The holiday season is a special time to share joy and treats with everyone you love—including your furry best friend. Dogs give us so much love and loyalty, so why not treat them to something extra special? These carrot candy cane treats are a festive, healthy way to include your dog in the holiday fun. Made with natural ingredients, they’re colorful, nutritious, and super easy to make. Plus, they’re free of artificial junk you might find in store-bought treats. Let’s get started and make this holiday extra memorable for your pup!

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Why Make Homemade Dog Treats?

During the holidays, we gather around, share meals, and make memories. Our dogs are part of the family, so it just makes sense to include them in the festivities. Homemade treats let you control what goes into your dog’s snacks. You can skip the artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives, ensuring a treat that’s both tasty and healthy. Plus, making these treats is a fun holiday project for the whole family!

Ready to bake? Grab your rolling pin and let’s create some holiday magic for your four-legged friend.

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What You’ll Need

Before we get started, here’s what you need to gather for these festive treats:

• 1 Cup Cooked and Mashed Carrots – Adds a pop of color and nutrients.
• 2 Cups Whole Wheat Flour (or a Gluten-Free Alternative) – Helps hold the dough together.
• 1 Egg – Acts as a binder.
• 1/4 Cup Parsley or Spinach Puree – Gives a vibrant green color and a healthy boost.
• 1 Tablespoon Coconut Oil – Adds moisture and is great for your dog’s coat.
• Optional Pinch of Sea Salt – For a festive touch (omit if your dog needs low-sodium).

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Getting Set Up

Before you dive into the recipe, make sure you have a clean workspace and everything you need. Preheat your oven to 325°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Dust your counter with a bit of flour to prevent sticking when you roll out the dough.

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Step-by-Step Recipe for Carrot Candy Cane Dog Treats

1. Make the Carrot Puree

Cook the carrots until they’re soft—steaming, boiling, or microwaving works fine. Once cooked, mash the carrots well or blend them into a puree. The bright orange color gives the candy cane a festive look and is loaded with vitamins and fiber, which is great for your dog’s health.

Pro Tip: Got leftover carrot puree? Use it to make Delicious and Nutritious Oatmeal Cookies for Dogs.

2. Make the Dough

• Combine whole wheat flour, carrot puree, egg, and coconut oil in a large mixing bowl. Mix until a soft dough forms. If it’s too sticky, slowly add more flour until you get a workable texture.
• In a separate small bowl, blend fresh parsley or spinach with a bit of water to make a puree. This gives the green color for the candy cane twist.

3. Split the Dough

Divide the dough into two equal parts. Knead the parsley or spinach puree into one half of the dough until it’s evenly green. Leave the other half orange.

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Forming the Candy Canes

4. Roll It Out

• Lightly flour your surface and roll each portion of dough into ropes about half an inch thick.
• Cut the ropes into 5-6 inch pieces.

5. Twist the Ropes

• Take one orange rope and one green rope. Press the ends together and twist them gently. You want the colors to intertwine like a classic candy cane.
• Once twisted, bend the top to form a hook. Now you’ve got a candy cane!

6. Add a Finishing Touch

If you want, sprinkle a bit of sea salt on top to give it a “frosted” look. Be sure to skip this step if your pup needs a low-sodium diet.

7. Bake the Treats

Place the candy cane treats on a baking sheet and pop them in the oven for 20-25 minutes. Bake until they’re firm and golden brown.

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Cooling and Storing the Treats

Let the treats cool completely on a wire rack. Once cooled, store them in an airtight container. They’ll stay fresh for a week at room temperature or two weeks in the fridge. You can also freeze them for longer storage.

Want More Holiday Treat Ideas?

Looking to keep spoiling your pup? Check out these recipes: Banana and Honey Biscuits for Dogs: A Treat Your Pup Will Love and Blueberry Pumpkin and Oatmeal Chews for Dogs. Your dog’s tail will be wagging in excitement!

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Health Benefits of Carrot Candy Cane Treats

1. Nutrient-Rich

Carrots are a great source of vitamins like A, C, and K. They’re great for your dog’s vision, immune system, and overall health. Parsley and spinach add antioxidants, fiber, and a nutrient boost that’ll keep your dog happy and healthy.

2. Dental Health

These treats have a nice crunch, which can help clean your dog’s teeth and reduce plaque buildup. Good oral hygiene is key to your dog’s overall wellness.

3. Easy to Customize

If your dog has allergies or dietary restrictions, it’s easy to tweak this recipe. You can substitute the flour with oat flour or another grain-free option. Just be sure to check the dough’s consistency as you go.

4. Perfect for Picky Eaters

Have a picky pup? Mix in some natural peanut butter or pumpkin puree to the dough. If you want to go all out, try our Homemade Peanut Butter for Dogs: A Tail-Wagging Treat Your Pup Will Love. Your dog won’t be able to resist!

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Baking Tips for Dog Treats

1. Keep It Dog-Friendly

Always check that your ingredients are safe for dogs. Some human foods, like chocolate, onions, and grapes, are toxic to dogs. But ingredients like carrots, pumpkin, coconut oil, and parsley are safe and healthy.

2. Make It Fun

Let your dog watch you bake (at a safe distance) and let them sniff the ingredients. Dogs love being involved, and it’s a great bonding experience.

3. Adjust Consistency

If the dough is too sticky, add more flour. If it’s too dry, add a little water or extra carrot puree. Getting the consistency right makes shaping the candy canes a lot easier.

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Perfect Holiday Gift Idea for Dog Lovers

These candy cane treats aren’t just great for your dog—they make awesome gifts for your friends with dogs too! Package a few in a festive tin or bag, add a bow, and you’ve got a thoughtful holiday gift.

Want to take your gift game up a notch? Consider making Pumpkin Pupsicles for Dogs or Bull Penis Dog Treats for an extra special treat.

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Join Our Community

We hope you and your dog enjoy making and eating these carrot candy cane treats as much as we do! For more dog-friendly recipes and tips, visit us at My Dog Recipe.

Want more inspiration? Follow us on Pinterest at https://www.pinterest.com/mydogrecipe/. We share tons of dog-friendly recipes, fun activities, and great gift ideas for your furry friends.

Happy baking and happy holidays! Give your pup some extra holiday love with these homemade treats.

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