry. What should I do?

If the dough is too sticky, add a little more oat flour, one tablespoon at a time, until it’s easier to handle. If it’s too dry, add a tiny bit more unsweetened applesauce or a few drops of olive oil.

How can I make these treats crunchier?

For extra crunch, bake them for a bit longer, maybe an additional 5-10 minutes, at a slightly lower temperature (around 300°F/150°C) after the initial baking. Then turn off the oven and let them dry out inside for another hour as the oven cools.

Wrapping Up

Making these allergy-friendly lentil and carrot treats is a simple way to show your dog some love. It helps them feel good and stay healthy. So give it a try!

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