You know that look your dog gives you when they spot a treat in your hand? That’s the exact expression my golden retriever, Max, makes whenever I pull out a batch of these homemade Carrot & Parsnip Bone Treats. Forget store-bought biscuits full of mystery ingredients—this recipe uses simple, wholesome stuff you probably already have in your kitchen. I started making these when Max turned his nose up at commercial treats, and now he practically does backflips when he smells them baking. Trust me, your pup will go wild for these crunchy, veggie-packed goodies shaped like their favorite thing in the world—bones!
Why Your Dog Will Love These Carrot & Parsnip Bone Treats
I swear, these aren’t just any dog treats – they’re like crack for canines! Here’s why your four-legged friend will go nuts for these Carrot & Parsnip Bone Treats:
- That irresistible bone shape – Dogs go wild for anything shaped like their favorite chew toy. I use a $2 bone-shaped cookie cutter, and honestly? The excitement is priceless.
- Real veggie goodness – Carrots give a sweet crunch dogs adore, while parsnips add an earthy flavor that makes these way more interesting than bland store-bought biscuits.
- No sketchy ingredients – Just wholesome stuff you can pronounce. Max’s vet actually approved these when she saw the ingredient list!
- Perfect texture – Baked just right, they satisfy that chewing instinct without being rock-hard like some commercial treats.
Watch how fast your pup sits up and pays attention when you rustle this bag – it’s pure doggy magic every time!
Ingredients for Carrot & Parsnip Bone Treats
You only need five simple ingredients to make your pup’s new favorite snack. Here’s exactly what goes into these wholesome treats:
- 1 cup grated carrots (packed tight – they shrink when mixed!)
- 1 cup grated parsnips (peeled first – the tough skins can be bitter)
- 1 cup whole wheat flour (or see substitutions below)
- 1 large egg (straight from the fridge is fine)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (the good stuff you cook with)
Ingredient Notes & Substitutions
I’ve made this recipe every which way, and here’s what works best:
- Flour swaps: If your dog needs gluten-free, oat flour works great (use 1 1/4 cups since it’s lighter). Coconut flour absorbs too much moisture – trust me, I learned the hard way!
- Oil options: Olive oil gives the best flavor, but melted coconut oil works too. Avoid vegetable oils – they can upset sensitive tummies.
- Veggie prep: Always grate fresh – pre-shredded bags are too dry. No need to squeeze out the moisture though; those natural juices help bind everything together.
Pro tip: If your parsnips are huge, use just the tender inner core – the woody outer part makes the treats too fibrous.
Equipment Needed for Carrot & Parsnip Bone Treats
You’ll just need a few basic kitchen tools to whip up these pup-approved treats:
- Mixing bowl (any medium-sized one will do)
- Baking sheet (lined with parchment paper or a silicone mat)
- Bone-shaped cookie cutter (I use a 2-inch one – perfect bite size!)
- Rolling pin (or an empty wine bottle in a pinch!)
That’s it – no fancy gadgets required!
How to Make Carrot & Parsnip Bone Treats
Okay, let’s get baking! My dog Max starts doing his happy dance as soon as he hears the oven preheating – that’s how good these Carrot & Parsnip Bone Treats smell while they’re cooking. Here’s my foolproof method:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line your baking sheet with parchment paper – this prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
- Mix the wet team first: In your bowl, whisk together the egg and olive oil until they’re best friends. Don’t skip this – it helps everything bind together later.
- Add the veggies: Toss in your grated carrots and parsnips. Mix until every shred is coated in that eggy goodness. The colors look so pretty together!
- Flour power: Gradually add the flour, mixing as you go. The dough should come together into a slightly sticky ball – that’s perfect! If it’s too wet, add a tablespoon more flour.
- Roll it out: Flour your surface lightly and roll the dough to about 1/4-inch thickness. Pro tip: Roll between two sheets of parchment to avoid sticking without extra flour.
- Cut those bones! Press your cookie cutter straight down – no twisting! Twisting seals the edges and they won’t rise as nicely. Reroll scraps until all dough is used.
- Bake to perfection: Arrange on your prepared sheet and bake 20-25 minutes. You want them golden but not dark brown – they’ll crisp up as they cool.
Tips for Perfect Carrot & Parsnip Bone Treats
After making dozens of batches (Max is a very willing taste-tester), here are my top tricks:
- Sticky dough solution: If it’s clinging to your hands, chill it for 15 minutes – the flour will absorb more moisture.
- Even baking: Rotate your sheet halfway through for uniform color. My oven’s back corner runs hot!
- Cool completely: I know it’s tempting, but wait until they’re room temp – they crisp up as they cool.
- Size matters: Keep treats uniform thickness so small ones don’t burn before big ones bake through.
- Double batch bonus: These freeze beautifully for up to 3 months – just thaw at room temp when needed.
Storing and Serving Carrot & Parsnip Bone Treats
Here’s how to keep your pup’s treats fresh and tasty: Store cooled treats in an airtight container at room temperature – they’ll stay perfect for up to a week. For longer storage, pop them in the fridge (2 weeks) or freezer (3 months). I give Max 1-2 treats per day as rewards – small enough to keep him begging for more without overdoing it!
Looking for more dog treat recipes? You’ve come to the right place!
Nutritional Benefits of Carrot & Parsnip Bone Treats
These homemade treats pack way more nutrition than anything you’ll find in a store-bought bag! Each bone-shaped bite (about 1 treat) contains roughly:
- 30 calories – Perfect for training rewards without overfeeding
- 1g fiber from all those fresh veggies – great for digestion
- 1g healthy fats from olive oil – keeps their coat shiny
Of course, exact numbers vary slightly depending on your carrot size and how thick you roll the dough. But compared to processed treats full of fillers? This is doggy health food at its tastiest!
FAQ About Carrot & Parsnip Bone Treats
After sharing this recipe with dozens of dog parents, here are the questions I get asked most often about these homemade Carrot & Parsnip Bone Treats:
Can puppies eat these treats?
Absolutely! Just break them into smaller pieces for tiny mouths. My neighbor’s 4-month-old labrador puppy goes crazy for them. Unlike store-bought treats, you know exactly what’s in these – no artificial junk for growing pups.
My dog has a sensitive stomach – will these cause issues?
I’ve found these treats are gentle on tummies because they’re so simple. Start with just one treat to test, especially if your dog isn’t used to parsnips. The fiber in the veggies actually helps digestion for most dogs!
Can I make these without eggs?
Yes! Swap the egg for 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce or pumpkin puree. The texture will be slightly softer, but my picky eater Max still devours them.
How do I know when they’re fully baked?
They should feel firm to the touch and sound hollow when tapped. I always do the “snap test” – a properly baked treat should break cleanly, not bend.
What if my dog doesn’t like vegetables?
Most dogs go nuts for these because the natural sugars caramelize while baking. If yours is skeptical, try rubbing a tiny bit of peanut butter on one – works every time as a gateway treat!
Check out more dog treat inspiration!
Final Thoughts on Carrot & Parsnip Bone Treats
Honestly? Once you see your pup’s tail wagging wildly for these homemade treats, you’ll never go back to store-bought! They’re so simple to make and the joy they bring is totally worth the little bit of effort. Let me know how your dog likes them – I’d love to hear your pup’s review in the comments!
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41 Best Carrot & Parsnip Bone Treats Your Dog Will Devour
- Total Time: 35 mins
- Yield: 15-20 treats
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Healthy homemade bone-shaped treats for dogs made with carrots and parsnips.
Ingredients
- 1 cup grated carrots
- 1 cup grated parsnips
- 1 cup whole wheat flour
- 1 egg
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Mix grated carrots, parsnips, flour, egg, and olive oil in a bowl.
- Roll out dough and cut into bone shapes using a cookie cutter.
- Place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown.
- Cool completely before serving.
Notes
- Store in an airtight container for up to one week.
- For extra crunch, bake longer at a lower temperature.
- Adjust flour quantity if dough is too sticky.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 25 mins
- Category: Dog Treats
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: Pet Food