Skip to Content

Homemade Banana and Peanut Butter Chew Stick Recipe for Dogs

Homemade Banana and Peanut Butter Chew Stick Recipe for Dogs

If there’s one thing I’ve learned as a dog parent, it’s that treats are more than just snacks—they’re moments of joy, bonding, and love. My pup, Bailey, has always had a soft spot for chewy treats, especially anything with peanut butter. But store-bought options often contain preservatives and artificial flavors, which made me want to create something healthier. That’s how I discovered these homemade banana and peanut butter chew sticks—a delicious, nutritious, and completely natural snack that keeps Bailey happily chewing for hours!

Why Make Homemade Dog Chew Sticks?

Making dog treats at home isn’t just about avoiding preservatives—it’s about knowing exactly what goes into your pup’s food. Many commercial chews contain hidden sugars, artificial colors, or even unsafe ingredients. When you make treats yourself, you control the quality and can tailor them to your dog’s needs.

Banana and peanut butter are a match made in heaven for dogs! Bananas provide natural sweetness, potassium, and fiber, while peanut butter adds healthy fats and protein. Plus, the chewy texture of these sticks makes them perfect for teething puppies or dogs who love to nibble.


Ingredients You’ll Need

Before we jump into the recipe, let’s talk about ingredients. You only need four simple, dog-friendly ingredients:

  • 2 ripe bananas – Soft, naturally sweet, and packed with potassium.
  • ½ cup natural peanut butter (unsweetened, xylitol-free) – A protein-packed ingredient that dogs adore.
  • 1½ cups oat flour – Gentle on digestion and helps create a chewy texture.
  • 1 tablespoon coconut oil – Adds moisture and helps with a smooth consistency.

If you don’t have oat flour, don’t worry! You can easily make it by blending rolled oats in a food processor until finely ground.


Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. If you prefer a dehydrated-style chew, you can also use a food dehydrator.

Step 2: Mash the Bananas

In a large mixing bowl, mash the bananas with a fork until smooth. The riper the bananas, the easier they are to mash!

Step 3: Mix in the Peanut Butter and Coconut Oil

Add the peanut butter and coconut oil to the mashed bananas. Stir well until the mixture is creamy and fully combined. This is the step where my dog starts watching me closely—he knows something delicious is happening!

Step 4: Add the Oat Flour

Slowly mix in the oat flour, stirring until a dough forms. The dough should be firm yet pliable, almost like playdough. If it feels too sticky, add a little extra flour.

Step 5: Shape the Chew Sticks

Now comes the fun part—shaping the chews! You can:

  • Roll the dough into logs about ½ inch thick and 5-6 inches long.
  • Use a piping bag to create uniform sticks.
  • Roll and cut them into smaller bite-sized pieces for smaller dogs.

Step 6: Bake or Dehydrate

  • For softer chews: Bake at 300°F (150°C) for 25-30 minutes or until slightly firm.
  • For longer-lasting chews: Lower the oven temperature to 200°F (90°C) and bake for 1.5-2 hours to dry them out more.
  • For a dehydrator: Place them in at 135°F (57°C) for 4-6 hours until fully chewy.

Cooling and Storage Tips

Once baked, let the chew sticks cool completely before giving them to your pup. Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 weeks or freeze them for up to 3 months.


Customizing Your Chew Sticks

Want to switch things up? Here are a few fun ways to customize these chews:

  • Add cinnamon for extra flavor and anti-inflammatory benefits.
  • Mix in pumpkin puree for added fiber and a fall-inspired treat.
  • Use blueberries for an antioxidant boost (try this Blueberry Pumpkin and Oatmeal Chews for Dogs recipe).

Why Your Pup Will Love These Chews

  • Naturally sweet from bananas—no added sugars needed!
  • Packed with protein and healthy fats from peanut butter.
  • Soft yet chewy texture, making them ideal for dogs of all ages.
  • Long-lasting and fun to chew, keeping dogs occupied and satisfied.

I first made these when Bailey had an upset stomach, and they were a lifesaver—gentle enough on digestion yet still rewarding. Now, I make a batch every few weeks to keep on hand!

If your pup loves banana-based treats, check out this Banana and Honey Biscuits for Dogs recipe for another tasty option!


Nutritional Benefits of Banana and Peanut Butter Chew Sticks

Homemade dog treats are only as good as their ingredients, and luckily, bananas and peanut butter offer some amazing health benefits for dogs!

🍌 Bananas: A Natural Superfood for Dogs

  • Rich in Potassium – Supports muscle function and heart health.
  • High in Fiber – Helps regulate digestion and prevents constipation.
  • Packed with Vitamins – Contains Vitamin C, Vitamin B6, and antioxidants for a strong immune system.
  • Low in Calories – Makes a great natural sweetener without excess sugar.

🥜 Peanut Butter: A Protein Powerhouse

  • Healthy Fats – Promotes a shiny coat and nourishes the skin.
  • Good Source of Protein – Helps build and maintain strong muscles.
  • Contains Niacin (Vitamin B3) – Essential for brain function and energy production.
  • Loaded with Magnesium – Helps with bone health and metabolism.

Just remember: Always use natural peanut butter without xylitol! Xylitol is toxic to dogs and can cause serious health issues.


How to Serve These Chew Sticks

Once you’ve made a batch of these tasty treats, there are plenty of ways to serve them:

🥶 Freeze for a Longer-Lasting Treat

Pop the chew sticks in the freezer for an extra cool, refreshing chew—perfect for hot summer days! The frozen texture makes them even longer-lasting, especially for teething puppies.

🦴 Use as a Training Reward

Cut the chew sticks into smaller pieces and use them for positive reinforcement training. Since they’re soft and chewy, they’re great for young puppies learning new commands.

🐕 Ideal for Senior Dogs

Older dogs sometimes struggle with hard biscuits. These homemade chews are soft yet chewy, making them easier for senior pups to enjoy without hurting their teeth.


Common Mistakes to Avoid

While this recipe is pretty foolproof, here are a few common mistakes to watch out for:

1. Using the Wrong Peanut Butter

Avoid peanut butter that contains xylitol, sugar, or artificial additives. Stick to natural, unsweetened peanut butter to keep your pup safe and healthy.

If you want to make your own, check out this Homemade Peanut Butter for Dogs recipe!

2. Adding Too Much Flour

If you add too much oat flour, the chew sticks might turn out too dry and crumbly. Start with the recommended amount and only add extra if the dough is too sticky.

3. Overbaking the Chew Sticks

If you bake at too high a temperature, the sticks can become too hard and crunchy instead of soft and chewy. Lower heat and slow baking (or dehydrating) help retain the perfect texture.

4. Skipping the Cooling Step

Always let the treats cool completely before serving. Hot chew sticks can be too soft and might not hold their shape well.


Other Homemade Dog Treat Recipes to Try

If your pup loves these banana and peanut butter chew sticks, here are a few other fun and healthy recipes you might enjoy making:

Oatmeal Dog Cookies

If your dog loves oats, these Delicious and Nutritious Oatmeal Cookies for Dogs are a must-try!

Pumpkin Pupsicles

For a cool and refreshing treat, try making these Pumpkin Pupsicles for Dogs—great for warm weather!

Blueberry Pumpkin Chews

Looking for another soft chew option? These Blueberry Pumpkin and Oatmeal Chews for Dogs offer a tasty mix of flavors and health benefits.


Final Thoughts: A Treat Your Dog Will Love

Making homemade treats for your dog is a simple yet meaningful way to show love. These banana and peanut butter chew sticks are a great alternative to store-bought snacks, giving your pup something healthy, natural, and delicious to enjoy.

Have you tried making these? I’d love to hear how they turned out for your furry friend! Share your photos and tag us on Pinterest for more dog-friendly recipes and inspiration.

For more homemade dog treats, visit My Dog Recipe and start baking up some tail-wagging goodness today!

Happy treat-making!

Print

clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Banana and peanut butter chew sticks for dogs

Homemade Banana and Peanut Butter Chew Stick Recipe for Dogs


  • Author: mydogrecipe
  • Total Time: 35-40 minutes (or up to 2 hours 10 minutes for firmer chews)
  • Yield: 10-12 chew sticks 1x
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Description

Banana and peanut butter chew sticks for dogs are a healthy, homemade treat packed with natural flavors. Made with just four ingredients, these chewy snacks are great for puppies, senior dogs, and training rewards. Free from artificial additives, they provide essential nutrients while keeping your pup happy and engaged.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 ripe bananas
  • ½ cup natural peanut butter (unsweetened, xylitol-free)
  • 1½ cups oat flour
  • 1 tablespoon coconut oil

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. Mash the bananas in a large mixing bowl until smooth.
  3. Add peanut butter and coconut oil to the mashed bananas and mix well.
  4. Gradually add oat flour, stirring until a firm, pliable dough forms.
  5. Shape the dough into chew sticks by rolling it into logs or using a piping bag.
  6. Place the sticks on the prepared baking sheet.
  7. Bake for 25-30 minutes for softer chews or lower the oven temperature to 200°F (90°C) and bake for 1.5-2 hours for a firmer chew.
  8. Let the chew sticks cool completely before serving.
  9. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 weeks or freeze for up to 3 months.

Notes

  • Use only natural peanut butter without xylitol, as xylitol is toxic to dogs.
  • For a longer-lasting chew, consider dehydrating the sticks at 135°F (57°C) for 4-6 hours.
  • If the dough is too sticky, add a little more oat flour to balance the consistency.
  • Cut into smaller pieces for training treats or senior dogs.
  • Freeze the sticks for a refreshing summer treat.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25-30 minutes (or 1.5-2 hours for firmer chews)
  • Category: Dog Treats
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Pet-Friendly

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 chew stick
  • Calories: 75
  • Sugar: 2g
  • Sodium: 5mg
  • Fat: 3.5g
  • Saturated Fat: 1g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 2.5g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 9g
  • Fiber: 1.5g
  • Protein: 2g
  • Cholesterol: 0mg

Keywords: Banana and peanut butter chew sticks for dogs, homemade dog treats, healthy dog chews, natural dog snacks, dog-friendly recipe

Comments

No Comments

Recipe rating