Homemade Dog Treats Recipes Vet Approved: Spinach, Apple, and Carrot Delights for Your Dog

These homemade dog treats recipes vet approved by Dr. Judy Morgan, DVM, CVA, CVCP, CVFT, are safe for dogs in moderation but are not a substitute for a complete, balanced diet. This recipe was last reviewed and updated on October 10, 2024.

Dr. Judy Morgan highlights that this nut-free vegetarian dog treat is ideal for families with nut allergies. She runs two award-winning veterinary hospitals in New Jersey, specializing in holistic pet care, and is the author of Yin & Yang Nutrition for Dogs, a holistic cookbook for pets.

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Making Homemade Dog Treats with Fresh Ingredients

I love finding homemade dog treats recipes vet approved that call for ingredients I already have. That’s especially true for recipes using fresh ingredients that might spoil if I don’t use them up.

After a recent visit to Costco (wherein I bought too much food, as usual), I was excited to find this homemade dog treats recipe vet approved, using fresh ingredients I had just gotten in abundance. Here’s what I used:

• Spinach
• Apples
• Carrots
• Flour (adjusted for balance)
• Eggs

The original recipe was a bit imbalanced, calling for:

• Minimal flour
• Too many wet ingredients

Luckily, I read the comments before making it and made some adjustments.

This version now strikes a better balance between ingredients while making use of what I had on hand.

Spinach, Apple and Carrot Dog Treats

Ingredients

• 4 cups chickpea flour
• 1 teaspoon olive oil
• 2 eggs
• ½ cup baby carrots
• 1½ cups fresh spinach
• ½ apple, cored
• ¼ cup water

Directions

1. Heat your oven to 350 F.
2. In a medium bowl, combine the flour, oil and eggs.
3. In a blender or food processor, puree the carrots, spinach, apple and water.
4. Stir the puree into the flour mix until it forms a sticky dough.
5. Drop tablespoon-sized dollops of the dough onto a nonstick baking sheet.
6. Bake for 15 minutes, until the treats are slightly browned along the edges and bottom.

Nutritious and Colorful Homemade Dog Treats

The color of these homemade dog treats recipes vet approved is a bright yellow with green specks from all of the vegetables and chickpea flour. It’s a refreshing change from the typical dirt-brown treats I’m used to.

Here’s why I love these treats:

• Packed with nutrients from fresh vegetables like spinach, apples, and carrots
• Made with chickpea flour, which adds to the vibrant color
• Vet-approved by Dr. Judy Morgan

Knowing there are so many nutrients packed inside makes me happy to feed them to Banjo.

Dr. Judy Morgan, DVM, CVA, CVCP, CVFT, who reviewed this recipe for Petful, says:

“I love the use of fresh vegetables and fruit in this recipe, as I think our dogs don’t get enough of these in their daily diet.”

Health Benefits of Spinach and Carrots in Homemade Dog Treats

Dr. Morgan adds: “Spinach and carrots are both good blood tonics. Both are rich in Vitamin A and iron, which are important for the production of healthy red blood cells and hemoglobin.”

These homemade dog treats recipes vet approved turned out great, and I’m sure I’ll make them again.

Next time, though, I’ll make a few adjustments:

• Cut the recipe in half unless sharing with Banjo’s whole daycare
• Possibly try different veggies for variety

Adapted from: The DIY Dog Mom.

Benefits of Using Peanut Butter in Homemade Dog Treats

Peanut butter is a popular ingredient in many homemade dog treats recipes vet approved, and for good reason. Not only does it add flavor, but it also provides several health benefits for your dog:

• A great source of protein
• Rich in healthy fats for a shiny coat
• Contains vitamins B and E, which promote healthy digestion and immunity

When selecting peanut butter, make sure it’s free from added sugars, salt, and xylitol, which can be harmful to dogs.

Simple Variations for Homemade Dog Treat Recipes

One of the joys of making homemade dog treats recipes vet approved is the ability to customize them to suit your dog’s preferences or dietary needs. Here are a few simple variations:

• Substitute chickpea flour with oat flour or whole wheat flour
• Swap apples with blueberries for a different antioxidant boost
• Add pumpkin puree for additional fiber

These variations allow you to experiment while keeping the recipe healthy and fun for your dog.

For more ideas on delicious homemade treats, explore our dog treat recipe collection.

If you’re looking for simple and nutritious options, try these 2-ingredient homemade dog treats or chickpea sardine dog treats for an extra protein boost.

Health Boosters: Incorporating Oats and Flaxseed into Dog Treats

Adding oats and flaxseed to your homemade dog treats recipes vet approved can give your dog an extra health boost:

• Oats: Provide a good source of soluble fiber, which supports digestion
• Flaxseed: Packed with omega-3 fatty acids that promote a healthy coat and skin

These ingredients not only enhance the nutritional value of the treats but also keep them delicious and crunchy.

How to Customize Dog Treat Recipes for Special Dietary Needs

Dogs with dietary restrictions can still enjoy delicious homemade dog treats recipes vet approved. Here are a few ways to adjust recipes for dogs with special needs:

• Use grain-free flours like coconut or almond flour for dogs sensitive to grains
• Replace eggs with unsweetened applesauce for a low-fat alternative
• Choose low-fat or fat-free peanut butter for dogs on a calorie-restricted diet

These small tweaks ensure that even dogs with dietary limitations can enjoy these treats.

Storing and Preserving Homemade Dog Treats for Maximum Freshness

Once you’ve made these homemade dog treats recipes vet approved, proper storage is key to maintaining their freshness:

• Store treats in an airtight container to keep them from drying out
• For longer shelf life, keep them in the fridge for up to a week
• Freeze in batches for treats that will last up to three months

This ensures that your treats remain safe and fresh for your dog to enjoy over time.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Curious about what foods dogs can eat? Check out these related articles below:

• Can Dogs Eat Apples?
• Can Dogs Eat Carrots?
• Can Dogs Eat Eggs?
• Can Dogs Eat Chickpeas?
• Can Dogs Eat Peanuts?
• Can Dogs Eat Blueberries?

References

• “Healthy Dog Treats Recipe.” It Doesn’t Taste Like Chicken. https://itdoesnttastelikechicken.com/healthy-dog-treats-recipe/
• “Easy Homemade Dog Treats.” It Doesn’t Taste Like Chicken. https://itdoesnttastelikechicken.com/easy-homemade-dog-treats/
• “Peanut Butter Dog Treats.” The Cookie Rookie. https://www.thecookierookie.com/pb-dog-treats/
• “Homemade Dog Treats.” The Recipe Critic. https://therecipecritic.com/homemade-dog-treats/
• “Healthy Homemade Dog Treats.” Wholefully. https://wholefully.com/healthy-homemade-dog-treats/