Make Your Own Molasses Dog Treats in Minutes
As a devoted dog owner, you’ve undoubtedly noticed the ever-growing range of dog treats, cookies and biscuits lining store shelves. While many of these treats are delicious, the often contain unnecessary sugars, preservatives and artificial flavors that can impact your dog’s overall well-being. Here at All For the Love of Dogs, we love homemade dog treat recipes. Did you know you can make your own molasses dog treats in minutes?
A homemade approach, especially with molasses dog treats, puts you in charge of the ingredients, so you can prioritize freshness and nutrition. Best of all, these treats are simple to make—no advanced baking skills required.
With simple and healthy ingredients like molasses, grated carrots and oats, these dog treats are great for horses too!
This post will walk you through the ins and outs of creating these quick, easy, and delicious cookies for your pup. You’ll learn about the key ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and helpful tips for storing and customizing your treats. By the end, you’ll feel confident enough to roll up your sleeves, grab a mixing bowl, and start baking. Let’s get started!
Benefits of Molasses for Dogs
Before diving into the recipe itself, it’s important to understand why molasses can be a great ingredient in your dog’s treats. Below are several reasons why molasses dog treats are worth adding to your homemade snack repertoire.
- Rich in Essential Minerals – Molasses is rich in a variety of trace minerals including iron, calcium and magnesium. These minerals can help support healthy blood cells, strengthen bones and teeth and promote healthy nerve and muscle functions
- Natural Sweetener – Unlike refined sugar, molasses retains some of the nutrients from the sugar cane. It provides a subtle sweetness that most dogs love, without an excessive sugar rush.
- Freshness and Flavor – by baking at home, you not only save money, but you control the freshness and flavour. Homemade treats are often more appealing to your dog!
By choosing molasses dog treats, you’re giving your pup a wholesome, natural snack that not only tastes great but also offers a variety of health benefits. Plus, there’s the added bonus of bonding time—baking for your dog is a simple way to show them a little extra love.
Key Ingredients and Kitchen Tools
One of the best parts about making molasses dog treats is that the ingredient list is refreshingly short. You likely have many of these items on hand already, and if not, they’re easy to find at your local grocery store.
Ingredients in Molasses Carrot Dog Biscuits
- Molasses: Molasses is slightly sweet and robust, making it a tasty addition to dog treats.
- Carrots: The addition of grated carrots helps to boost vitamins and fiber
- Flour or Base Ingredient:
- See our article on Dog-Friendly Flours for more information
- Whole Wheat Flour: A common choice that offers fiber and nutrients.
- Oat Flour: A good alternative for dogs with wheat sensitivities; easy to make by grinding oats in a food processor. Oats are high in soluble fiber, which helps promote healthy digestion
- Binding Agent
- Egg: Helps hold the dough together and adds protein.
- Ground Flax or Chia Seeds: grind 1 tbsp of flax or chia seeds per egg and mix with 3 tbsp of warm water. Allow it to sit and gel for about 5 minutes before adding to the recipe
Tools You’ll Need
- Mixing Bowl: Large enough to combine all ingredients without spillage.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: For accurate ingredient ratios.
- Baking Sheet: A standard cookie sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
- Rolling Pin (Optional): If you plan to roll out the dough and use cookie cutters.
- Cookie Cutters or Knife: You can create fun shapes or simply cut into squares.
(Tip: If you’re trying to keep the recipe as simple as possible, you can even shape the dough by hand without cookie cutters—your dog won’t mind the shape as long as it tastes good!)
Step-by-Step Instructions: Make Your Own Molasses Dog Treats
Now that you’re familiar with the benefits and basic ingredients, let’s get baking! Below is a straightforward method that even novice bakers can master. The entire process, from mixing to baking, should take under 30 minutes.
- Preheat the Oven
- Temperature: 350°F.
- Combine Dry Ingredients
- In a large mixing bowl, add your choice of flour (e.g., whole wheat or oat flour).
- Add oats
- If you’re using cinnamon or any other dry seasoning, mix it in at this stage.
- Stir well to evenly distribute the flour and spices.
- Add Wet Ingredients
- Molasses: Measure out a few tablespoons (adjust based on the size of your batch).
- Egg: Crack in two eggs for binding.
- Carrots: Add in 1 cup of grated carrots (if possible, a fine grate is better!)
- Mix Thoroughly
- Use a spoon or spatula to combine everything until a dough forms. Near the end you may find it easier to mix with your hands, giving it a quick knead to ensure all ingredients are thoroughly incorporated
- Texture Check: The dough should be slightly sticky but still pliable. If it’s too dry, add a little water. If it’s too wet, sprinkle in a bit more flour.
- Shape the Treats
- Option 1: Rolling Out
- Lightly dust your surface and rolling pin with flour.
- Roll the dough to about ¼-inch thickness.
- Use cookie cutters to create shapes, or simply cut into squares with a knife.
- Option 2: Hand-Shaping
- Take small pieces of dough and roll them into balls.
- Flatten them slightly with your palm or a fork.
- Option 1: Rolling Out
- Bake
- Place the shaped dough on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone mat.
- Bake for 9-12 minutes or until the edges appear firm and slightly golden.
- Keep an eye on them; the baking time can vary based on thickness, cookie size and oven performance.
- Cool Completely
- Allow the treats to cool completely before serving or storing.
- To increase shelf-life, you can dehydrate them in the oven as it cools (leave them in the oven after you turn it off) or bake them for 45 mins to an hour a second time at a much lower temperate (200°F or less). Note that this will result in a crunchier treat
At this point, your kitchen should smell delightful, and your dog may already be circling around, sniffing the air in anticipation. Once the treats are fully cooled, you can offer one as a taste test—watch for the wagging tail of approval!
Quick Tips and Variations to Molasses Carrot Dog Cookies
One of the advantages of making molasses dog treats at home is the freedom to customize. Here are some tips and variations to keep things interesting and adaptable to your dog’s needs.
Substitute the Carrot for Other Vegetables
- Carrots can be substituted with many other vegetables including grated beets, pumpkin or sweet potato. Grate the vegetable finely and substitute 1:1 in the recipe with the carrot
Gluten-Free Option
- Substitute: Use oat flour or a blend of rice and potato flour instead of wheat flour.
- Benefit: Ideal for dogs with wheat or gluten sensitivities.
Flavor Twists
As these are wet ingredients, more flour would need to be incorporated to get the correct dough texture
- Mashed Banana: Adds sweetness and moisture.
- Pumpkin Purée: Great for digestion and provides a richer flavor profile.
- Peanut Butter: a fan favorite for most dogs, and full of protein. Ensure your peanut butter is xylitol free
Shape Creativity
- Cookie Cutters: From bones to paw prints, fun shapes add a personal touch.
- Stamps: Some pet supply stores sell treat stamps to press paw designs onto your dough.
Storage and Shelf Life
Proper storage ensures that your molasses dog treats remain fresh, flavorful, and safe to eat. Here’s how you can maintain their quality:
- Room Temperature Storage
- Method: Store the treats in an airtight container or resealable plastic bag for up to 1 week.
- Tip: Keep them in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight to maintain freshness.
- Refrigeration
- Duration: Store the treats in an airtight container or resealable plastic bag for approximately 2 weeks.
- Tip: If you live in a hot or humid climate, refrigeration can help prevent mold.
- Freezing
- Method: Use a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag to freeze treats for up to 3 months.
- Tip: Thaw the treats in the fridge or at room temperature before serving.
(Tip: Label your containers with the date so you’ll know how long they’ve been stored.)
Molasses Carrot Dog Treat Recipe
Equipment
- Large Mixing Bowl
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Baking sheet
- Rolling Pin Optional
- Cookie Cutters or Knife
Ingredients
- 2 1/2 cups flour + more for rolling
- 1/2 cup oats
- 1/2 cup molasses
- 1 cup grated carrots fine grate, if possible
- 2 eggs
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350F
- Prepare a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking sheet
- In a large mixing bowl, add flour and oats. Mix well
- Add molasses, grated carrots and eggs.
- Mix thoroughly.
- Knead gently with hands to ensure ingredients are thoroughly incorporated
Shape the Treats – Option 1: Rolling Out
- Lightly dust your surface and rolling pin with flour.
- Roll the dough to about ¼-inch thickness.
- Use cookie cutters to create shapes, or simply cut into squares with a knife.
Shape the Treats – Option 2: Hand-Shaping
- Take small pieces of dough and roll them into balls.
- Flatten them slightly with your palm or a fork.
Baking the Treats
- Transfer treats to the prepared baking sheet
- Bake for 9-12 minutes until the edges appear firm and slightly golden
- Allow to cool completely before serving
Notes
Storage
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
- To extend shelf-life, store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks, or the freezer for up to 3 months
- using a dehydrating
- dehydrating them in the oven as it cools (leave them in the oven after you turn it off)
- baking them for 45 mins to an hour a second time at a much lower temperate (200°F or less). Note that this will result in a crunchier treat
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Below are some common questions dog owners have about molasses dog treats. If you have additional concerns, it’s always best to consult with your veterinarian.
Yes! Molasses, in moderation, can be a good source of nutrients like iron, calcium, and magnesium.
Generally, yes, but always check with your vet first. Puppies have unique dietary needs, and portion sizes will differ from adult dogs.
Any treats should not exceed 10% of your dog’s daily caloric intake. Overfeeding treats—regardless of how healthy—can contribute to weight gain and other health issues.
Absolutely. Consider oat flour, brown rice flour, or other dog-safe, gluten-free or even grain-free options. Always monitor your dog for any signs of allergic reactions. See our article on Dog-Friendly Flours for more information.
Some dogs may not appreciate the robust flavor. You can reduce the molasses and supplement with another dog-safe sweetener like applesauce, mashed banana, or pure pumpkin purée.
Blackstrap molasses is more concentrated, darker, and has a stronger flavor. It also tends to contain higher mineral content. If your dog finds it too bitter, opt for a lighter variety of unsulfured molasses.
Conclusion
Making molasses dog treats at home is a fantastic way to show your dog some extra love while ensuring they enjoy a healthy, tasty snack. By opting for homemade treats, you gain full control over what goes into your dog’s diet—no mystery ingredients, no excessive sugars, and no artificial preservatives. Plus, you can easily tailor the recipe to suit your dog’s tastes and dietary needs, whether they prefer carrots, peanut butter, or a gluten-free flour alternative.
Ready to give it a try? Share your baking adventure on Instagram and tag us or leave a comment on our blog post. We’d love to see how your treats turn out! If you’re looking for more homemade dog treat inspiration, be sure to explore our other recipes on the site—your furry companion will thank you.
