There’s something deeply rewarding about baking homemade treats for your dog. Whether you’re whipping up a batch to spoil them on a special occasion or just because they deserve it (let’s be real, they always do!), these peanut butter and banana dog treats are sure to be a hit. 🐾

This recipe is simple, uses wholesome ingredients, and comes with a few variations to make them even more fun for your furry friend. Plus, if you’re like me and love seeing that wagging tail when you walk back from the kitchen with a homemade treat in hand, you’ll know just how worthwhile this is. Let’s dive into this easy step-by-step recipe!

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Why Homemade Dog Treats Are Worth the Effort

Making homemade dog treats isn’t just about spoiling your pup (though that’s a major perk!). It’s also about knowing exactly what goes into each bite they take. Store-bought treats can be loaded with preservatives, artificial flavors, and even unhealthy fillers. By making them yourself, you’re in full control of the ingredients, ensuring your dog’s snacks are as nutritious as they are tasty.

In this recipe, peanut butter and banana take center stage. Both of these ingredients are safe for most dogs and packed with nutrients. Peanut butter provides protein, healthy fats, and a rich flavor dogs can’t resist. Bananas add a natural sweetness along with potassium, fiber, and vitamins. Together, these ingredients create a treat that’s as healthy as it is delicious.

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Peanut Butter and Banana Dog Treats Recipe

Ingredients

To start, gather these ingredients. You might already have most of them in your kitchen, making this recipe both budget-friendly and convenient.

• 3 cups whole wheat flour
• 1 egg
• 1 cup peanut butter (unsalted and without xylitol, a sweetener that’s toxic to dogs)
• 1½ ripe bananas, mashed
• 1 cup water
• ¼ teaspoon salt

This simple ingredient list means you’re giving your dog a treat made from whole foods. Feel free to swap whole wheat flour with oat or rice flour if your pup has a wheat allergy. And as always, check the peanut butter label to ensure it’s free from harmful additives.

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Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven to 350°F (175°C)
   Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. This temperature is perfect for creating treats that are crunchy on the outside but still a bit soft on the inside, which dogs love.
2. Prepare the Dough

• In a large mixing bowl, combine the whole wheat flour and salt.
• Add the egg, peanut butter, and mashed bananas to the dry ingredients.
• Gradually pour in the water, mixing as you go until a dough forms. You may need to add a bit more water or flour, depending on the consistency – the dough should be firm but pliable, similar to a sugar cookie dough.

1. Roll Out the Dough
   Sprinkle some flour on a clean surface and roll out the dough to about ¼-inch thickness. If the dough sticks, dust your rolling pin with a bit of flour.
2. Cut Out Shapes
   Using cookie cutters (bones, stars, or any fun shapes you have), cut out as many treats as you can. Dogs may not care about shapes, but the stars and bones make these treats extra cute – and they’ll definitely make a great photo opportunity!
3. Arrange on a Baking Sheet
   Place the cutouts on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Make sure to leave a bit of space between each treat.
4. Bake for 15-20 Minutes
   Bake the treats in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until they’re golden brown. If you prefer a crunchier texture, you can leave them in for a few extra minutes. Just be sure not to over-bake, as they can become too hard.
5. Cool Completely Before Serving
   Let the treats cool on a wire rack before serving them to your pup. Cooling them helps the treats harden a bit, which many dogs enjoy.

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Storing Your Dog Treats

Once the treats are completely cool, store them in an airtight container. They should last up to two weeks at room temperature, but you can extend their shelf life by refrigerating or freezing them. Frozen, these treats can last up to 3 months – perfect for making a large batch and pulling out a few as needed.

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Recipe Variations: Making It Your Own

One of the best parts about making dog treats at home is how easy it is to customize the recipe. Here are a few ways you can make this treat even more special:

Add Oats for Extra Fiber

Try adding ½ cup of rolled oats to the dough for added texture and fiber. Oats are gentle on the digestive system and can be a great addition if your dog has a sensitive stomach.

Boost Flavor with a Dash of Cinnamon

Dogs often love the smell and taste of cinnamon, which is safe for them in small quantities. Add ¼ teaspoon of ground cinnamon to the dough to make your treats smell even more delicious. Cinnamon also offers anti-inflammatory properties that can benefit older dogs.

Swap Out the Peanut Butter

If your dog has a sensitivity to peanuts, you can substitute the peanut butter with pumpkin puree or homemade peanut butter. For a dog-friendly homemade peanut butter recipe, check out our guide here.

Incorporate Fresh Blueberries

Adding a handful of fresh blueberries to the dough provides a burst of antioxidants and sweetness. Blueberries are a great superfood for dogs, promoting healthy skin and supporting the immune system. If you love using blueberries in treats, try our Blueberry Pumpkin and Oatmeal Chews for Dogs here.

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Benefits of Peanut Butter and Banana for Dogs

Now that we’ve covered the recipe, let’s look a bit deeper into why these ingredients are so great for dogs. Understanding the benefits can help you feel even better about the treats you’re serving.

Why Dogs Love Peanut Butter

Peanut butter is rich in protein and healthy fats, which are essential for your pup’s energy and coat health. It also contains niacin and vitamins B and E, which support everything from skin to immune function. Just make sure to choose a variety without added salt, sugar, or xylitol.

The Health Benefits of Bananas

Bananas are a fantastic low-calorie treat for dogs. They’re packed with potassium, which supports heart and muscle function, and also provide vitamin C and fiber. For dogs that are a bit overweight, bananas can be a nice alternative to fattier treats.

Together, peanut butter and bananas create a treat that’s both tasty and nourishing. These ingredients complement each other well, ensuring that each treat is both satisfying and beneficial to your dog’s health.

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Serving Size and Portioning Tips

Although these treats are made with healthy ingredients, it’s still essential to practice moderation. Dogs should consume treats in proportion to their daily caloric intake. Here are some general tips to help you decide how many treats to give:

• Small Dogs (under 20 lbs): One small treat per day
• Medium Dogs (20-50 lbs): One or two medium-sized treats per day
• Large Dogs (over 50 lbs): Two or three medium-sized treats per day

Remember, these treats are meant to be a supplement to their regular diet, not a replacement. Also, always supervise your pet when introducing new treats to ensure they’re chewing properly and not gulping them down whole.

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Other Dog Treat Recipes to Try

If your pup loves these peanut butter and banana treats, why not try a few more recipes? Here are some other popular dog treats that are easy to make and packed with flavors your dog will love:

• Delicious and Nutritious Oatmeal Cookies for Dogs: A wholesome snack made with oats that’s perfect for sensitive stomachs.
• Banana and Honey Biscuits for Dogs: These biscuits combine banana with a touch of honey for an irresistible treat.
• Bull Penis Dog Treats: High in protein, this treat is perfect for a special, savory reward.
• Pumpkin Pupsicles for Dogs: A frozen treat ideal for warm weather and packed with fiber-rich pumpkin.

Each recipe offers a unique flavor and texture, keeping treat time exciting and varied for your pup.

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Tips for Safe Treat-Baking

When baking for your dog, keep a few important things in mind:

1. Avoid Toxic Ingredients: Always double-check ingredients like peanut butter for xylitol, and avoid spices like nutmeg, which is toxic to dogs.
2. Keep Treats Small and Manageable: Dogs may be tempted to gobble down large treats. Keeping treats small helps them chew properly and prevents choking.
3. Store Safely: Homemade treats don’t have preservatives, so store them properly to avoid spoilage. A cool

, dark place is best, or store them in the fridge for longer freshness.

4. Use Safe Bakeware: Opt for non-toxic, BPA-free bakeware, especially silicone or stainless steel trays, to keep harmful chemicals out of your treats.

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Get Inspired for More Treats on Pinterest

If you’re on Pinterest and looking for even more creative treat ideas, check out our collection here. It’s packed with unique recipes, cute shapes, and baking hacks that will make treat time extra special for your dog. Save your favorites and start building your homemade dog treat collection today!

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Final Thoughts: Baking Love Into Every Bite

There’s something incredibly rewarding about seeing your dog’s face light up when you hand them a homemade treat. With just a few simple ingredients and a bit of baking time, you can create treats that aren’t just tasty, but nourishing too. Baking for your dog is a simple way to show your love in a way they understand – and if you’re lucky, maybe you’ll get a few extra tail wags in return.

Whether you’re an experienced dog treat baker or trying it for the first time, this peanut butter and banana recipe is a great choice. It’s easy, healthy, and incredibly tasty – guaranteed to make any pup happy. And if you’re ready to explore even more options, don’t forget to browse our other dog treat recipes, from oatmeal cookies to pumpkin pupsicles.

Happy baking, and here’s to all the tail-wagging joy these treats are sure to bring!

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