Why Make Homemade Dog Chew Sticks?
Store-bought dog chews often contain preservatives, artificial flavors, and added sugars that are not ideal for your pet’s health. By making your own treats, you can ensure your pup is getting only the best ingredients. These homemade Banana and Peanut Butter Chew Sticks provide both flavor and nutrition with just four simple, dog-friendly ingredients. Bananas are rich in potassium and fiber, while peanut butter offers healthy fats and protein. This combination results in a chewy texture that’s perfect for pups—from playful puppies to older dogs who enjoy softer snacks.
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 ripe bananas (mashed)
- 1/2 cup natural peanut butter (unsweetened and xylitol-free)
- 1 1/2 cups oat flour (or finely ground rolled oats)
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent the chew sticks from sticking.
2. Mash the Bananas:
In a large bowl, mash the ripe bananas until smooth. Bananas are naturally sweet, making them a great base for dog treats.
3. Mix in Peanut Butter and Coconut Oil:
Add the peanut butter and coconut oil to the mashed bananas and mix until well combined. The coconut oil helps bind the dough and adds extra health benefits.
4. Add Oat Flour:
Gradually stir in the oat flour, mixing until the dough becomes pliable. If the dough is too sticky, you can add a little extra flour to help it come together.
5. Shape the Dough:
Shape the dough into chew sticks by rolling it into 1/2-inch thick logs, or use a piping bag for a more uniform shape.
6. Bake:
Place the chew sticks on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 25-30 minutes for a softer chew. For a firmer, longer-lasting chew, lower the oven temperature to 200°F (90°C) and bake for 1.5 to 2 hours.
7. Cool:
Allow the chew sticks to cool completely before serving them to your dog. This helps them firm up and gives them the perfect texture.
8. Store:
Store the chew sticks in the fridge for up to 2 weeks. For longer storage, freeze them for up to 3 months.
Tips & Variations:
- Add a pinch of cinnamon for added flavor and its anti-inflammatory benefits.
- Mix in a spoonful of pumpkin puree for extra fiber and digestive benefits.
- Substitute some banana with mashed blueberries for an antioxidant boost.
- Cut into smaller bites for training rewards or for senior pups who need smaller, easier-to-chew pieces.
Why Dogs Love Them:
- Naturally sweet from ripe bananas
- Rich and nutty flavor from real peanut butter
- Gentle on digestion and easy to chew
- Great for hot days when frozen, or baked for a firmer chew
Bailey, my pup, has a sensitive tummy, and these chews have been a lifesaver. He loves the flavor, and I love knowing exactly what he’s eating. I now keep a batch on hand at all times for training, rewarding, and everyday snacking.
Nutritional Benefits:
Bananas:
- Potassium for muscle and heart health
- Vitamin C and B6 for immune and nervous system support
- Fiber for healthy digestion
Peanut Butter:
- Protein for strong muscles
- Healthy fats for skin and coat
- Magnesium and Niacin for bone and brain health
How to Serve:
- Freeze for a refreshing summer chew.
- Slice into tiny pieces for training rewards.
- Soften with a touch of warm water for senior dogs.
Common Mistakes to Avoid:
- Using peanut butter with xylitol: Always double-check the label of the peanut butter you’re using. Xylitol is toxic to dogs.
- Overbaking: Bake at a low temperature for the perfect chewy texture. High heat could make the sticks too hard for your dog to enjoy.
- Skipping the cooling step: Cooling the chew sticks helps them firm up and develop the ideal texture.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of flour for this recipe?
Yes, you can use whole wheat flour, rice flour, or gluten-free flour blends as substitutes for oat flour. Just ensure they’re dog-safe and suitable for your pet’s diet.
How do I store these chew sticks?
Store the chew sticks in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 weeks. You can also freeze them for longer storage—up to 3 months.
Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of smooth?
While smooth peanut butter works best for creating a consistent texture, you can use crunchy peanut butter if that’s what you have on hand. Just make sure the peanut butter is unsweetened and xylitol-free.
How do I make these chews last longer?
To make the chew sticks last longer, bake them at a lower temperature (around 200°F/90°C) for 1.5 to 2 hours. This will give them a firmer, longer-lasting chew.
Can I add other flavors to the dough?
Yes! You can add other dog-safe ingredients like shredded carrots, spinach, or sweet potato for a flavor boost and added nutrients.
Can I make these chews for puppies?
These chew sticks are suitable for puppies, but always check with your vet if you have concerns about specific ingredients for your pup. Also, be sure to bake them softer for younger dogs who might not be able to chew as easily.
Can I make these chews with other nut butters?
Yes, you can try other nut butters, such as almond or cashew butter, as long as they don’t contain added sugar or xylitol. However, always ensure they’re safe for dogs before using them.
What if my dog has a peanut allergy?
If your dog is allergic to peanuts, you can substitute the peanut butter with a dog-safe alternative like sunflower seed butter or cashew butter. Make sure it’s free from xylitol or added sweeteners.
Conclusion:
These homemade Banana and Peanut Butter Chew Sticks are a healthy, simple, and budget-friendly way to treat your dog. With just a few natural ingredients, you can create a tasty and nutritious snack that your furry friend will love. Whether you’re training, rewarding, or just giving them a treat, these chew sticks are sure to become a go-to favorite for your pup. Try making them today and watch your dog enjoy a snack made with love!
Homemade Banana and Peanut Butter Chew Stick Recipe for Dogs
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 12-15 chew sticks
Description
These homemade Banana and Peanut Butter Chew Sticks are a healthy, tasty treat for your dog, made with natural ingredients like bananas, peanut butter, and oat flour. Perfect for training, rewarding, or everyday snacking, these chews are easy to make and nutritious!
Ingredients
2 ripe bananas (mashed)
1/2 cup natural peanut butter (unsweetened and xylitol-free)
1 1/2 cups oat flour (or finely ground rolled oats)
1 tablespoon coconut oil
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, mash the bananas until smooth.
- Add the peanut butter and coconut oil, mixing until well combined.
- Gradually stir in the oat flour until the dough is pliable. If the dough is too sticky, add more flour.
- Shape the dough into chew sticks by rolling into logs or using a piping bag.
- Place the chew sticks on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 25-30 minutes for a softer chew or for 1.5 to 2 hours at 200°F (90°C) for a firmer chew.
- Let the chew sticks cool completely before serving them to your dog.
- Store in the fridge for up to 2 weeks or freeze for up to 3 months.
Notes
Resting dough: Let the dough sit for a few minutes before shaping it if needed.
Banana freshness: Use ripe but firm bananas for the best texture.
Consistency: If you prefer firmer chews, bake at a lower temperature for a longer time.
Storage: Store in the fridge for up to 2 weeks or freeze for longer storage.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dog Treats
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: Dog Food
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chew stick
- Calories: 50
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 1mg
- Fat: 3g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
