Apple, Carrot & Oat Recipe – 3 Ingredient Dog Treats

Last updated on January 31st, 2026 at 07:15 am

Ever tried making dog treats and wondered if they’d actually be good for your furry friend? Yeah, I’ve been there. You don’t want to be that person who spends time making something only to find your dog giving you the “what is this?” look. But guess what?

With this simple 3-ingredient recipe, you’ll be the hero your dog never knew they needed.

Not only are these Apple, Carrot & Oat treats easy to make, but they’re also packed with healthy ingredients that will make your dog wag their tail in joy.

Let’s dive into why this recipe is an absolute game-changer.

What Makes This Recipe Shine

I’m a big believer in keeping things simple. There’s no need to complicate dog treats, right? I mean, how many times have you gotten sucked into buying those overpriced, chemical-laden treats that your dog doesn’t even seem to enjoy?

Trust me, I’ve been there too. So when I stumbled upon this three-ingredient wonder, I knew I had found something that not only tastes great but also nourishes my dog without any weird stuff.

The blend of apples, carrots, and oats provides a natural sweetness and texture that dogs love. Plus, they’re easy to digest and super healthy. What’s not to love about that? Oh, and did I mention they’re budget-friendly? Yep, no more breaking the bank for gourmet dog treats.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 1 cup of grated apple (choose a sweet variety like Fuji or Gala)
• 1/2 cup of grated carrot
• 1 1/2 cups of rolled oats

Nothing too fancy here. Just fresh, wholesome ingredients that you probably already have sitting in your fridge or pantry. Don’t overthink it—keep it simple!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Apple and Carrot

First thing’s first, grab your grater and shred the apple and carrot. You want those tiny shreds to make the treats easy for your dog to chew and digest. I like to leave the skin on the apple for a little extra fiber, but if you’re a stickler for perfection, peel it off. No judgment here.

Step 2: Mix It All Together

In a bowl, combine the grated apple, carrot, and oats. Give it a good mix, making sure the oats soak up some of the moisture from the apple and carrot. If it’s too dry, add a splash of water—just enough to make it sticky, not soupy. We’re not making a soup here!

Step 3: Form the Treats

Now comes the fun part: forming the treats. You can either roll the dough into small balls or flatten them into little discs. Personally, I like the disc shape because they look more like the commercial treats you see at the store. But hey, your dog isn’t picky, so it’s all about what’s easiest for you.

Step 4: Bake the Treats

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the shaped treats on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Pop them into the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until they’re golden brown. Make sure to keep an eye on them so they don’t burn—because that would be the opposite of a treat!

Step 5: Cool and Serve

Once they’re done, take them out and let them cool completely. I know, the waiting is tough, but it’s worth it to keep those treats fresh. When they’re cool, give them to your dog and watch their eyes light up.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Not grating the ingredients properly: If the apple or carrot pieces are too large, your dog might not enjoy the treats as much. Stick to small, fine shreds for easy chewing.
• Overbaking: These treats don’t need to be crunchy like store-bought ones. Overbaking will dry them out and make them less enjoyable. Aim for a golden-brown finish, not burnt.
• Using the wrong oats: Don’t use instant oats. Go for old-fashioned rolled oats—they have the right texture and will hold everything together.

Alternatives & Substitutions

This recipe is super versatile! If your dog has a sensitivity to apples, you can easily swap them for sweet potatoes or pumpkin puree for a similarly sweet and nutritious alternative. If your dog isn’t crazy about carrots, zucchini works just as well. And if you want a protein boost, you can add a tablespoon of peanut butter to the mix.

FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

How long will these treats last?

If stored properly in an airtight container, these treats should last about 1-2 weeks. You can also freeze them for up to a month if you want to make a bigger batch and save some for later!

Can I add more ingredients?

Absolutely! If you’re feeling adventurous, you can add a bit of cinnamon or turmeric for an extra health kick. Just make sure not to overwhelm the basic flavor profile of apple, carrot, and oats.

Can I make these treats for dogs with allergies?

Yes! These treats are naturally gluten-free, but you’ll want to ensure your dog doesn’t have any specific allergies to oats, apples, or carrots. If in doubt, consult with your vet before trying new ingredients.

How do I know if my dog likes the treats?

Trust me, your dog will let you know. The tail wagging, the excited running to the kitchen—it’s all the confirmation you need. If they don’t seem interested, try a different shape or make a fun game out of it!

Can I make these treats without baking?

You can try making no-bake versions of these by rolling the mixture into balls and refrigerating them for a few hours. Just keep in mind that baking helps give them the right texture and shelf life.

Final Thoughts

If you’ve been searching for an easy, affordable, and healthy dog treat, this Apple, Carrot & Oat recipe is a winner. Not only will your dog love them, but you’ll also feel good about what you’re feeding them. The best part? It’s simple enough that anyone can whip it up in no time. So go ahead, get baking, and treat your dog to something homemade and nutritious. You’ll both be happy you did!