ByHealthy carrot pumpkin dog treats are crunchy little pretzel-shaped biscuits made with plain pumpkin, finely grated carrot, one egg, and whole wheat flour. They take about 25 minutes to shape and 25 minutes to bake, plus an hour to dry in the warm oven. The #1 safety rule is to use 100% plain pumpkin, never pumpkin pie filling.
I love a cookie cutter, but some days I just want to play with dough. These dog pretzels are my fix. You roll little ropes, twist them into knots, and bake. My nephew calls it “dog Play-Doh,” and he is not wrong. The best part? The dough uses only four plain foods.
Recipe Snapshot
- Prep time: 25 minutes
- Cook time: 25 minutes, plus 1 hour drying in the turned-off oven
- Total time: about 1 hour 50 minutes
- Yield: about 20 pretzels (each about 3 inches wide)
- Difficulty: Easy
- Storage life: up to 2 weeks in the fridge, up to 3 months in the freezer
Key Takeaway: Mix plain pumpkin, an egg, and finely grated carrot. Knead in whole wheat flour, roll thin ropes, and twist them into pretzels. Bake, then let them dry in the warm oven for a real crunch. Break them into small pieces for small dogs.
Are Carrot and Pumpkin Good for Dogs?
Yes. Both are safe, low in fat, and full of fiber when you keep them plain.
The American Kennel Club calls carrots a healthy, low-calorie snack. It says they are an excellent source of vitamin A, potassium, and fiber. The AKC also notes that chewing carrots can help with dental health.
Pumpkin is a classic, too. The AKC’s pumpkin guide says pumpkin is rich in fiber and has vitamins A, E, and C, plus potassium and iron. The ASPCA lists both carrots and cooked canned pumpkin as good snack options for pets.
Still wondering if baking your own is worth it? I wrote about whether homemade dog treats are healthier than store brands.
Healthy Carrot and Pumpkin Dog Biscuits Recipe
This dough is firm and smooth, so it rolls into ropes easily. Grate the carrot on the small holes so the ropes don’t break.
Ingredients
- 1 cup plain canned pumpkin puree (100% pumpkin)
- 1 large egg
- ½ cup finely grated carrot (about 1 medium carrot, washed and peeled)
- 2 ½ cups whole wheat flour, plus 2 to 4 tablespoons for dusting
- 1 to 2 tablespoons water, only if needed
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Heat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Whisk the pumpkin and egg in a large bowl until smooth.
- Stir in the grated carrot.
- Add the flour, one cup at a time.
- Knead the dough in the bowl for 1 minute until smooth.
- Add a little water if the dough cracks, or a little flour if it sticks.
- Pinch off a piece of dough the size of a walnut.
- Roll it into a thin rope about 9 inches long.
- Make a “U” shape with the rope.
- Twist the two ends around each other once.
- Fold the twisted ends down and press them onto the bottom of the “U.”
- Place the pretzel on the baking sheet.
- Repeat with the rest of the dough, leaving 1 inch between pretzels.
- Bake for 25 minutes, until firm and lightly browned.
- Turn off the oven and leave the pretzels inside for 1 hour to dry.
- Cool completely on the tray before serving.
Dog-Safe Ingredient Check
- Plain pumpkin only. The AKC’s chief vet warns that pumpkin pie filling can contain xylitol, a sweetener that is toxic to dogs (AKC squash guide). The label should list one thing: pumpkin.
- No pumpkin spice. These blends usually include nutmeg, which contains a toxin called myristicin, according to the AKC.
- Wash and peel the carrot. The AKC says to wash or peel carrots to remove dirt and pesticides.
- Plain flour. Use plain whole wheat flour, not self-rising flour or a baking mix with salt and sugar.
- No raisins as decoration. The ASPCA says grapes and raisins can lead to kidney damage in dogs.
Pro Tip: Roll the ropes with flat palms and spread your fingers as you push outward. If a rope keeps shrinking back, let the dough rest for 5 minutes under a towel and try again.
How Many Carrot Pumpkin Pretzels Can My Dog Have?
One pretzel a day is plenty for a medium dog. Small dogs should get a quarter or half of a pretzel.
VCA Animal Hospitals says the general rule is that 90% of your dog’s daily calories should come from complete and balanced food. The other 10% can come from treats and snacks.
For an easy chart, see how many treats a dog should have a day. And before you try any add-ins, check my list of foods dogs cannot eat.
Vet Tip: Pumpkin and carrot both add fiber. If your dog isn’t used to them, start with half a pretzel and watch for loose stools. Also check with your vet first if your dog has a wheat allergy or a sensitive stomach.
Are Crunchy Treats Good for My Dog’s Teeth?
Crunchy treats can be part of a good chew routine, but they don’t replace brushing. The AKC notes that chewing on carrots can help with dental health, which is one reason I like this combo.
A dry, crunchy pretzel also takes a little longer to eat than a soft treat. If you want more ideas, read my guide to the healthiest things for a dog to chew.
Substitutions and Variations
You can adjust this dough for allergies or for what’s in your pantry.
Allergy Swaps
- Egg-free: Use 3 extra tablespoons of pumpkin instead of the egg. The ropes will be a bit softer, so roll them gently.
- Wheat-free: Use oat flour. The AKC’s oatmeal guide says oats can be a good carb choice for dogs that are sensitive to wheat. Oat dough tears more, so make thicker, shorter twists.
Grain-Free Option
Use about 2 cups of chickpea flour. Add it slowly until the dough feels like soft clay. Skip the twist and make simple “S” shapes instead.
Shape Swaps
No time for pretzels? Roll the ropes and cut them into 2-inch sticks. They bake in the same time and look like little carrots.
Scaling for Dog Size
- Small dogs: Use a grape-size piece of dough and roll a 5-inch rope.
- Medium dogs: Walnut-size piece and a 9-inch rope, like the recipe.
- Large dogs: Use a golf-ball-size piece and a thicker 12-inch rope. Add 5 minutes to the bake.
More Carrot and Pumpkin Ideas
Want a different texture? Try my soft carrot dog treat bites, my cut-out pumpkin carrot dog cookies, or my easy pumpkin dog biscuits for beginners.
Want a mix of ready meals for busy weeks? Take a look at this variety dog meal plan.
How Do I Store Carrot Pumpkin Dog Treats?
Store fully cooled pretzels in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 weeks. Freeze extras for up to 3 months.
Let them cool all the way before you seal the lid, or steam will soften them. Throw out any that smell off or show spots. No time to bake this week? Keep some ready-made fresh dog treats on hand.
If your dog loves this one, you will find 29 more in my simple healthy dog treats.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can dogs eat raw carrots?
A: Yes. The AKC says raw and cooked carrots are both healthy. Cut them into bite-size pieces to prevent choking.
Q: Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned?
A: Yes. Roast or steam plain pumpkin, remove the seeds and skin, and mash it smooth. Fresh pumpkin is wetter, so you may need a little more flour.
Q: Why did my pretzels come out soft?
A: They need more drying time. Make thinner ropes, or leave them in the turned-off oven longer.
Q: Why does my dough crack when I twist it?
A: It’s too dry. Knead in 1 teaspoon of water at a time until the rope bends without breaking.
Q: Can puppies eat these?
A: Yes, in small pieces. Skip the drying step so the pretzels stay softer for puppy teeth.
Q: Can I add cinnamon?
A: Skip it. Plain pumpkin and carrot taste great to dogs, and it keeps the recipe simple and safe.
Final Thoughts
These healthy carrot pumpkin dog treats are fun to make, crunchy to eat, and use four simple foods. Use plain pumpkin, grate the carrot fine, and let the pretzels dry in the warm oven. If you want to track how active your dog is while you try new treats, a dog health tracker makes it easy. And if you’re away during treat time, a dog camera lets you watch the happy crunch from anywhere.
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