Homemade Sweet Potato and Banana Energy Balls for Dogs: A Wholesome Treat for Your Furry Friend

There’s something so rewarding about whipping up homemade treats for your dog. It’s not just about knowing exactly what’s going into their food—it’s about the joy of seeing that wagging tail and those sparkling eyes when they know you’ve made something special just for them. Recently, I experimented with a recipe that quickly became a favorite in our household: Sweet Potato and Banana Energy Balls for Dogs.

Not only are these treats packed with nutrients like fiber, vitamins, and natural sweetness, but they’re also easy to make and perfect for training sessions, long walks, or simply as a snack to spoil your pup. Let me walk you through the process, and trust me, your furry friend will be drooling in no time.

Why Sweet Potatoes and Bananas?

Before diving into the recipe, let’s talk about the two main ingredients—sweet potatoes and bananas.

Sweet Potatoes: These are a powerhouse of nutrition for dogs. They’re packed with beta-carotene, fiber, and antioxidants, which support your pup’s vision, digestion, and immune system.
Bananas: A naturally sweet fruit that dogs love, bananas are an excellent source of potassium, vitamin B6, and vitamin C. They’re also great for binding the mixture together in this recipe while adding a touch of natural sweetness.

Combined, these ingredients make a treat that’s not only delicious but also healthy. Plus, they’re easy to digest, making them suitable for most dogs.

Ingredients You'll Need

Here’s what you’ll need to make these bite-sized treats:

1 medium sweet potato, cooked and mashed
1 ripe banana, mashed
1 ½ cups rolled oats (you can use gluten-free oats if needed)
1 tablespoon ground flaxseed (optional, for added omega-3s and fiber)
1 tablespoon peanut butter (make sure it’s dog-safe and doesn’t contain xylitol)
1 teaspoon cinnamon (optional, for flavor)

These simple ingredients come together to create a soft, chewy treat that your dog will adore. And since there’s no added sugar or artificial ingredients, you can feel good about feeding these to your pup.

Step-by-Step Recipe Instructions

Here’s how to bring this recipe to life:

Step 1: Prepare the Sweet Potato

Start by cooking your sweet potato. You can either bake it in the oven or steam it until it’s soft. Baking will give it a slightly sweeter, roasted flavor, which dogs love. Once cooked, let it cool and mash it thoroughly.

Step 2: Mash the Banana

In a large mixing bowl, mash the ripe banana until it’s smooth and creamy. The banana not only adds flavor but also helps bind the ingredients together.

Step 3: Combine Ingredients

To the mashed banana, add the mashed sweet potato, rolled oats, ground flaxseed, peanut butter, and cinnamon (if using). Mix everything together until it forms a sticky dough. If the dough feels too wet, add a little more oats. If it’s too dry, add a teaspoon of water or a bit more mashed sweet potato.

Step 4: Roll Into Balls

Using your hands, scoop out small portions of the mixture and roll them into bite-sized balls. Aim for a size that’s manageable for your dog—about 1 inch in diameter works well for medium-sized pups.

Step 5: Chill or Bake

You have two options for finishing these treats:

No-Bake Version: Place the balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and refrigerate for 1-2 hours until firm. This option keeps the treats soft and chewy.
Baked Version: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake the balls for 15-20 minutes until slightly firm and golden. This creates a drier, crunchier texture that’s great for dogs who love a bit of a crunch.

Pro Tips for Perfect Sweet Potato and Banana Balls

Choose Ripe Bananas: The riper the banana, the sweeter the treat will be—perfect for dogs who have a sweet tooth.
Make It Your Own: Feel free to add extras like unsweetened shredded coconut, a sprinkle of chia seeds, or even a handful of blueberries for added nutrients.
Storage: Store the treats in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week, or freeze them for longer shelf life.

Why My Dog Loves These Treats

When I first made these, I wasn’t sure how my dog, Daisy, would react. She can be picky at times, turning her nose up at store-bought treats. But the moment I rolled out the first batch, she was glued to my side, tail wagging furiously.

These treats have since become our go-to for everything from training rewards to hiking snacks. They’re easy to carry, don’t crumble, and keep her energized and happy during our outdoor adventures. Plus, I love knowing that I’m giving her something wholesome and homemade.

Looking for More Dog-Friendly Recipes?

If you enjoyed making these Sweet Potato and Banana Balls, you might want to check out some other easy and nutritious treats for your pup:

Each of these recipes is packed with natural ingredients and designed with your dog’s health and happiness in mind.

How to Customize Sweet Potato and Banana Energy Balls for Your Dog

One of the great things about this recipe is how versatile it is. Every dog is unique, and their taste preferences and dietary needs can vary. Below are a few ways to tweak this recipe to suit your pup or experiment with different flavors and textures:

Add a Crunch

If your dog loves crunchy treats, consider mixing in small chunks of dried fruits like cranberries (unsweetened, of course) or apple pieces. You could also sprinkle in unsweetened shredded coconut for a bit of texture. My dog Daisy absolutely loves when I add crushed dog-friendly biscuits or a spoonful of pumpkin seeds to the mix.

Boost the Nutrition

For an added nutritional boost, you can mix in superfoods like:

Chia Seeds: Packed with omega-3s and fiber, these tiny seeds are excellent for your dog’s coat and digestion.
Spirulina Powder: A pinch of this algae powder is loaded with protein and antioxidants.
Turmeric: Known for its anti-inflammatory properties, turmeric can be sprinkled into the dough, but keep the quantity very small.

Swap Ingredients for Allergies

If your dog is allergic to oats, you can swap them out for quinoa flakes or rice flour. Similarly, if peanut butter isn’t an option, try almond butter (as long as it’s unsalted and free from xylitol) or even plain pumpkin puree.

Seasonal Flavors

Get creative by adjusting the recipe to fit the season! For instance, in the fall, you can replace the banana with a bit of pumpkin puree or cooked butternut squash. In summer, adding a few crushed blueberries or raspberries can turn these into a refreshing seasonal snack.

Perfect for Training

One of the best things about these energy balls is their size and portability. However, if you’re using them for training, you might want to make them even smaller—around the size of a marble. These mini treats will keep your dog motivated without overfeeding them.

The Joy of Making Treats Together

There’s something so heartwarming about including your dog in the process (or at least having them watch eagerly from the sidelines). I’ve noticed that Daisy sits patiently by the counter every time I make these now. It’s as though she knows that something delicious is being prepared just for her.

I also love how this treat-making ritual has become part of our bonding time. As I roll the dough into little balls, she “supervises,” occasionally sniffing the air for that irresistible combination of sweet potato and banana. It’s one of those small but meaningful moments that remind me why I enjoy cooking for her so much.

Other Recipes You’ll Love

If your pup devours these Sweet Potato and Banana Energy Balls (and trust me, they will), you’ll definitely want to try these recipes next:

Homemade Peanut Butter for Dogs: A Tail-Wagging Treat Your Pup Will Love – Perfect for incorporating into other dog treat recipes or using as a topping.
Pumpkin Pupsicles for Dogs – A cool and refreshing treat for hot summer days.
Bull Penis Dog Treats – For those looking to provide a high-protein, long-lasting chew.

Each of these recipes is designed with dog-friendly ingredients and tested to ensure they’re safe, healthy, and utterly delicious.

How to Store Your Sweet Potato and Banana Balls

To keep these treats fresh and tasty, proper storage is key:

In the Fridge: Store the energy balls in an airtight container for up to one week. They’ll stay soft and chewy.
In the Freezer: These treats freeze beautifully! Place them in a freezer-safe container or bag, and they’ll last up to 3 months. Simply thaw a few at a time as needed.

Freezing is especially handy if you’re making a large batch or prepping ahead for trips, hikes, or busy weeks.

Share the Love: Spread the Word on Pinterest

If you love making these Sweet Potato and Banana Energy Balls, why not share the recipe with other dog lovers? Head over to My Dog Recipe’s Pinterest Page to pin this recipe and explore even more fun and creative treats for your pup.

Final Thoughts: Making Homemade Treats a Habit

Making homemade treats like these energy balls isn’t just about nutrition—it’s about creating moments of love and care for your dog. When I see Daisy’s excitement every time I walk into the kitchen, I know these little efforts mean the world to her.

So, whether you’re celebrating your dog’s birthday, rewarding them for good behavior, or just want to show them some extra love, these Sweet Potato and Banana Energy Balls are sure to bring a wag to their tail.

Ready to make more? Head over to My Dog Recipe for more tail-wagging inspiration!