Your pup deserves a treat that’s both tasty and good for them.
These Air Fryer Pumpkin Seed and Carrot Crunchies are easy to make at home and pack a lot of nutrition into every bite.
Plus, the air fryer makes them perfectly crispy without needing a lot of oil. Let’s get started on a recipe your dog will love.
Ingredients
Here is everything you need to make a batch of these dog friendly crunchies.
Make sure all ingredients are plain and unsalted.
- 1 cup whole wheat flour (or oat flour for a gluten free option)
- 1/2 cup finely grated carrots, about 1 medium carrot
- 1/4 cup unsalted pumpkin seeds (raw or roasted, just no salt)
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons unsweetened applesauce
- 1 to 2 tablespoons water, as needed to bring dough together
Step by Step Instructions
Follow these simple steps to make your dog’s new favorite snack.
- Wash and grate the carrot. Use a fine grater so the carrot pieces are small. This helps them mix evenly into the dough and cook through properly.
- Grind the pumpkin seeds. Place the pumpkin seeds in a food processor or blender. Pulse until they become a coarse powder. You want small pieces, not a fine flour.
- Mix the dry ingredients. In a large bowl, combine the whole wheat flour and ground pumpkin seeds. Stir them together well.
- Add the wet ingredients. Add the grated carrot, egg, and applesauce to the bowl. Mix everything together with a spoon or your hands until a dough forms. If it seems too dry, add water one tablespoon at a time until it comes together.
- Knead and roll the dough. Lightly flour a clean surface. Turn the dough out and knead it gently a few times. Roll it out to about 1/4 inch thickness.
- Cut into shapes. Use a small cookie cutter (bone shapes are fun) or a knife to cut the dough into bite sized pieces. Keep them small for easy chewing.
- Preheat your air fryer. Set your air fryer to 325 degrees Fahrenheit (165 degrees Celsius). Let it heat up for 3 minutes.
- Air fry the crunchies. Place the dough pieces in a single layer in the air fryer basket. You may need to work in batches. Cook for 10 to 12 minutes, flipping halfway through. They should be golden brown and firm to the touch.
- Cool completely. Transfer the crunchies to a wire rack or plate. Let them cool fully before giving any to your dog. They will continue to crisp up as they cool.
Keeping It Fresh
Store these crunchies in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay fresh for up to two weeks. For longer storage, place them in a resealable freezer bag.
They will keep well in the freezer for up to three months. Just thaw a few at a time as needed. Always check the treats before serving.
If you see any signs of mold or a funny smell, throw them away. Homemade treats have no preservatives, so freshness matters.
Benefits of This Recipe
Carrots are a great source of beta carotene, which supports your dog’s vision and immune system. They also provide fiber for healthy digestion.
Pumpkin seeds offer protein and healthy fats. They are also a natural source of zinc, which helps keep your dog’s skin and coat in good shape.
Whole wheat flour gives these treats structure and adds energy rich carbohydrates.
The egg provides high quality protein and helps bind everything together. This recipe skips all the fillers and artificial ingredients found in many store bought dog treats.
You are giving your dog real, whole food that supports their overall wellness.
Pitfalls to Watch Out For
Do not add any salt or seasonings to this recipe.
Dogs do not need extra sodium, and many spices can be harmful. Stick to the plain ingredients listed. Watch your portion sizes.
These crunchies are a treat, not a meal. For a small dog, one or two pieces per day is plenty. For a larger dog, three to four pieces is fine.
Avoid using garlic or onion powder, even in small amounts. Both are toxic to dogs and can cause serious health problems. Make sure the pumpkin seeds are unsalted.
Salted seeds can lead to dehydration or sodium ion poisoning in dogs if eaten in large amounts. Do not overcook the treats in the air fryer.
Burnt food can be hard for dogs to digest and may contain compounds that are not healthy for them.
FAQs
How many of these crunchies can I give my dog per day?
Treats should make up no more than 10% of your dog’s daily calorie intake.
For a medium sized dog, that usually means about three to four small crunchies per day. Adjust based on your dog’s size and activity level.
Can I use a regular oven instead of an air fryer?
Yes, you can. Preheat your oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit (165 degrees Celsius).
Place the dough pieces on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 15 to 18 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and firm.
Are pumpkin seeds safe for all dogs?
Pumpkin seeds are safe for most dogs when served plain and unsalted. They are a healthy snack.
Just be sure to grind them or serve them whole only for dogs that can chew them thoroughly to avoid a choking hazard, especially for small breeds.
How should I store these treats for maximum freshness?
Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks. For longer storage, keep them in the freezer. They will stay fresh for three months.
Always let them come to room temperature before serving.
Can I use canned pumpkin instead of pumpkin seeds?
Yes, you can substitute 1/4 cup of plain canned pumpkin puree for the pumpkin seeds. The texture will be softer, so you may need to add a little extra flour or reduce the water. Do not use pumpkin pie filling, as it contains sugar and spices that are bad for dogs.
My dog has a sensitive stomach. Is this recipe safe?
This recipe is gentle on most stomachs. The ingredients are simple and whole. However, introduce any new treat slowly.
Give your dog just one piece and watch for any signs of upset stomach, like diarrhea or vomiting, before giving more.
Printable Recipe Card
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