Bark-scotti are our take on biscotti for dogs: firm, crunchy biscuits that take a while to chew and keep for weeks in a jar. Pumpkin, grated carrot, oat flour, and a single egg are all you need. A slow drying stage in the cooling oven gives them their snap.
We baked and filmed this recipe in our own kitchen. Watch the video, then bake along.
Quick summary
| Recipe at a glance | |
|---|---|
| Yield | 25-30 medium biscuits |
| Oven | 175°C (350°F) |
| Bake time | 30 minutes, plus 30 minutes drying in the oven |
| Texture | Hard and crunchy |
| Best for | Dogs who love to crunch, make-ahead treats |
| Storage | Up to 3 weeks in a jar, up to 4 months in the freezer |
Ingredients
- 245 g (1 cup) homemade pumpkin puree, well strained
- 55 g (1/2 cup) finely grated carrot, excess moisture squeezed out with a paper towel
- 180 g (2 cups) oat flour, plus extra for dusting
- 1 medium egg
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 175°C (350°F) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the pumpkin puree, grated carrot and egg.
- Gradually work in the oat flour until a stiff, workable dough forms. If it sticks to your hands, add more oat flour a tablespoon at a time.
- Roll the dough out to 6 mm (1/4 inch) thick and cut out shapes with cookie cutters. Arrange them on the baking sheet.
- Bake for 30 minutes.
- Turn off the oven, prop the door slightly open and leave the biscuits inside for another 30 minutes to dry out for maximum crunch.
- Cool completely on a wire rack before storing.
The snap test
Break one cooled biscuit in half. If the center is dry and crisp, the batch is ready for the jar. If it is still soft or bends, put the biscuits back in a 100°C (210°F) oven for 20-30 minutes, or store them in the fridge and use them within a week. Any moisture left inside can lead to mold at room temperature.
Tips for crunchy bark-scotti
- Squeeze the carrot. Wet carrot makes a sticky dough and soft biscuits. Press it firmly in a paper towel before mixing.
- Strain the pumpkin. Well-drained puree means less flour and a crisper bite.
- Keep the thickness even. Biscuits of the same thickness dry at the same rate, so none are left soft in the middle.
How to store bark-scotti
Once they pass the snap test, keep the biscuits in an airtight jar at room temperature for up to 3 weeks. For longer storage, freeze them for up to 4 months.
How many can my dog have?
Keep treats under 10% of your dog’s daily calories. Start with one biscuit a day for a few days. Break them into smaller pieces for small breeds, puppies and seniors with sensitive teeth.
Frequently asked questions
Are carrots good for dogs?
Plain carrots are a safe, low-calorie vegetable for most dogs. Grating them finely helps them blend into the dough and bake evenly.
Why are my biscuits soft after baking?
Usually there is too much moisture in the dough or the biscuits were rolled thicker than 6 mm. Give them extra drying time in a low oven until they snap cleanly.
Can I use a different cookie cutter?
Yes. Any shape works, just keep the thickness at about 6 mm. Smaller shapes may need a few minutes less in the oven.
More autumn treats to try
- Mini Autumn Crunch Training Nibbles
- Pumpkin Apple Pup Muffins
- How to make homemade pumpkin puree for dogs
Want all eight recipes in one place? Download our free Homemade Autumn Dog Treats PDF.
These treats are occasional snacks, not complete meals. If your dog has diabetes, pancreatitis, kidney disease or food allergies, check with your vet before trying a new recipe.
