These Activated Charcoal Dog Treats are soft and chewy homemade snacks with a striking black color that makes them as fun to look at as they are to make. Baked in cute silicone molds, they’re perfect for Halloween or anytime you want to treat your pup to something a little different.
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Why You Will Love This Recipe
These aren’t your ordinary homemade dog treats! From their fun appearance to their simple preparation, there are plenty of reasons you’ll enjoy making them for your pup.
Easy to Make – Simply mix the ingredients, press the dough into silicone molds, and bake. There are no complicated steps, which makes them great for bakers of all skill levels.
Wholesome Ingredients – These treats are made with simple, dog-friendly ingredients.
Customizable – Keep them soft and chewy, bake them longer for a crispier texture, or turn the dough into crunchy charcoal dog biscuits with a few simple adjustments.
Great for Halloween – That naturally dark color makes these treats perfect for spooky season. Add them to your dog’s Halloween celebration for a fun homemade treat that fits right in with the festivities.
Ingredients and What They Bring to the Treats
Each ingredient has a role in creating the flavor, texture, and distinctive appearance of these dog treats with activated charcoal. This is what you’ll need:
- Activated Charcoal Powder – The star of the treats! It gives them their dramatic black color.
- Unsweetened Applesauce – Adds moisture and a touch of natural sweetness.
- Coconut Milk – Adds moisture and helps bring the dough together.
- Egg – Binds the ingredients and adds protein.
- Coconut Oil – Adds moisture and richness to the treats.
- Brown Rice Flour or Oat Flour – Provides structure and creates the base of the dough.
- Fresh Curly Parsley – Adds fresh herbal flavor and nutrients.
Important Information About Activated Charcoal
Activated charcoal is used in veterinary medicine in certain cases of poisoning because it can bind some toxins in the gastrointestinal tract and help reduce their absorption. However, that doesn’t mean activated charcoal should be used at home to treat a dog that has eaten something toxic. It doesn’t work for every type of poison, and inappropriate use can cause serious complications.
Activated charcoal can also reduce the absorption and effectiveness of certain medications. If your dog takes prescription medications, supplements, or has an ongoing medical condition, talk with your veterinarian before giving your dog activated charcoal treats.
These activated charcoal dog treats are intended as occasional treats, not as a treatment for poisoning or other health problems. If you think your dog has eaten something toxic, contact your veterinarian promptly rather than attempting to treat the poisoning with these treats.
Ingredient Notes and Substitutions
There are a few important things to know about the ingredients before making these distinctive black treats.
Activated Charcoal – The type of charcoal you use is important. Be sure to use food-grade activated charcoal powder, not charcoal intended for grilling or other household uses.
Food-grade activated charcoal is available at some health food stores, vitamin shops, and online. You can also find it in capsules, but loose powder is much easier to measure and use for baking.
Be careful when measuring it because the fine black powder can be messy and may stain clothing and surfaces.
Parsley – Be sure to use fresh curly parsley. Do not use Italian flat-leaf parsley because it contains furanocoumarins that can cause photosensitivity involving the skin and eyes.
Flours – You can make brown rice flour or oat flour by placing uncooked brown rice or old-fashioned oats in a high-powered blender and blending until it reaches a fine, flour-like consistency.
Equipment Needed
You probably already have most of the kitchen equipment needed to make these treats. You can use any silicone treat mold, but paw and bone shape molds make the dark treats extra cute.
How to Make Charcoal Dog Treats
Making these soft and chewy treats is simple because there’s no need to roll out the dough or use cookie cutters. Just mix, fill the molds, and bake. Here’s what to do:
- Place the applesauce, coconut milk, egg, and melted coconut oil in a medium bowl and stir until well combined.
- Add the brown rice flour or oat flour, activated charcoal powder, and chopped curly parsley.
- Stir until everything is thoroughly combined and a dough forms.
- Press the dough evenly into silicone molds.
- Bake at 350°F for 20 to 25 minutes.
- Remove the treats from the molds and transfer them to a wire rack.
- Allow them to cool completely before serving.
Recipe Tips
For Crispier Treats
The treats will be soft and chewy when prepared according to the basic recipe. If your dog prefers a little crunch, remove the baked treats from the silicone molds and place them on a baking sheet. Bake at 200°F until they reach your desired level of crispness.
For Crunchy Charcoal Dog Biscuits
Want traditional rolled and cut biscuits instead? Add ½ to 1 cup of flour to make a firmer, rollable dough. Roll the dough between sheets of parchment paper or on a lightly floured surface. Cut it into shapes with your favorite cookie cutter, place the charcoal dog biscuits on a baking sheet, and bake until done.
How to Store the Treats and How Long They Last
Store the treats in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will last up to 5 days.
For longer storage, freeze them in a freezer-safe container or plastic freezer bag for up to 3 months. Thaw them in the refrigerator before serving.
Can people eat these treats?
The ingredients used to make these treats are suitable for human consumption, but activated charcoal can interfere with medications in people too. I wouldn’t recommend eating these simply because they’re technically edible.
More Homemade Dog Treat Recipes
Want to make more tasty treats for your dog? Check these out:
- Bacon Dog Treats
- Beef Dog Treats
- Brewers Yeast for Dogs
- Chicken Jerky for Dogs
- Chicken Liver Dog Treats
- Dog Treats for Sensitive Stomachs
- Duck and Blueberry Dog Treats
- Gelatin Dog Treats
- Ground Chicken Meatballs for Dogs
Find lots of easy recipes for dog treats right here on Spoiled Hounds!
Charcoal Dog Treats
Ingredients
- ½ cup Unsweetened Applesauce
- ⅓ cup Coconut Milk
- 1 Egg
- 1 tablespoon Melted Coconut Oil
- 1½ cups Brown Rice Flour or Oat Flour
- 2 tablespoons Activated Charcoal Powder
- ½ cup Chopped Fresh Curly Parsley (do not use flat leaf parsley)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- In a medium bowl, mix together the applesauce, coconut milk, egg, and coconut oil.
- Add flour, charcoal powder, and parsley. Stir to combine until a dough forms.
- Place the dough into a silicone tray with mold shapes of your choice.
- Bake for 20 to 25 minutes.
- Remove the treats from the mold and place them on a wire rack to cool.
- Store the treats in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Notes
Nutrition
Serving Amount
Treats should make up no more than 10% of your dog’s daily calories. Consult your veterinarian if you are unsure of the appropriate portion size for your dog.
Because activated charcoal can interact with medications and isn’t appropriate for every dog, check with your veterinarian before adding these treats to your dog’s diet.
If your dog hasn’t had any of these ingredients before, start with a small piece to make sure they don’t have any allergies, sensitivities, or adverse reactions.
For dog a dog 140 lbs and another 100 lbs. what size of cookie should I make and how many should they get ?
Thank you
You could use a mold that makes large dog treats. As far as how many, I would start with just one per day. I also recommend getting your vet’s recommendation on how many to give them.
I am looking for homemade soft treats with charcoal for dogs. Are these fairly easy for a dog with very few teeth to have?
These are crunchy treats so I don’t think they would be good for a dog with only a few teeth. You could make my peanut butter pumpkin soft dog treats and substitute 1 tablespoon of the flour with activated charcoal.
Thank you so much!
Nice recipe. Why not flat leaf parsley?
Large quantities of Italian flat-leaf parsley can be toxic to dogs. Plus it contains chemicals called furanocoumarins that can cause dermatitis and blindness.