Zucchini Carrot Bites Dog Treats Recipe

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.

If your dog loves crunchy, veggie-packed treats, these Zucchini Carrot Bites are a must-try!

Packed with healthy ingredients like zucchini, carrots, and oats, these bites are a nutritious and low-calorie snack that will keep your dog wagging their tail for more.

Carrots provide your dog with a great source of beta-carotene, fiber, and vitamin A, all of which support their vision, immune system, and overall health.

Zucchini is another great choice for a dog treat, being low in calories and high in fiber.

Together, they create a chewable snack that’s easy to make, customizable, and dog-approved.

So, let’s dive into this simple and healthy recipe that will keep your furry friend both satisfied and healthy!

Why Zucchini & Carrot?

Zucchini is packed with vitamins and antioxidants that promote your dog’s health.

It’s low in calories, which makes it perfect for dogs who need to manage their weight.

It’s also rich in fiber, which aids in digestion and keeps your dog feeling full.

Carrots are well-known for being good for your dog’s eyes, thanks to their high levels of vitamin A.

They’re also great for promoting healthy teeth and gums, and they add a natural sweetness to these treats that dogs love.

Plus, the crunchiness of carrots can help clean your dog’s teeth while they chew!

These two veggies work together to create a snack that’s as healthy as it is delicious.

The Recipe: Zucchini Carrot Bites

Ingredients:

• 1 small zucchini, grated
• 1 medium carrot, peeled and grated
• 1 egg
• 1 cup oat flour
• 1/2 cup rolled oats
• 1 tablespoon coconut oil (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is the perfect temperature to bake the bites so they become golden brown and slightly crispy.
2. Grate the zucchini and carrot: Use a box grater or food processor to finely grate the zucchini and carrot. This will help the ingredients blend together nicely and ensure the treats hold together during baking. You don’t need to squeeze out the moisture from the zucchini, as it helps keep the bites soft and chewy.
3. Mix the wet ingredients: In a large bowl, crack the egg and whisk it lightly. Add the grated zucchini and carrot, and mix well. The egg will help bind the ingredients together, giving the bites their shape and texture.
4. Add the dry ingredients: Gradually stir in the oat flour and rolled oats. The oats provide extra fiber and make the bites more filling, while the flour helps hold everything together. Continue mixing until the dough starts to come together. If the dough feels too sticky, add a little more oat flour.
5. Incorporate coconut oil (optional): If you’d like to add a little healthy fat for flavor and texture, stir in 1 tablespoon of coconut oil. This will make the bites extra satisfying and give them a slight coconut flavor. If your dog is sensitive to coconut oil, feel free to skip this step.
6. Shape the bites: Once the dough is ready, use your hands to shape it into small balls or bites. If you prefer, you can flatten the dough into a rectangle and cut it into small squares or use cookie cutters for fun shapes. If you’re using cookie cutters, make sure the dough isn’t too soft to hold the shape.
7. Bake the bites: Place the shaped dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until the bites are golden brown and firm to the touch. The baking time will vary depending on the size of your bites, so keep an eye on them.
8. Cool and serve: Once the bites are done, remove them from the oven and let them cool completely. It’s important to let them cool before serving to your dog to ensure they firm up properly.

Why Make Your Own Dog Treats?

Making homemade dog treats like these Zucchini Carrot Bites has many benefits:

• Healthy ingredients: When you make your dog’s treats at home, you control exactly what goes into them. You can avoid preservatives, added sugars, and artificial flavorings found in store-bought treats.
• Cost-effective: Homemade treats are often cheaper than store-bought alternatives. Plus, you can make a big batch and store them for later use.
• Customizable: You can easily modify the recipe to suit your dog’s preferences or dietary restrictions. If your dog has food sensitivities, simply swap out ingredients as needed.

Customization Tips

• Vegetable Variations: If your dog isn’t a fan of zucchini or carrots, you can try other dog-safe vegetables like sweet potatoes, spinach, or pumpkin. These vegetables are nutritious and can be swapped in based on what your dog enjoys.
• Flour Substitutes: If your dog has a gluten sensitivity, try substituting the oat flour with rice flour, chickpea flour, or coconut flour. These options still hold together well and are great for dogs with food sensitivities.
• Herbs for Extra Flavor: For a little extra flair, you can add a small amount of parsley to help freshen your dog’s breath or turmeric for its anti-inflammatory benefits.

How to Store Zucchini Carrot Bites

Once your Zucchini Carrot Bites are baked and cooled, it’s important to store them properly to keep them fresh:

• Room Temperature: If you plan to feed the treats within a week, you can store them in an airtight container at room temperature. Just make sure they’re fully cooled before storing.
• Refrigeration: For longer shelf life, store the bites in the fridge. They will stay fresh for up to 2 weeks.
• Freezing: If you’ve made a big batch, you can freeze the bites in a freezer-safe container or bag. Frozen treats will last for up to 3 months. Simply thaw them at room temperature before serving them to your dog.

Nutritional Information

Each Zucchini Carrot Bite (based on a batch of 20 treats) contains approximately:

• Calories: 35 per bite
• Protein: 1g
• Fat: 1.5g
• Fiber: 1g

These treats are low in calories and packed with vitamins and minerals from the zucchini and carrots, making them perfect for your dog’s health-conscious snack time.

Final Thoughts

These Zucchini Carrot Bites are a quick, easy, and healthy way to treat your dog. With just a few wholesome ingredients, you can make a batch of tasty treats that your dog will love. Plus, they’re customizable, so you can adapt them to fit your dog’s preferences or dietary needs.

Whether you’re looking to reward your dog after training or simply want to show them a little extra love, these bites are sure to become a staple in your dog’s treat jar.

So, grab your ingredients, get baking, and let your dog enjoy a delicious, nutritious snack that’s made with love!