Banana and Peanut Butter Chewy Sticks for Dogs Recipe
If you’re looking to spoil your furry friend with a homemade treat that’s as wholesome as it is irresistible, these Banana and Peanut Butter Chewy Sticks for Dogs are a game-changer. They blend the natural sweetness of ripe banana with creamy, dog-safe peanut butter, all wrapped up in a chewy texture that pups absolutely adore. Not only are these sticks easy to make, but they’re also packed with dog-friendly ingredients, making them a tail-wagging favorite in any household. Whether you want a grab-and-go snack for walks or a special reward for your good boy or girl, this recipe is about to become your go-to for healthy, homemade dog treats!
Ingredients You’ll Need
-
Wet Ingredients
- 1 ripe banana, mashed
- 1/2 cup natural peanut butter (xylitol-free)
- 1 egg
Dry Ingredients
- 1 3/4 cups whole wheat flour (or oat flour for gluten-free)
- 1/4 cup rolled oats
Additional
- 1–2 tbsp water (as needed for consistency)
How to Make Banana and Peanut Butter Chewy Sticks for Dogs
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Baking Sheet
Start by preheating your oven to 325°F (160°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper so the sticks won’t stick, making cleanup a breeze and giving your treats the perfect golden base.
Step 2: Mash and Mix
In a large mixing bowl, mash the ripe banana until it’s nice and smooth. Add the natural peanut butter and egg, stirring well until the mixture is creamy and thoroughly combined. This is where the irresistible aroma starts wafting through the kitchen, and your dog might start hovering nearby!
Step 3: Form the Dough
Add the whole wheat or oat flour and rolled oats to your wet mixture. Stir everything together until a thick dough forms. If the dough looks a bit dry or crumbly, add water a tablespoon at a time—just until it becomes pliable but not sticky. This step is crucial for getting that perfect chewy texture in your Banana and Peanut Butter Chewy Sticks for Dogs.
Step 4: Shape the Sticks
Pinch off pieces of dough and roll them between your hands into logs or sticks about 4 to 5 inches long. Place each stick on your prepared baking sheet, giving them a little space so they bake evenly. If you’re feeling creative, you can shape them into bones or rounds for extra fun!
Step 5: Bake and Cool
Slide the tray into your preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the sticks are firm and lightly golden. If your pup likes chewier snacks, simply let them cool on the tray. For an extra-crunchy finish, turn off the oven and leave the sticks inside for another 30 minutes as the oven cools down. Either way, your kitchen is about to smell amazing!
How to Serve Banana and Peanut Butter Chewy Sticks for Dogs
Garnishes
While these chewy sticks are delicious on their own, a light dusting of extra rolled oats before baking adds a charming, rustic look. You can also press a few carob chips (never chocolate) into the top for a special occasion.
Side Dishes
Pair your Banana and Peanut Butter Chewy Sticks for Dogs with a bowl of cool, fresh water for a refreshing snack time. If you’re feeling extra fancy, serve alongside some apple slices or carrot sticks for a crunchy, nutritious treat platter your pup will love.
Creative Ways to Present
Get playful by tying a few chewy sticks together with a natural twine for a cute gift bundle, or arrange them in a mason jar with your dog’s name on the tag. They’re perfect for sharing with furry friends at the dog park or as party favors at a pup’s birthday celebration.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, keep your Banana and Peanut Butter Chewy Sticks for Dogs fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay chewy and delicious for up to a week, ready for impromptu treat sessions.
Freezing
If you want to make a big batch, these sticks freeze beautifully! Arrange them in a single layer on a tray to freeze, then transfer to a zip-top bag or airtight container. They’ll keep for up to three months—just grab one whenever you need a quick reward.
Reheating
For pups who prefer their treats warm, simply pop a frozen or refrigerated stick in the microwave for 5 to 10 seconds. Make sure it’s cool to the touch before serving to avoid any burnt tongues!
FAQs
Can I use regular peanut butter for this recipe?
You can use regular peanut butter, but it must absolutely be free of xylitol, which is highly toxic to dogs. Natural, unsweetened peanut butter is the safest choice for making Banana and Peanut Butter Chewy Sticks for Dogs.
Are these treats suitable for puppies?
Yes! The ingredients are gentle and puppy-safe, but you might want to break the sticks into smaller pieces for easy chewing, especially for very young pups.
Can I substitute the flour to make it gluten-free?
Absolutely. Oat flour is a great gluten-free alternative and works just as well as whole wheat in this recipe, keeping the Banana and Peanut Butter Chewy Sticks for Dogs soft and chewy.
How do I know if the sticks are baked enough?
The sticks should be firm and lightly golden on the outside when done. If you want them softer, remove as soon as they’re set. For crunchier sticks, leave them in the turned-off oven for an extra 30 minutes.
Can I shape these treats differently?
Yes, feel free to get creative! The dough is easy to work with, so you can roll it into bones, rounds, or even use cookie cutters for fun shapes. Your dog will love them no matter what!
Final Thoughts
Making Banana and Peanut Butter Chewy Sticks for Dogs at home is such a joyful way to treat your pup to something special, knowing every bite is packed with love and healthy ingredients. Give this recipe a try—you’ll love the wagging tails and happy faces that follow!
Print
Banana and Peanut Butter Chewy Sticks for Dogs Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 12–15 chewy sticks 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious and healthy Banana and Peanut Butter Chewy Sticks made especially for dogs, combining the natural sweetness of ripe bananas with protein-rich and xylitol-free peanut butter. These homemade treats are perfect for rewarding your furry friend with wholesome ingredients and a chewy texture that dogs love.
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- 1 ripe banana, mashed
- 1/2 cup natural peanut butter (xylitol-free)
- 1 egg
Dry Ingredients
- 1 3/4 cups whole wheat flour (or oat flour for gluten-free)
- 1/4 cup rolled oats
Additional
- 1–2 tbsp water (as needed for consistency)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 325°F (160°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, mash the ripe banana until smooth, then add the natural peanut butter and egg. Stir together until the mixture is well combined and smooth.
- Add Dry Ingredients: Gradually stir in the whole wheat flour and rolled oats into the wet mixture until a thick dough forms. If the dough feels too dry, add 1 to 2 tablespoons of water to achieve a pliable but not sticky consistency.
- Shape Dough: Roll the dough into thin logs or sticks approximately 4 to 5 inches long. Alternatively, you can shape them into bones or rounds if preferred.
- Place on Baking Sheet: Arrange the sticks on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them slightly apart to allow even baking.
- Bake: Bake the sticks for 25 to 30 minutes, or until they are firm and lightly golden in color.
- Cool and Texture Adjustment: For a chewier texture, remove the treats from the oven and let them cool on the baking tray. For a crunchier finish, turn off the oven and leave the sticks inside for another 30 minutes to dry out.
Notes
- Always use peanut butter that is free of xylitol, as xylitol is toxic to dogs.
- Store the treats in an airtight container for up to one week.
- For longer storage, freeze the treats and thaw as needed.
- You can shape the dough into bones, sticks, or rounds depending on your preference.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dog Treats
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Pet-Friendly
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 stick
- Calories: 70
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 15mg
- Fat: 3g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
