Banana and Peanut Butter Chewy Sticks for Dogs

If your furry friend is a peanut butter lover (and who isn’t?), they’re going to go wild for these homemade Banana and Peanut Butter Chewy Sticks! Not only are these treats a total game-changer in the dog snack department, but they’re also packed with wholesome ingredients you can feel good about. Made with real banana and peanut butter, these chewy sticks are perfect for treating your pup after a long walk, during playtime, or just because they deserve it! Plus, the best part? You can easily make them at home, so you know exactly what’s going into your dog’s snack. Trust me, your dog will be wagging its tail with joy!

Why You’ll Love Banana and Peanut Butter Chewy Sticks for Dogs

These chewy sticks aren’t just about giving your dog something delicious—they’re packed with nutrients and designed to keep your pup satisfied. Here’s why these treats are perfect for your dog:

Healthy & Wholesome Ingredients: With simple, dog-safe ingredients like banana and peanut butter, these treats are a guilt-free way to spoil your pup. The banana adds vitamins and potassium, while the peanut butter provides healthy fats and protein.

Chewy Texture: The chewy texture is perfect for satisfying your dog’s natural chewing instinct. Plus, it’s easy on their teeth, making it a great choice for dogs of all ages.

Customizable: Feel free to switch things up and add other dog-friendly ingredients like oats, pumpkin, or even a bit of honey to make these treats your own.

Easy to Make: With only a handful of ingredients and simple steps, these chewy sticks are easy to whip up. Plus, you’ll have control over what goes into the treats, so no preservatives or questionable additives here.

Perfect for Training or Playtime: These treats are small enough to use as training rewards or to simply spoil your dog while you’re spending quality time together.

Ingredients

These treats are made with just a few wholesome ingredients that are great for your dog. Here’s what you’ll need:

Banana

Bananas are loaded with vitamins and potassium, making them a great choice for your dog. They’re also naturally sweet, so your dog will love the flavor.

Peanut Butter

Make sure to use peanut butter that’s free of xylitol (a sweetener that’s toxic to dogs). Peanut butter is rich in protein and healthy fats, and it adds a delicious flavor that dogs adore.

Oats

Oats are gentle on your dog’s stomach and provide fiber, which is great for digestion. They also help to bind the dough together for the chewy texture.

Flour (Whole Wheat or Dog-Safe)

Whole wheat flour or another dog-safe flour helps hold everything together and gives the treats a nice, chewy consistency.

(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Making these chewy sticks is simple and fun. Your dog will thank you later!

Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it’s nice and hot before baking.

Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, mash the ripe banana until smooth. Then, add the peanut butter and mix until everything is well combined.

Add the Dry Ingredients

Slowly add the oats and flour to the banana-peanut butter mixture, stirring as you go. The dough should start to come together. If it’s too sticky, add a little more flour; if it’s too dry, add a tiny bit of water to get the right consistency.

Roll and Shape

Lightly flour your countertop and roll the dough out to about 1/4 inch thick. Using a knife or cookie cutter, cut the dough into long, stick-like shapes. If you want, you can roll them into small balls and flatten them for a different shape!

Bake

Place the cut dough sticks onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until they’re golden brown and firm to the touch.

Cool & Serve

Let the chewy sticks cool completely before giving them to your dog. This allows them to firm up and makes them easier to handle.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 10-15 treats (depending on size)
Calories per serving: 80

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes

How to Serve Banana and Peanut Butter Chewy Sticks for Dogs

These chewy sticks can be served in many different ways to make your dog’s day extra special:

Training Treats: Break the sticks into smaller pieces and use them as rewards during training sessions.

Snack Time: Give your dog a full stick as a delightful snack or to enjoy after a walk or play session.

Playtime: Use them as a fun treat to hide in puzzle toys or stuffable chew toys to keep your dog entertained.

For Special Occasions: These treats also make great birthday or holiday snacks for your furry friend.

Additional Tips

Here are a few extra tips to ensure your dog’s treats are the best they can be:

Check the Peanut Butter: Be sure to check that the peanut butter is free from xylitol, as it’s toxic to dogs. Opt for all-natural peanut butter without added sugars or artificial sweeteners.

Store Properly: Store these chewy sticks in an airtight container to keep them fresh for up to a week. For longer storage, you can freeze them, and they’ll stay good for up to a month!

Use Dog-Safe Flours: If your dog is sensitive to wheat or grains, you can try substituting whole wheat flour with oat flour or rice flour for a gluten-free option.

Watch Portion Size: While these treats are healthy and dog-friendly, they should still be given in moderation. Keep an eye on portion sizes based on your dog’s size and daily caloric needs.

Make It a Family Affair: This recipe is simple enough to make with your kids, and they’ll love watching their pets enjoy the tasty treats!

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use smooth peanut butter instead of chunky?
A1: Yes! Smooth peanut butter works just as well as chunky. Just be sure it doesn’t contain xylitol, which is toxic to dogs.

Q2: Can I substitute the banana with another fruit?
A2: While banana adds a great flavor and texture, you could substitute it with applesauce or mashed pumpkin for a different twist. However, banana is ideal because of its nutritional value.

Q3: How long will these treats last?
A3: Stored in an airtight container, these treats should last for about a week. You can freeze them for up to a month if you want to keep them longer.

Q4: Can I make these treats without oats?
A4: Yes! If you don’t want to use oats, you can try substituting them with more flour, but it may affect the texture. Oats add fiber and help with digestion, so they’re great for your pup.

Q5: Can I use almond butter instead of peanut butter?
A5: You can use almond butter, but make sure it’s free of xylitol and doesn’t contain added sugar or salt. Not all dogs can tolerate almonds, so peanut butter is usually a safer bet.

Q6: Are these treats safe for puppies?
A6: Yes, these treats are safe for puppies as long as they’re not too young (under 3 months) and don’t have any allergies to the ingredients. Always check with your vet before introducing new foods to your puppy.

Q7: Can I add other flavors to these treats?
A7: Absolutely! You can experiment with adding a little bit of honey, pumpkin puree, or cinnamon (a pinch) for extra flavor and variety.

Q8: Can I make the dough in advance?
A8: Yes, you can refrigerate the dough for up to 2 days. Just let it come to room temperature before rolling it out to bake.

Q9: Can I double the recipe?
A9: Yes, you can easily double the recipe if you want to make a larger batch. Just make sure you have enough space on your baking sheet to fit all the treats.

Q10: Are these treats suitable for all dog breeds?
A10: Yes, these treats are suitable for most dogs. However, if your dog has allergies or dietary restrictions, always check the ingredients first. When in doubt, consult your vet.

Conclusion

Banana and Peanut Butter Chewy Sticks are the ultimate homemade dog treat! Not only are they easy to make, but they’re also packed with nutritious ingredients that your dog will love. Whether you’re rewarding your dog for good behavior, treating them after a play session, or just because, these treats will make your pup’s tail wag with excitement. Give them a try and watch your dog enjoy every last bite!

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