If you’re looking to treat your pup to something extra special, these Banana and Peanut Butter Chewy Sticks are the way to go! They’re soft, chewy, and packed with flavors that dogs absolutely love—like the sweetness of ripe bananas and the nutty goodness of peanut butter. These treats are not only tasty but also wholesome and easy to make. Trust me, your furry friend is going to be doing a happy dance once they get a taste of these! They’re the perfect reward after a walk, a training session, or just because your pup deserves it.
Why You’ll Love Banana and Peanut Butter Chewy Sticks for Dogs
Here’s why these homemade chewy sticks will quickly become a favorite for both you and your dog:
Easy to Make
No complicated steps here—these treats are simple to put together with just a few ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen. You’ll be able to whip up a batch in no time!
Dog-Friendly Ingredients
Bananas and peanut butter are safe for most dogs (just make sure your peanut butter doesn’t contain xylitol—an artificial sweetener that’s harmful to dogs). These treats are packed with healthy fats and natural sugars, giving your pup a delicious yet wholesome snack.
Customizable
You can add in a few extra ingredients to give your dog some variety, like oats for extra texture or a sprinkle of cinnamon. You can even swap the banana for pumpkin if you want to try something new!
Fun to Make and Share
Making treats for your dog is a fun way to bond, and there’s nothing quite like seeing their tail wag as they wait for their snack. Plus, these treats are a great way to spoil your pup without having to rely on store-bought options.
Perfect for Training or Rewards
These chewy sticks are great for rewarding good behavior or just showing your dog how much you care. They’re also easy to break into smaller pieces, making them perfect for training sessions.
Ingredients
Let’s go over the simple, dog-friendly ingredients that will turn into these tasty chewy treats:
Banana
- A naturally sweet fruit that adds moisture and flavor. Bananas are full of potassium, making them a healthy snack for your dog when enjoyed in moderation.
Peanut Butter (Make sure it’s xylitol-free!)
- This is the star ingredient. Peanut butter adds that irresistible nutty taste and is loaded with healthy fats and proteins. Just double-check the label to ensure there’s no xylitol (a sweetener that’s toxic to dogs).
Whole Wheat Flour (or Gluten-Free Flour)
- The base for these chewy sticks. Whole wheat flour is packed with fiber, but if your dog has sensitivities, you can easily swap this for a gluten-free variety.
Oats
- Oats add a bit of texture and help bind the ingredients together. They also provide fiber, which is great for your pup’s digestion.
Egg
- Acts as a binder, holding everything together and giving the treats a chewy texture. It’s full of protein and nutrients for your dog.
Instructions
Let’s get those tail wags happening! Here’s how to make these tasty Banana and Peanut Butter Chewy Sticks for your pup:
Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures the treats bake evenly and perfectly crisp on the outside.
Mash the Banana
In a bowl, mash up the banana until it’s smooth. You want to break down any chunks so the mixture is easy to mix together.
Mix the Wet Ingredients
Add the peanut butter and egg to the mashed banana. Stir everything together until it’s well combined and smooth. This will create a creamy base for your treats.
Add the Dry Ingredients
Slowly add the flour and oats to the banana mixture. Stir until everything is evenly incorporated. You should end up with a dough that’s thick but still slightly sticky.
Roll Out the Dough
Lightly flour your surface and roll out the dough to about 1/4 inch thick. Use a sharp knife or cookie cutter to cut the dough into long, stick-shaped pieces. If you’re feeling creative, you can shape them however you like!
Bake the Treats
Place the chewy sticks onto a parchment-lined baking sheet, making sure they’re not touching. Bake them in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes, or until they’re golden brown and firm to the touch.
Cool and Serve
Once the treats are done baking, let them cool completely before giving them to your pup. This is important so they don’t burn your dog’s mouth and so they’re nice and chewy!
Nutrition Facts
(Per serving: 1 stick)
- Servings: [Number of servings]
- Calories per serving: [Calorie count per serving]
Preparation Time
- Prep Time: [Time to prepare ingredients]
- Cook Time: [Time to bake]
- Total Time: [Total time needed]
How to Serve Banana and Peanut Butter Chewy Sticks for Dogs
Once your treats are cooled and ready, serve them to your dog as a reward or a special snack. You can store them in an airtight container for up to a week, or freeze them for longer storage. These treats are great for:
Training Rewards
Cut the chewy sticks into smaller pieces to use as rewards during training sessions. Your dog will be extra motivated to learn when they know a tasty treat is coming!
Chew Time
Give your dog a whole stick and watch them enjoy it as a satisfying chew. They’ll love the texture and flavors!
Special Occasions
These treats are perfect for celebrating your dog’s birthday, adoption day, or just to show them some extra love.
Additional Tips
- Storage: Keep the treats in an airtight container for up to a week. You can also freeze them for up to 3 months.
- Peanut Butter Alternative: If your dog has allergies or you just want to switch it up, try using almond butter or cashew butter (just make sure they don’t contain any harmful additives).
- Make It Your Own: If your dog loves a particular flavor, like pumpkin or sweet potato, feel free to swap out the banana. Just make sure the consistency of the dough remains the same.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I use a different flour?
A1: Yes! You can swap whole wheat flour for oat flour or rice flour if your dog has sensitivities or needs a gluten-free option.
Q2: Is peanut butter safe for dogs?
A2: Yes, as long as it doesn’t contain xylitol. Always check the label to make sure there are no artificial sweeteners, which can be harmful to dogs.
Q3: Can I make these without eggs?
A3: Yes! You can replace the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons of water). This will help bind the ingredients together.
Q4: Can I double the recipe?
A4: Absolutely! If you want to make a bigger batch, just double the ingredients and use a larger baking sheet.
Q5: How do I store leftovers?
A5: Store the treats in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, freeze them and thaw as needed.
Q6: Can I make these without oats?
A6: If your dog doesn’t like oats or has an allergy, you can skip them or use a substitute like ground flax or more flour.
Q7: Can I freeze the dough?
A7: Yes, you can freeze the dough! Just shape the sticks, freeze them on a baking sheet, and then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. You can bake them directly from the freezer when you’re ready.
Q8: How long will these treats last?
A8: These treats will last for up to a week at room temperature or up to 3 months in the freezer.
PrintBanana and Peanut Butter Chewy Sticks for Dogs
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 12–16 servings 1x
Description
These Banana and Peanut Butter Chewy Sticks for Dogs are a healthy and delicious homemade treat your furry friend will love! Packed with wholesome ingredients like banana, peanut butter, and oats, they are perfect for training, rewarding, or just showing your pup some extra love.
Ingredients
- 1 ripe banana, mashed
- 1/2 cup peanut butter (make sure it’s unsweetened and does not contain xylitol)
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1/2 cup whole wheat flour (or gluten-free flour if needed)
- 1/4 cup water (or as needed)
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Mix the Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, mash the banana until smooth. Add the peanut butter and honey (if using) and mix well until fully combined.
- Add the Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the rolled oats, whole wheat flour, and cinnamon (if using). Mix until the dough begins to come together. Add water a little at a time if the dough feels too dry or thick.
- Form the Sticks: Once the dough is ready, roll it out onto a lightly floured surface to about 1/4-inch thickness. Use a knife or pizza cutter to cut the dough into long strips (about 1/2-inch wide).
- Bake: Place the cut strips onto the prepared baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the treats feel firm to the touch.
- Cool and Serve: Let the chewy sticks cool completely on a wire rack before serving them to your dog.
Notes
- Be sure to check the peanut butter label and avoid any that contain xylitol, as it’s toxic to dogs.
- You can store these treats in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week or freeze them for longer storage.
- For a more solid texture, you can bake the treats longer or refrigerate them for a firmer chew.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dog Treats
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Pet Food
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 stick (out of 12-15)
- Calories: 70
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 2g
- Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 7g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 0mg