Spinach Carrot Soft Chews for Plant-Powered Dogs

Soft treats beat crunchy ones. I said it, and I stand by it. Dogs love that gentle chew, and I love not hearing crumbs explode across the kitchen floor.
I messed this up the first time, by the way. I baked them too long, acted surprised, and my dog gave me that “nice try, human” look.

I kept tweaking things because stubbornness runs in my blood. I wanted something plant-based, simple, and actually enjoyable for dogs to eat.
That obsession turned into these spinach carrot soft chews, and honestly, I make them more often than I admit.

What Makes This Recipe Shine

I care way too much about dog treats, and this recipe proves it. These chews stay soft without weird binders or mystery powders that sound like science projects.
I wanted real food, real texture, and zero guilt when my dog begged for seconds.

Spinach and carrots bring color, nutrients, and a slightly sweet-earthy vibe dogs surprisingly love. I didn’t expect the combo to work this well, but here we are.
The texture lands right between chewy and tender, which makes training way easier and less messy.

I also love how forgiving this recipe feels. You don’t need chef instincts or a sixth sense for baking times.
If you can stir and set a timer, you already qualify.

Another thing I’ll die on this hill for is ingredient transparency. You know exactly what goes in, and nothing hides behind fancy labels.
IMO, homemade treats should feel calm, not stressful or complicated.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• Fresh spinach – It adds nutrients and color, and dogs don’t judge leafy greens like humans do.
• Carrots – These bring natural sweetness and help balance the spinach flavor.
• Oat flour – This keeps the chews soft without turning them gummy or dense.
• Unsweetened applesauce – It adds moisture and helps everything bind together.
• Ground flaxseed – This boosts fiber and gives structure without eggs.
• Water – Simple, boring, and very necessary.
• Coconut oil – A small amount keeps the texture smooth and the chews tender.

Every ingredient plays a role, and none of them try too hard. I respect that.
You don’t need supplements, powders, or anything you can’t pronounce without Googling.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prep the veggies

Wash the spinach and carrots like your dog watches you do it. Chop the carrots small so blending doesn’t turn into a full workout.
Blend both veggies with a little water until the mixture looks smooth and bright. You want a thick puree, not soup.

Step 2: Build the base

Add the applesauce and coconut oil to the veggie puree. Stir until everything looks evenly mixed and glossy.
This step sets the tone for texture, so don’t rush it like I once did.

Step 3: Add the dry ingredients

Sprinkle in the oat flour and ground flaxseed slowly. Stir as you go so clumps don’t crash the party.
The dough should feel soft, slightly sticky, and easy to shape.

Step 4: Shape the chews

Line a baking tray with parchment paper. Scoop small portions and flatten them gently with your fingers or a spoon.
Keep them uniform so they bake evenly and don’t play favorites.

Step 5: Bake gently

Bake at a low temperature so the chews stay soft. Check them early and press one lightly to test firmness.
Pull them out once they set but still feel tender in the center.

Step 6: Cool completely

Let the chews cool fully before serving. Cooling helps the texture settle and prevents crumbling.
Your dog will wait, even if they act dramatic about it.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overbaking tops the list every single time. People treat dog treats like cookies, and that logic ruins everything.
Low and slow wins here, always.

Using too much flour messes with texture fast. The dough should feel soft, not like Play-Doh from a forgotten drawer.
If it feels dry, it already went too far.

Skipping the cooling step causes crumbly sadness. I learned that lesson after sweeping the floor twice.
Patience saves cleanup time, trust me.

Alternatives & Substitutions

You can swap spinach for kale if that’s what sits in your fridge. I do this often, and my dog never complains.
Just keep the quantity the same to avoid texture drama.

Sweet potato works as a carrot replacement if you want a richer chew. It adds more softness and a deeper flavor.
I prefer carrots for daily treats, but variety keeps things interesting.

If oats don’t work for your dog, try chickpea flour. It changes the flavor slightly but keeps the structure solid.
Always test small batches when experimenting.

FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

Can I freeze these chews?

Yes, and I recommend it if you batch bake. Freezing keeps them fresh without messing up texture.
Just thaw before serving.

How long do they last in the fridge?

They stay good for about a week when stored properly. I use airtight containers and avoid moisture.
If they smell off, toss them without guilt.

Do puppies handle these well?

Puppies usually love the soft texture. I cut them smaller and watch portions closely.
Soft chews make training sessions smoother.

Can I make them oil-free?

You can, but the texture suffers a bit. I prefer keeping a small amount of coconut oil.
It helps softness and flavor balance.

Are these good for senior dogs?

Absolutely, and that’s one reason I love them. The chew stays gentle on aging teeth.
Older dogs deserve snacks too.

Can I dehydrate instead of bake?

Dehydrating works but changes the chewiness. You’ll get firmer treats with longer shelf life.
I stick with baking for softness.

Final Thoughts

I keep coming back to this recipe because it feels easy and honest. It doesn’t pretend to be fancy, and dogs don’t ask for fancy anyway.
Soft chews, simple ingredients, and happy tails feel like a solid win.

If you try these once, you’ll probably make them again. That’s how it always starts.
Let me know when your dog demands them on a schedule.