The thought of baking for your dog might seem a bit over the top, but trust me, it’s a joy. Imagine the tail-wagging excitement when they sink their teeth into these homemade strawberry banana delights! These treats are not only simple to whip up but also filled with fruity flavors your pup will adore—just like the last time I tried baking with my niece, and we accidentally made dog-shaped cookies.
Steps
- Set your oven to 300°F and prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper.
- Mix together whole wheat flour, oats, mashed banana, peanut butter, diced strawberries, and a beaten egg until the ingredients are well integrated.
- If the mixture feels too sticky, gradually add more flour until it is manageable.
- On a floured surface, knead the dough 3-4 times until it holds together. Roll out the dough to a thickness of about 1/4 inch, adding more flour if needed to prevent sticking.
- Cut the dough into shapes using a dog treat cutter and arrange them on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake in the oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges of the treats are golden brown. Once baked, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Store the treats in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days, or freeze them in a zip lock bag for longer storage.
Ingredients
- 1 cup whole wheat flour (plus an additional 1/4 cup if needed)
- 1/2 cup oats
- 1 ripe banana, well mashed (approximately 1/2 cup)
- 1/3 cup creamy peanut butter
- 5-6 strawberries, hulled and diced
- 1 egg, well beaten
FAQ
- Can I use regular flour instead of whole wheat flour for these dog treats?
- Yes, you can substitute regular flour for whole wheat flour; however, whole wheat flour is generally recommended for dog treats due to its higher nutritional content.
- What can I do if the dough is too sticky to handle?
- If the dough is too sticky, gradually add more flour until it reaches a workable consistency. This will make it easier to roll out and cut into shapes.
- How should I store these strawberry banana dog treats?
- These treats can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for 3-4 days. For longer storage, place them in a zip-lock bag and freeze them.
- Can I substitute other fruits for the strawberries in the recipe?
- Yes, you can try using other dog-safe fruits like blueberries or apples, but make sure they are diced small to mix well into the dough.
- How can I ensure the treats have a crunchy texture?
- To achieve a crunchy texture, roll the dough thinly and bake until the edges turn golden brown. Let them cool completely on a wire rack, which will help them crisp up further.
Tips
- If the dough turns out sticky, gradually incorporate more flour until it becomes manageable. This will help you achieve the right consistency for rolling and cutting.
- Roll the dough to a 1/4-inch thickness to ensure the treats bake evenly and have a nice crunch.
- Use a parchment-lined baking sheet to prevent the treats from sticking and to make cleanup easier.
- For longer storage, keep the treats in a sealed container for up to 4 days, or freeze them in a zip lock bag for future use.
Equipment
- Dog treat cookie cutter – for cutting the dough into desired shapes.
- Rolling pin – for rolling out the dough to the required thickness.
- Wire rack – for cooling the baked treats completely.
