Banana Dog Treats Recipe
Introduction
These homemade Banana Dog Treats are a simple and wholesome snack your furry friend will love. Made with just a few natural ingredients, they are both nutritious and easy to prepare at home.
Ingredients
- 3 1/2 cups oats
- 3 medium bananas
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon flax seed (or chia seeds, optional)
Instructions
- Step 1: Mash the bananas in a large mixing bowl until smooth.
- Step 2: Place 2 1/2 cups of the oats in a food processor and grind until it reaches a flour-like consistency. Add the ground oats to the mashed bananas.
- Step 3: Add the remaining 1 cup of whole oats, cinnamon, and flax seed if using. Mix everything thoroughly. Adjust the texture by adding more oats if the mixture is too wet, or banana, honey, or water if it is too dry. The dough should hold together without being sticky or wet.
- Step 4: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly dust your work surface with flour or additional ground oats.
- Step 5: Roll out the dough to about 1/4 inch thickness. Use a cookie cutter to cut out shapes, then place the treats on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
- Step 6: Bake the treats for 15 minutes. For crunchy cookies, turn off the oven and leave the treats inside for 2 hours to dry out. For softer treats, remove from the oven after 15 minutes and let cool at room temperature.
Tips & Variations
- Use pumpkin puree instead of bananas for a different flavor your dog might enjoy.
- If your dog has allergies, substitute oats with rice flour or another safe grain alternative.
- Add a teaspoon of peanut butter (make sure it contains no xylitol) for extra taste.
- To make treats festive, use themed cookie cutters for holidays or special occasions.
Storage
Store soft banana dog treats in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. For crispier, hard treats, keep them at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 3 weeks. Always check treats for mold or spoilage before giving to your pet.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use ripe bananas for this recipe?
Yes, ripe bananas work best because they are softer and sweeter, making the dough easier to mix and more flavorful for your dog.
Are these treats safe for all dogs?
These treats use natural and dog-friendly ingredients, but always check with your vet if your dog has specific food allergies or sensitivities before introducing new treats.
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Banana Dog Treats Recipe
- Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 30 to 40 dog treats depending on the size of cookie cutters 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Delicious and healthy Banana Dog Treats made with simple ingredients like oats, bananas, and cinnamon. These homemade treats are easy to prepare, perfect for rewarding your furry friend with a nutritious snack, and can be customized to be soft or crunchy based on your preference.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 3 1/2 cups oats
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1 Tablespoon flax seed (or chia seeds, optional)
Wet Ingredients
- 3 medium bananas
Instructions
- Mash Bananas: In a large mixing bowl, mash the three medium bananas until smooth and free of large lumps to create the base for the treat dough.
- Grind Oats: Place 2 1/2 cups of the oats into a food processor and pulse until they reach a flour-like consistency. Transfer the ground oats into the large bowl with the mashed bananas.
- Combine Ingredients: Add the remaining 1 cup of whole oats, ground cinnamon, and flax seed (if using) to the bowl. Mix all components thoroughly. Adjust the dough by adding more oats if it’s too wet or more banana, honey, or water if it’s too dry. Aim for a dough that holds together but is not sticky or wet.
- Prepare for Baking: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly dust your work surface with flour or additional ground oats to prevent sticking. Roll out the dough to approximately 1/4 inch thickness.
- Cut Shapes: Use your favorite cookie cutters to cut out shapes from the rolled dough. Place the shaped treats onto a baking sheet lined with a silicone baking mat or parchment paper for easy cleanup.
- Bake Treats: Bake the treats in the preheated oven for 15 minutes. For crunchy treats, turn off the oven after baking and leave the treats inside for an additional two hours to dry out and harden. For soft treats, remove them immediately after baking and let cool at room temperature.
- Store Treats: Store soft treats in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. Crunchy treats can be stored at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 3 weeks.
Notes
- Flax seeds can be substituted with chia seeds for similar nutritional benefits.
- You can add a small amount of honey or water if the dough feels too dry to help with binding.
- Choose cookie cutters to make fun shapes that your dog will love.
- Adjust baking time or drying time depending on whether you prefer soft or crunchy treats.
- Always introduce new treats gradually to your dog’s diet and monitor for any allergies or sensitivities.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dog Treats
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Pet Food
Keywords: banana dog treats, homemade dog treats, healthy dog snacks, oat dog treats, cinnamon dog treats
