If you are looking for a fun and wholesome way to treat your furry friend, then you are going to love this Homemade Banana and Peanut Butter Chew Sticks for Dogs Recipe. These chewy sticks are packed with nutritious ingredients like ripe bananas and natural peanut butter, creating an irresistible snack that’s both healthy and delicious. They’re simple to make, perfect for rewarding good behavior, or just spoiling your pup with a snack made from love and care.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Don’t be fooled by the simplicity of this recipe—each ingredient plays an essential role in flavor, texture, and nutrition. The combination creates a chewy and tasty treat that dogs will adore, while keeping it natural and safe.
- Ripe bananas: Provide natural sweetness, moisture, and a boost of potassium for your dog’s health.
- Natural peanut butter (unsweetened, xylitol-free): Adds richness, healthy fats, and protein, making these chews extra satisfying.
- Oat flour: Acts as a gentle binder with a wholesome taste, perfect for dogs sensitive to wheat.
- Coconut oil: Enhances the richness and adds healthy fatty acids that support skin and coat health.
How to Make Homemade Banana and Peanut Butter Chew Sticks for Dogs Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheet
Start by preheating your oven to 300°F (150°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to ensure your chew sticks won’t stick and to make cleanup a breeze. This initial prep sets the stage for perfectly baked treats.
Step 2: Mash the Bananas
In a large bowl, mash 2 ripe bananas until smooth. This creates a naturally sweet and moist base that helps bind the other ingredients together.
Step 3: Mix in Peanut Butter and Coconut Oil
Add half a cup of natural peanut butter and 1 tablespoon of coconut oil to the mashed bananas. Combine thoroughly to create a creamy mixture packed with flavor and healthy fats.
Step 4: Add Oat Flour Gradually
Slowly incorporate 1½ cups of oat flour into the mixture, stirring as you go. Keep mixing until you get a firm but pliable dough that’s easy to shape without sticking to your hands.
Step 5: Shape the Dough Into Chew Sticks
Roll the dough into logs or use a piping bag to shape neat chew sticks. This step is where you get to be creative with the shapes and sizes that suit your dog’s preferences.
Step 6: Arrange and Bake
Place the shaped sticks evenly on your prepared baking sheet. Bake for 25-30 minutes if you want softer chews, or lower the oven temperature to 200°F (90°C) and bake for 1.5-2 hours to achieve a firmer chew that lasts longer.
Step 7: Cool Completely Before Serving
Remove the chew sticks from the oven and let them cool thoroughly on a wire rack. Cooling ensures they firm up the right way and prevents any risk of your dog burning their mouth on a hot treat.
How to Serve Homemade Banana and Peanut Butter Chew Sticks for Dogs Recipe
Garnishes
While these chew sticks are delightful on their own, lightly dusting with finely ground cinnamon (dog-safe in small amounts) can add a little flair and extra aroma that your dog might find enticing.
Side Dishes
Serve these chew sticks alongside a bowl of fresh water or your dog’s favorite healthy snacks like carrot sticks or apple slices for a well-rounded treat time. The chew sticks can be a highlight while the sides add variety to the experience.
Creative Ways to Present
Try hiding the chew sticks in puzzle feeders or stuffed toys to turn treat time into an interactive game. This keeps your dog mentally stimulated and makes the Homemade Banana and Peanut Butter Chew Sticks for Dogs Recipe even more special and rewarding.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store the chew sticks in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh and tasty for up to 2 weeks, so you can always have a treat ready without worry.
Freezing
For longer storage, freezing is your best friend. Wrap the chew sticks securely and freeze for up to 3 months. When your dog wants a snack, just thaw a few minutes at room temperature to bring them back to perfect chewiness.
Reheating
If you prefer to warm up the sticks before serving, a quick 5-10 second zap in the microwave is enough to soften them just right without altering their flavor or texture.
FAQs
Is peanut butter safe for dogs?
Yes, as long as it is natural and free from xylitol, which is toxic to dogs. Always check labels and choose peanut butter with no added sugar or harmful ingredients.
Can I use other flours besides oat flour?
Oat flour is preferred for its digestibility and dog-friendly nature, but you can try rice flour or chickpea flour as alternatives if your dog has specific dietary needs.
What if my dog has a peanut allergy?
You can substitute peanut butter with other safe nut butters like almond butter or sunflower seed butter, ensuring they contain no added sugar or artificial sweeteners.
How long do these chew sticks last?
Stored properly in the fridge, they last up to 2 weeks, and in the freezer up to 3 months. This makes them perfect for batch baking.
Are these treats suitable for puppies?
Yes, but monitor chew size and texture for younger pups to prevent choking hazards. Softer baked sticks are better for puppies who are still developing their adult teeth.
Final Thoughts
Making your own dog treats doesn’t have to be complicated, and this Homemade Banana and Peanut Butter Chew Sticks for Dogs Recipe proves that tasty, nutritious goodies can come from just a handful of simple ingredients. Your dog will appreciate the effort and flavor in every bite, making treat time a joyous bonding moment. Give these a try and watch your pup’s tail wag with delight!
Print
Homemade Banana and Peanut Butter Chew Sticks for Dogs Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-120 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes to 2 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 10 chew sticks
- Category: Pet Treats
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Delight your furry friend with these homemade Banana and Peanut Butter Chew Sticks. Made with wholesome ingredients like ripe bananas, natural peanut butter, and oat flour, these chew sticks are a healthy and tasty treat for dogs. Baked to perfection, they can be enjoyed soft or firm depending on your dog’s preference.
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 2 ripe bananas
- ½ cup natural peanut butter (unsweetened, xylitol-free)
- 1½ cups oat flour
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Mash bananas: In a large mixing bowl, mash the ripe bananas until they form a smooth consistency free of lumps.
- Mix wet ingredients: Add the natural peanut butter and coconut oil to the mashed bananas and blend the mixture thoroughly until combined.
- Add oat flour: Gradually incorporate the oat flour into the wet mixture, stirring continuously until a firm, pliable dough forms that can be shaped.
- Shape the dough: Form the dough into chew sticks by rolling it into logs or using a piping bag for uniform shapes.
- Arrange on baking sheet: Place the shaped sticks evenly spaced on the prepared baking sheet to ensure even baking.
- Bake: For softer chews, bake at 300°F (150°C) for 25-30 minutes. For firmer chews, lower oven temperature to 200°F (90°C) and bake for 1.5-2 hours.
- Cool: Allow the chew sticks to cool completely on a wire rack before serving to your dog to ensure they hold their shape and texture.
- Storage: Store the cooled chew sticks in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks or freeze them for up to 3 months to maintain freshness.
Notes
- Ensure the peanut butter used is xylitol-free, as xylitol is toxic to dogs.
- You can adjust baking time based on your dog’s chewing preference – shorter for softer treats, longer for harder chews.
- Oat flour can be substituted with whole wheat flour if your dog is not gluten sensitive.
- Always supervise your dog when giving new treats to monitor for allergies or adverse reactions.
- These treats are intended as a complement to your dog’s regular diet, not a meal replacement.
