Looking to pamper your pup with something homemade and wholesome? These Banana and Peanut Butter Chewy Sticks for Dogs are just the recipe you need! Packed with natural flavors dogs love, these chewy sticks are not only a tasty snack for your best friend but also a nutritious addition to their treat jar. With simple ingredients like ripe banana, rolled oats, and peanut butter (always xylitol-free for safety!), you’ll be surprised at how easy and fun it is to create healthier alternatives to commercial dog treats. If you adore watching your pet’s tail wag in sheer delight, Banana and Peanut Butter Chewy Sticks for Dogs will become a staple in your dog treat repertoire.
Ingredients You’ll Need
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Ingredients:
- 1 ripe banana
- ½ cup natural peanut butter (unsweetened and xylitol-free)
- 1½ cups rolled oats
- ¼ cup unsweetened applesauce
- 1 egg
How to Make Banana and Peanut Butter Chewy Sticks for Dogs
Step 1: Prep the Oven and Baking Sheet
Begin by preheating your oven to 325°F (160°C). Place a sheet of parchment paper onto your baking sheet—this step keeps clean-up a breeze and prevents the treats from sticking.
Step 2: Mash the Banana
In a large mixing bowl, peel your ripe banana and mash it until completely smooth. The softer the banana, the easier this will be! A thoroughly mashed banana ensures every stick has the same lovely taste and texture.
Step 3: Mix in Wet Ingredients
Add your natural peanut butter, unsweetened applesauce, and the egg to the mashed banana. Stir until everything is perfectly combined and you have a creamy, lusciously thick mixture.
Step 4: Incorporate the Rolled Oats
Slowly stir in the rolled oats, mixing as you go. The dough will start to come together and become workable but still a bit sticky—which is just what you want for chewy sticks. For a smoother stick, pulse the oats a few times in a food processor before mixing them in.
Step 5: Shape the Chewy Sticks
Scoop out small handfuls of dough and roll them into sticks about ½ inch thick and 4 inches long. Place each stick on the prepared baking sheet and gently press them to flatten, shaping them evenly for uniform baking.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Slide your baking sheet into the oven and bake the sticks for 25 to 30 minutes, or until they’re firm and just beginning to turn golden around the edges. This is where that classic chewy texture develops.
Step 7: Cool Completely
After baking, allow the Banana and Peanut Butter Chewy Sticks for Dogs to cool completely on a wire rack. Cooling ensures they’re firm and safe for your pup to enjoy, plus it makes storage much easier.
How to Serve Banana and Peanut Butter Chewy Sticks for Dogs
Garnishes
While most dogs are happy with treats as-is, you can make them extra special by dusting the finished sticks with a pinch of unsweetened coconut flakes before baking, or brushing with a touch of unsalted, melted peanut butter right before serving. Always ensure any toppings are dog-safe!
Side Dishes
If you’re making a special snack platter for your furry friend, pair these chewy sticks with bite-size apple or carrot pieces. This way, your dog gets bonus flavors and a variety of wholesome textures in their treat experience.
Creative Ways to Present
Try arranging the Banana and Peanut Butter Chewy Sticks for Dogs in a treat jar tied with a ribbon, or cut sticks into smaller bite-sized nibbles for training rewards. You can even gift a batch to your fellow dog parents—just add a hand-written label and watch the smiles!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store your Banana and Peanut Butter Chewy Sticks for Dogs in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll keep nicely for up to one week—if your dog doesn’t gobble them up sooner!
Freezing
To make treats last beyond a week, pop them in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag and freeze for up to three months. When pup snack cravings hit, simply thaw the desired number at room temperature, and they’re ready to serve.
Reheating
For dogs who love a bit of extra warmth, you can microwave a stick for about 5 to 10 seconds (never serve hot). This revives the chew and makes the peanut butter aroma even more irresistible!
FAQs
Can I use instant oats instead of rolled oats?
Yes, instant oats can be used in a pinch, but rolled oats offer a heartier chew and better texture. Just note that the texture may be softer with instant oats.
Is it safe to use any peanut butter?
Always double-check your peanut butter to make sure it’s unsweetened and entirely free from xylitol, as this ingredient is toxic to dogs. Natural, plain peanut butter is best!
Can I make these treats smaller for small dogs?
Absolutely—you can shape the dough into shorter or thinner sticks, or even small rounds or bone shapes, to suit smaller pups. Just decrease the baking time by a few minutes and keep an eye on them.
How do I know if the Banana and Peanut Butter Chewy Sticks for Dogs are fully baked?
They’re done when they feel firm to the touch and show a faint golden hue. If you like a crunchier stick, you can extend the baking time by a few minutes, but watch closely to avoid over-baking.
Are these treats appropriate for dogs with food allergies?
These sticks are gluten-free if you use certified gluten-free oats and don’t include common allergens like corn, soy, or wheat. However, always review the ingredient list and consult your vet if your dog has special dietary concerns.
Final Thoughts
Treat time is always a joyful event, and these Banana and Peanut Butter Chewy Sticks for Dogs promise endless tail wags and happy moments. Easy to make and full of wholesome goodness, they’re a fun way to show your dog just how much you care. Give them a try and see the canine delight for yourself!
Print
Banana and Peanut Butter Chewy Sticks for Dogs Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 10–12 chewy sticks 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These homemade Banana and Peanut Butter Chewy Sticks for Dogs are a delicious and wholesome treat that your furry friend will love. Made with natural ingredients, they are perfect for rewarding your pet with a healthy snack.
Ingredients
Ingredients:
- 1 ripe banana
- ½ cup natural peanut butter (unsweetened and xylitol-free)
- 1½ cups rolled oats
- ¼ cup unsweetened applesauce
- 1 egg
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 325°F (160°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Mix the wet ingredients: In a large bowl, mash the banana until smooth. Add peanut butter, applesauce, and egg, and stir until well combined.
- Add the oats: Gradually mix in the rolled oats to form a soft dough.
- Shape the sticks: Scoop out small portions and roll into stick shapes about ½-inch thick and 4 inches long. Place the sticks on the prepared baking sheet and press them slightly to flatten.
- Bake: Bake for 25 to 30 minutes or until firm and lightly golden.
- Cool and store: Let cool completely before serving. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week or freeze for longer storage.
Notes
- Always use peanut butter without added sugar or xylitol, which is toxic to dogs.
- Best for medium to large dogs due to chewiness.
- You can process oats for a smoother texture if desired.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dog Treats
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Pet-Friendly
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 stick
- Calories: 95
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 15mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 1.5g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
