Here's The Recipe For Our Yummy CranApple Carrot Gems

Each week, I create new homemade dog treat recipes. The majority of these recipes are created from the inspiration I receive from our Bodacious Community, private messages, and emails. I get requests all the time for homemade dog treats that are meaty, grain free, peanut butter free, more fruit, more vegetables, etc. As of late, I've received a few messages and emails asking, "What do I do if I don't have a rolling pin or cookie cutters?"

That's a really great question for so many reasons.

This year, we'll be celebrating 4 years of Bodacious Biscuit Love. Our kitchen has always been equipped with a rolling pin or two. Over the years, our collection of dog biscuit cutters has grown. Naturally, each week, as I create new dog treat recipes, the instructions always include "roll to this thickness" and "use your cookie cutter of choice."

I failed to think about all of the Dog Moms and Dog Dads out there who don't have a rolling pin or cookie cutters.

I own it.

As more messages and requests trickle in, my awareness becomes greater and greater. No rolling pin. No cookie cutters. Fur-kids who don't like peanut butter. The pups who prefer meaty treats. Food allergies.

This was the inspiration behind this week's recipe.

Every week, with the exception of our Bodacious Turkey Veggie Meatball Dog Treats, I've always written instructions that include "roll" and "cut." And, while all of our other homemade dog treats can be made without the use of a rolling pin or cookie cutter, this week's recipe is one that doesn't include "roll" and "cut" instructions.

In a mixer or bowl, add the following...

1/2 cup peanut butter (I use Skippy Natural)
1 egg
3/4 cup shredded carrot
1/2 cup shredded apple
1/4 - 1/2 cup hot water
1/3 cup chopped dried cranberries
1 cup flour
1/2 cup oats
1 tsp cinnamon
1 tsp baking powder

Mix well. If your dough is too sticky, add a bit more flour. If the dough seems a little dry, add a little more water. The consistency of your dough can vary when following the recipe. It all depends on the size egg you use or how juicy your shredded apple is.

When your dough is ready, flour your counter and knead the dough a few times. This is to make sure all ingredients are incorporated evenly. You can use the excess flour to coat your hands when completing the final steps.

Take chunks of dough from the massive hunk o' dough and roll. You can make these treats any size you want. I made ours a medium sized.

Once you roll the dough, flatten it in the palm of your hand. They should at least be 1/4 inch thick.

Bake the treats on a non-stick cookie sheet at 350 for 23 minutes. This time will vary depending on your oven. I baked these treats until they were golden brown on the bottom. You can also test by breaking one in half. The inside of the treat will have a cake-like cookie consistency.

Lisa and I both sampled these treats. Yummy! They almost taste like a soft baked human cookie. The only difference is they're not as sweet.

Our kids gobbled these treats. They all love cranberries, apple, carrots, and of course, peanut butter. And, they all prefer soft baked.

On a side note, I'd like to thank Patti and Linda for their help with naming these scrumptious treats!

I hope your kids enjoy these as much as ours did!

Happy baking!