If you’re tired of overpriced store-bought dog treats filled with preservatives, this recipe is for you. These Peanut Butter and Banana Bites are a healthy, homemade, and budget-friendly dog treat you can whip up with simple ingredients from your kitchen.
And the best part? They’re so tasty, you might even be tempted to sneak one for yourself (we won’t judge 😉).
🐾 Why Choose Homemade Dog Treats?
Store-bought treats often contain fillers, artificial preservatives, and hidden sugars that aren’t always the best for your pup’s health. Homemade treats give you full control over what goes in — and with just four wholesome ingredients, you know you’re feeding your dog only the good stuff.
These Peanut Butter & Banana Bites are:
- ✅ Grain-free & tummy-friendly
- ✅ High in protein & fiber
- ✅ Naturally sweet (no added sugar!)
- ✅ Budget-friendly & easy to bake
🥕 Ingredients (Dog-Approved & Nutritious)
- 1 ripe banana – adds natural sweetness + potassium for muscle and nerve health
- ½ cup peanut butter (xylitol-free) – protein + healthy fats for skin and coat
- 1 egg – natural binder + source of essential fatty acids
- 1 cup oat flour – gentle on digestion + adds fiber for a chewy bite
👉 No oat flour? Just grind rolled oats in a blender for a quick homemade version.
Optional Add-ins (Vet-Safe):
- 1 tsp flaxseed (extra fiber & omega-3s)
- 1 tbsp shredded carrot (extra crunch & vitamin A)
🍪 Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat Your Oven
Set oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Mash the Banana
Use a fork to mash the banana until smooth.
3. Mix in Peanut Butter & Egg
Stir in the peanut butter, then add the egg and whisk until fully combined.
4. Add Oat Flour
Slowly fold in oat flour until a soft dough forms. If too sticky, sprinkle extra oat flour.
5. Roll & Cut
Roll out dough to ¼-inch thickness. Use cookie cutters for fun shapes (bones, hearts) or simply cut into squares.
6. Bake
Place on the baking sheet and bake 15–20 minutes until edges turn golden brown.
7. Cool & Store
Cool completely before serving. Store in an airtight container:
- 🗓️ Countertop: 3–4 days
- 🗓️ Fridge: 7–10 days
- 🗓️ Freezer: up to 3 months
🥇 Health Benefits of Peanut Butter & Banana Bites
- Supports Skin & Coat – Healthy fats from peanut butter keep fur shiny.
- Aids Digestion – Bananas & oats provide fiber for smooth digestion.
- Boosts Energy – Carbs + protein = great for active dogs.
- Allergy-Friendly – Grain-free & free from artificial ingredients.
- Dental Health – Crunchy texture helps reduce tartar buildup.
⚠️ Safety Tips & Serving Size
- Always use xylitol-free peanut butter (xylitol is toxic to dogs).
- Treats should make up no more than 10% of your dog’s daily calories.
- Serving guide:
- Small dogs: 1 treat/day
- Medium dogs: 2 treats/day
- Large dogs: 3–4 treats/day
❓ FAQs
Q1: Can I make these treats without eggs?
Yes! Replace the egg with 1 tbsp ground flaxseed + 3 tbsp water (“flax egg”).
Q2: Can humans eat these too?
Absolutely! They’re made with safe, real ingredients — they’ll just taste less sweet than human cookies.
Q3: My dog prefers soft treats. How do I make them softer?
Bake for less time (12–14 minutes) for a softer chew. For crunchier bites, extend baking to 22–25 minutes.
🌟 Final Thoughts
Making these Peanut Butter and Banana Dog Bites is a small effort with big rewards. They’re healthy, affordable, and most importantly, loved by dogs of all sizes.
So, why settle for overpriced store treats when you can bake something fresh and nutritious at home? Your pup will thank you with tail wags, slobbery kisses, and maybe even a little kitchen dance while they wait for their treat.
👉 Try this recipe today, and don’t forget to check out our other homemade dog treat recipes like Sweet Potato Chews and Apple & Buckwheat Cookies. Follow us for more vet-approved, easy-to-make dog treats! 🐶💛