Banana Peanut Butter Muffins Recipe for Dogs: A Tail-Wagging Treat!

There’s something truly special about baking homemade treats for your pup. The warm aroma filling the kitchen, the eager tail wags as your dog waits (not-so-patiently), and the joy of knowing you’re giving them a healthy, homemade snack—it’s an experience full of love.

Today, I’m sharing a Banana Peanut Butter Muffins for Dogs recipe that’s not only delicious but also packed with wholesome, dog-friendly ingredients. These muffins are soft, naturally sweet, and easy on your pup’s tummy. Plus, they’re made with simple ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen.

So, if your furry friend loves bananas and peanut butter (and let’s be honest, what dog doesn’t?), this recipe is a must-try.

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Why Make Homemade Dog Muffins?

There are so many benefits to making your own dog treats.

• Healthier Ingredients: Store-bought treats often contain preservatives, artificial flavors, and fillers. Homemade muffins let you control what goes into your pup’s snacks.
• Allergy-Friendly: If your dog has food sensitivities, you can modify this recipe to suit their needs.
• Budget-Friendly: Making treats at home is much cheaper than buying specialty dog bakery items.
• Bonding Time: Nothing beats the excitement on your dog’s face when they get a homemade snack made with love.

I started making homemade treats for my dog, Max, after realizing how many artificial additives were in store-bought options. He has a sensitive stomach, so I needed something gentle yet delicious. That’s when I came up with these Banana Peanut Butter Muffins—they quickly became his all-time favorite snack.

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Ingredients for Banana Peanut Butter Muffins for Dogs

These muffins are packed with nutrients to keep your dog happy and healthy.

What You’ll Need:

• 2 ripe bananas (mashed) – Great for digestion, potassium, and natural sweetness.
• ¼ cup natural peanut butter – Make sure it’s xylitol-free, as xylitol is toxic to dogs.
• 1 egg – Adds protein and helps bind the muffins.
• ½ cup unsweetened applesauce – Adds moisture and natural sweetness.
• 1 cup whole wheat flour (or oat flour for a gluten-free option) – A nutritious, fiber-rich base.
• ½ teaspoon baking powder – Helps the muffins rise slightly, making them soft and fluffy.
• ¼ cup water or unsweetened almond milk – To adjust batter consistency.
• ½ teaspoon cinnamon (optional) – A tasty, dog-safe spice with anti-inflammatory benefits.

Ingredient Benefits for Dogs

• Peanut Butter – A great source of protein and healthy fats, but always choose one without xylitol.
• Bananas – Full of fiber, vitamins, and minerals that aid digestion.
• Applesauce – A natural sweetener without harmful refined sugar.
• Whole Wheat or Oat Flour – Provides fiber and essential nutrients for digestion.
• Eggs – Support muscle growth and provide essential amino acids.

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Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat & Prep

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a muffin tin with cupcake liners or lightly grease it with coconut oil to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Mash the Bananas

In a large mixing bowl, mash the ripe bananas until smooth. The riper the bananas, the sweeter and softer the muffins will be.

Step 3: Add the Wet Ingredients

Mix in the peanut butter, egg, and applesauce. Stir until everything is well combined.

Step 4: Incorporate the Dry Ingredients

Gradually add in the whole wheat flour, baking powder, and cinnamon (if using). Stir gently to combine, adding water or almond milk as needed for a smooth batter. The consistency should be similar to regular muffin batter—thick but pourable.

Step 5: Fill the Muffin Cups

Spoon the batter into the muffin tin, filling each cup about ¾ full.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Bake for 18-22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The tops should be golden brown.

Step 7: Cool & Add a Tasty Topping

Let the muffins cool completely before serving. For an extra treat, spread a small dollop of peanut butter on top before giving one to your pup.

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Storage Tips

• Refrigerate: Store muffins in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
• Freeze: Freeze extras in a ziplock bag for up to 3 months. Just thaw one before serving.

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Customizations for Different Tastes

Want to switch it up? Here are a few ways to customize these muffins:

• Make It Crunchy: Add a sprinkle of crushed dog biscuits on top before baking for a little crunch.
• Extra Protein: Mix in a tablespoon of flaxseed or a scoop of dog-friendly protein powder.
• Pumpkin Twist: Swap half the banana for pumpkin puree for a fall-inspired version.
• Berry Boost: Stir in a handful of blueberries for an antioxidant-packed treat.

For another berry-packed treat, check out this Blueberry Pumpkin and Oatmeal Chews for Dogs recipe.

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A Treat Your Dog Will Love!

The first time I made these, my dog, Max, could barely contain his excitement. The moment the muffins came out of the oven, he sat by the counter, sniffing the air, waiting for his share. When I finally gave him one, he devoured it in seconds and looked up at me for more.

These banana peanut butter muffins are now a staple in our home, and I love knowing that I’m giving Max a treat that’s both delicious and nutritious.

Would your pup love these muffins too? Give them a try and let me know how they turn out.

And if you’re looking for more homemade dog treat ideas, check out some of my favorites:

• Banana and Honey Biscuits for Dogs: A Treat Your Pup Will Love
• Homemade Peanut Butter for Dogs: A Tail-Wagging Treat
• Pumpkin Pupsicles for Dogs

Troubleshooting Common Muffin-Making Issues

Even though this recipe is simple, baking can sometimes be unpredictable. If you run into any issues, here are a few solutions:

1. The Muffins Are Too Dry

• Overbaking can cause dry muffins. Reduce the baking time by a few minutes and check for doneness earlier.
• Try adding a little more applesauce or mashed banana for moisture.

2. The Muffins Are Too Wet or Dense

• This can happen if too much banana or applesauce is used. Stick to the measured amounts.
• If the batter seems too wet, add a little extra flour (one tablespoon at a time).

3. The Muffins Didn’t Rise Well

• Ensure your baking powder is fresh and not expired.
• Mix the batter gently; overmixing can make muffins dense instead of fluffy.

4. My Dog Prefers a Crunchier Texture

• Bake the muffins for a few extra minutes to make the edges crispier.
• You can also slice the muffins in half and bake them for 10 extra minutes at a lower temperature (300°F) for a crunchier texture.

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Making Mini Muffins or Larger Muffins

This recipe works well for different sizes:

✔ Mini Muffins: Use a mini muffin tin and reduce the baking time to 10-12 minutes.
✔ Jumbo Muffins: Use a jumbo muffin tin and increase the baking time to 25-28 minutes.

If you’re making mini muffins, they make great training treats or smaller rewards for smaller dogs.

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Can Humans Eat These Muffins?

Yes! These muffins are made with simple, wholesome ingredients that are completely safe for humans. However, they aren’t as sweet as regular muffins because they don’t contain added sugar. If you want to share one with your pup, you can add a drizzle of honey or a sprinkle of cinnamon for extra flavor (just keep it natural and dog-friendly).

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More Fun Ways to Serve These Muffins

These muffins are delicious on their own, but if you want to make them extra special, try these ideas:

• Pupcake Style: Frost the muffins with a little plain Greek yogurt mixed with peanut butter.
• Frozen Treat: Slice a muffin into small pieces and freeze them for a cool summer snack.
• Stuffed Kong Treat: Crumble a muffin into a Kong toy and mix it with yogurt or peanut butter for an engaging treat.

Looking for more frozen treats? Check out these Pumpkin Pupsicles for Dogs for a refreshing option.

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How Often Can Dogs Eat These Muffins?

While these muffins are healthy, they should still be given as occasional treats rather than daily meals. Treats should make up no more than 10% of your dog’s daily calorie intake.

For a small dog, ½ muffin per day is plenty.
For medium-sized dogs, 1 muffin per day is a good portion.
For large dogs, they can enjoy 1-2 muffins depending on their size and activity level.

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Other Homemade Dog Treats You’ll Love

If your pup enjoys these muffins, here are more homemade treats to try:

• Banana and Honey Biscuits for Dogs – A crunchy alternative to these muffins with a naturally sweet flavor.
• Homemade Peanut Butter for Dogs – Learn how to make all-natural peanut butter that’s perfect for dogs.
• Blueberry Pumpkin and Oatmeal Chews – A chewy, antioxidant-packed treat for your pup’s health.

For even more homemade dog recipes, visit My Dog Recipe and follow us on Pinterest for new recipe ideas!

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Final Thoughts on Making Banana Peanut Butter Muffins for Dogs

Making homemade treats is one of the best ways to show love to your furry friend. These banana peanut butter muffins are:

✔ Easy to make
✔ Full of healthy, dog-friendly ingredients
✔ A great alternative to store-bought treats
✔ Perfect for special occasions or just because

Every time I bake these for my dog, Max, he sits in the kitchen, tail wagging, waiting for them to cool. And the moment he gets one, his excitement is priceless. Seeing my dog enjoy a treat I made with love makes every minute in the kitchen worth it.

I’d love to hear how these muffins turn out for your pup! Try the recipe and let me know in the comments or on Pinterest.

Happy baking!

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