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Isn’t it great, if not a little bit satisfying, to treat your dog with something really good for them? Nothing fancy, just a simple, homemade, healthy dog treat, that keeps them going with their unlimited energy and fast growth.
These oven baked chicken and carrot sticks are exactly that kind of treat a tasty incentive full of nutrition, made just right for the little ones who are learning.
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Recipe Overview
This homemade puppy treat recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 25-30 minutes to bake. These soft, savory chews are packed with lean protein and essential vitamins, making them an excellent choice for training and rewarding your growing pup.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
- Serving Size: Makes about 30-40 small chews (depending on cutter size)
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Ingredients List
Here’s what you’ll need for these nourishing puppy treats. All ingredients are dog-safe and readily available.
- 1 cup cooked chicken breast, finely shredded or pureed: About $1.50 – $2.50
- 1/2 cup cooked carrots, pureed: About $0.30 – $0.50
- 1/2 cup whole wheat flour (or oat flour for gluten-free): About $0.20 – $0.30
- 1 large egg: About $0.20 – $0.30
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: About $0.10 – $0.15
- Optional: 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped: About $0.10 – $0.20
- Total Estimated Cost: Approximately $2.40 – $3.95
Substitutions:
- Cooked Chicken Breast: Cooked ground turkey or lean ground beef can be used.
- Cooked Carrots: Pureed pumpkin (plain, canned) or cooked sweet potato can be used.
- Whole Wheat Flour: Oat flour or rice flour can be used for a gluten-free option.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Making these chews is quite straightforward. Just follow these simple steps:
- Preheat oven and prepare baking sheet. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Prepare chicken and carrots. Ensure your chicken breast is cooked and finely shredded or pureed. Cook the carrots until very soft, then puree them.
- Combine ingredients. In a medium bowl, combine the shredded or pureed chicken, pureed carrots, whole wheat flour, large egg, and olive oil. If using, add the finely chopped parsley.
- Mix well. Mix all the ingredients together thoroughly until a soft, uniform dough forms. It should be easy to handle.
- Roll out the dough. Lightly flour a clean surface with a little extra flour. Roll out the dough to about 1/4-inch thickness.
- Cut out treats. Use a small cookie cutter (a bone shape or a small circle works well) to cut out individual treats. You can also just use a knife to cut them into small squares.
- Place on baking sheet. Carefully transfer the cut-out treats to the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the treats are firm and lightly golden brown. They should be soft enough for a puppy to chew easily.
- Cool completely. Remove the treats from the oven and let them cool completely on a wire rack before giving them to your puppy.
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Feeding Guidelines
These chews are designed for puppies, but moderation is still key. They’re a reward, not a meal.
- Small Puppies (under 10 lbs): 1-2 small chews per day.
- Medium Puppies (10-25 lbs): 2-4 small chews per day.
- Large Puppies (over 25 lbs): 4-6 small chews per day.
Always consider your puppy’s overall daily calorie intake. Treats should make up no more than 10% of their total calories. Introduce these treats slowly, starting with just one or two, to ensure they agree with your puppy’s tummy. If your puppy has any specific health concerns or dietary needs, always consult your veterinarian for personalized advice.
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Nutritional Benefits of the Recipe
These savory chews are packed with goodness for your growing pup.
- Cooked Chicken Breast: Provides high-quality, lean protein essential for muscle growth, repair, and overall cellular function in rapidly growing puppies.
- Cooked Carrots: An excellent source of beta-carotene, which converts to Vitamin A, crucial for healthy vision, skin, and a strong immune system. They also provide dietary fiber.
- Whole Wheat Flour (or Oat Flour): Offers complex carbohydrates for a steady energy supply, important for active puppies. It also provides some fiber.
- Egg: Contributes additional high-quality protein and essential amino acids for growth and development.
- Olive Oil: Provides healthy fats, which are important for energy, brain development, and a healthy coat.
- Overall: These treats support strong muscle development, healthy vision, a robust immune system, and provide gentle energy for training and play.
Storage and Serving Tips
These treats are easy to store and serve, making them convenient for daily use.
- Refrigeration: Store the cooled treats in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5-7 days.
- Freezing: For longer storage, place the treats in a freezer-safe bag or container and freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
- Serving Ideas: These soft chews are perfect for breaking into even smaller pieces for training. They can also be given as a general reward or a little snack between meals. Always ensure they are at room temperature before serving.
Common Questions & Troubleshooting (FAQ)
My puppy is allergic to chicken. What can I use instead?
You can easily substitute cooked ground turkey or lean ground beef for the chicken in this recipe.
Can I add other vegetables?
Yes, you can. Small amounts of pureed green beans or peas can be added for extra nutrients. Ensure they are cooked and pureed for easy digestion.
The dough is too dry/crumbly. What should I do?
If the dough is too dry, add a tiny bit more olive oil or a teaspoon of water until it comes together. If it’s too sticky, add a little more flour.
Wrapping Up
These Homemade Puppy Treats Using Chicken & Carrot are a simple, wholesome way to reward your growing pup. They’re nutritious, easy to make, and perfect for training.
Feeling inspired? Pin this recipe to your Puppy Treats Recipe board for easy access and follow us for more pet-friendly tips!
