These peanut butter and carrot heart treats are an easy way to spoil your dog with something homemade. They’re quick to mix, fun to shape, and bake up into crisp little biscuits that smell amazing. You only need a few pantry staples and a heart-shaped cutter.

If you’re new to baking for your dog, this is a great place to start. It’s simple, budget-friendly, and your pup will be thrilled.

Print Recipe

Peanut Butter & Carrot Hearts – Simple Dog Treat Idea

Prep Time10

Cook Time15

Total Time25

Servings: 24 servings

Ingredients

1 cup whole wheat flour (or oat flour for a wheat-free option)
1/2 cup rolled oats (quick oats also work)
1/2 cup unsalted peanut butter (xylitol-free and no added sweeteners)
1/2 cup finely grated carrots (loosely packed)
1 large egg
2–4 tablespoons water (as needed to bring the dough together)
Optional: 1 tablespoon unsweetened applesauce for softness
Optional: Pinch of ground cinnamon
Tools: Mixing bowl, spoon, baking sheet, parchment paper, rolling pin, heart-shaped cookie cutter

What Makes This Special

Overhead shot of freshly baked peanut butter and carrot heart-shaped dog treats cooling on a wire ra

These treats feature a combo dogs love: peanut butter and carrots. The peanut butter adds protein and healthy fats, while shredded carrots bring gentle sweetness and fiber.

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The heart shape isn’t just cute—it’s a perfect size for training or small rewards. You can customize the texture, make them softer or crunchier, and adjust the shapes to fit your dog’s size. It’s a wholesome, low-fuss recipe that avoids unnecessary additives.

What You’ll Need

1 cup whole wheat flour (or oat flour for a wheat-free option)
1/2 cup rolled oats (quick oats also work)
1/2 cup unsalted peanut butter (xylitol-free and no added sweeteners)
1/2 cup finely grated carrots (loosely packed)
1 large egg
2–4 tablespoons water (as needed to bring the dough together)
Optional: 1 tablespoon unsweetened applesauce for softness
Optional: Pinch of ground cinnamon
Tools: Mixing bowl, spoon, baking sheet, parchment paper, rolling pin, heart-shaped cookie cutter

How to Make It

Close-up detail of a small stack of Peanut Butter & Carrot Hearts on a matte ceramic plate, one bisc

Preheat the oven. Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Mix the dry ingredients. In a large bowl, combine the whole wheat flour, rolled oats, and cinnamon if using.
Add the wet ingredients. Stir in the peanut butter, grated carrots, and egg.
Mix until crumbly.
Add water gradually. Sprinkle in 2–4 tablespoons of water (and applesauce if using), mixing until a soft, workable dough forms. It should not be sticky.
Roll the dough. Dust your counter lightly with flour. Roll the dough to about 1/4 inch thick for crisp treats or 1/3 inch for softer ones.
Cut the hearts. Use a heart-shaped cutter to punch out treats.
Gather scraps, reroll, and continue cutting.
Bake. Place the hearts on your lined sheet and bake for 14–18 minutes, depending on thickness. For crunchier treats, bake until the edges are golden.
Cool completely. Let the treats cool on the pan for 5 minutes, then move to a rack. Cooling helps them firm up.
Optional crisping step. For extra crunch, turn off the oven and return the treats to the warm oven for 10–15 minutes to dry out.

Storage Instructions

Room temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days if baked crisp and fully cooled.
Refrigerator: Keeps 10–12 days, especially if you made them softer.
Freezer: Freeze up to 3 months.
Use a freezer bag, press out extra air, and label the date.
Tip: Place a small piece of paper towel in the container to absorb moisture and maintain crunch.

Why This is Good for You

Simple ingredients: You control what goes in—no artificial flavors or fillers.
Nutrient boost: Carrots add fiber, beta carotene, and a bit of natural sweetness.
Healthy fats: Peanut butter provides protein and energy that dogs love in moderation.
Customizable texture: Bake soft for older dogs or crisp for a longer-lasting chew.
Budget-friendly: Uses pantry staples and makes a generous batch.

Pitfalls to Watch Out For

Avoid xylitol: Some peanut butters use xylitol, which is extremely toxic to dogs. Check the label carefully.
Watch salt and sugar: Choose unsalted, unsweetened peanut butter whenever possible.
Thickness matters: Too thick and they may be doughy in the center; too thin and they can burn fast.
Overbaking: Golden edges are good, but dark brown means bitter flavor and a hard bite.
Allergies and sensitivities: If your dog doesn’t tolerate wheat, use oat flour. Introduce new treats slowly.

Recipe Variations

Oat-Only Dough: Replace the flour with finely ground oats for a wheat-free version.
You may need an extra tablespoon of water.
Pumpkin Swap: Replace half the peanut butter with unsweetened pumpkin puree for a softer, mildly sweet treat.
Cheesy Hearts: Add 2 tablespoons of finely grated low-fat cheddar for a savory twist.
Banana Boost: Mash 1/4 of a ripe banana into the dough and reduce the water slightly.
Mini Training Bites: Use a tiny cutter and bake for 8–10 minutes, checking early.
Glaze (Optional): Brush with a thin layer of unsweetened applesauce after baking for a glossy look. Let dry before storing.

FAQ

Can I use any peanut butter?

Choose an unsalted, unsweetened peanut butter that is clearly labeled xylitol-free. Natural peanut butter with just peanuts (and maybe a little salt) is best.

How many treats can my dog have?

Keep treats to about 10% of your dog’s daily calories.

For small dogs, 1–2 small hearts a day is often enough; medium to large dogs can have a few more. Adjust based on activity and weight goals.

What if I don’t have a heart-shaped cutter?

Cut the dough into small squares with a knife or use the rim of a bottle cap for mini rounds. Shape doesn’t matter to your dog, but smaller sizes help with portion control.

My dough is crumbly.
What should I do?

Add water 1 teaspoon at a time until the dough holds together. If it’s sticky, add a sprinkle of flour and knead briefly.

Can I make these softer for senior dogs?

Yes. Roll a bit thicker, bake on the lower end of the time range, and add a tablespoon of applesauce.

Store in the fridge to maintain softness.

Are carrots safe for all dogs?

Most dogs tolerate carrots well, but start with a small amount if it’s new for your dog. If your dog has a history of digestive issues, check with your vet first.

How long do they last in the freezer?

Up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature for 20–30 minutes or serve slightly chilled for a crunchy treat.

Can I add honey?

You can add up to 1 teaspoon, but it’s not necessary and adds sugar.

Dogs don’t need sweeteners to enjoy these.

Is whole wheat flour safe?

For most dogs, yes. If your dog has a wheat sensitivity, swap in oat flour. Introduce any new ingredient gradually.

Can I air-fry these?

Yes.

Air-fry at 325°F (165°C) for 6–9 minutes, checking early. Work in batches and avoid overcrowding for even browning.

In Conclusion

Peanut Butter & Carrot Hearts are simple, wholesome, and made with ingredients you probably already have. They bake quickly, store well, and can be tailored to your dog’s needs.

With a little mixing and a cute cutter, you’ll have a batch of crunchy, tail-wagging treats in no time. Keep portions sensible, watch labels, and enjoy making something special for your best friend.

David

I’ve spent 10+ years in dog training, digging into what makes dogs (and their humans) tick. At Smart Dog Learning, I share my no-nonsense, fun approach to training so you can enjoy life with a well-behaved, happy pup—no boring lectures, just practical results 😉