Preheat and Prepare:Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent the treats from sticking.
Mix Dry Ingredients:In a mixing bowl, combine the whole wheat flour, rolled oats, and ground flaxseed. Give it a good stir to make sure everything is evenly distributed.
Add the Goodies:Add the finely grated carrot, unsweetened applesauce, and honey (if using) to the dry ingredients. Mix well until everything comes together. If the dough seems too dry, add a tablespoon of water to help it bind.
Roll Out the Dough:On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to about 1/4-inch thickness. Use the heart-shaped cookie cutter to cut out as many hearts as you can. Gather the scraps, roll them out again, and continue cutting out hearts until all the dough is used.
Bake to Perfection:Place the heart-shaped treats on the prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space between each one. Sprinkle a pinch of dried parsley on top of each heart for a delightful touch of green.
Bake and Cool:Bake in the preheated oven for about 15 minutes, or until the treats are golden brown and firm to the touch. Keep an eye on them to ensure they don't overbake. Once done, remove them from the oven and let them cool completely on a wire rack.
Serving and Storing:Once cooled, these heart-shaped delights are ready to be served to your hamster. Store the treats in an airtight container for up to two weeks. Remember, moderation is key, so offer these as occasional treats.