There’s something oddly satisfying about whipping up a batch of homemade dog treats. Maybe it’s the wagging tails or those puppy eyes, but these Easy Peanut Butter Oatmeal Banana Dog Treats are an absolute hit in my house. I swear, it’s like canine comfort food—simple ingredients, yet the joy they bring is immeasurable, just like when I stumbled upon that viral cat video last week.
Steps
- Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C) and prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper.
- Grind the oats into a fine powder using a food processor. If you don’t have a food processor, you can use a blender or coffee grinder.
- Add bananas and peanut butter to the ground oats in the food processor and blend until the mixture forms a sticky dough.
- Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface, using more whole wheat flour or ground oats if the dough is too sticky.
- Shape the dough into cookies using a cookie cutter, or simply cut into squares with a knife or pizza cutter.
- Arrange the treats on the prepared baking sheet, then bake for 25 to 30 minutes until they are slightly puffed and dark brown on the bottom.
- Allow the treats to cool completely, as they will firm up but remain slightly soft. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, in the fridge for two weeks, or freeze for longer freshness.
Ingredients
- 2 cups oats (ground into a fine powder)
- 2 ripe bananas
- 1/3 cup natural peanut butter (ensure it contains only peanuts)
Nutritional Values
Calories: 1600kcal | Carbohydrates: 200g | Protein: 40g | Fat: 80g | Saturated Fat: 40g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 40g | Monounsaturated Fat: 40g | Sodium: 600mg | Potassium: 2280mg | Fiber: 40g | Sugar: 40g | Vitamin A: 160IU | Vitamin C: 40mg | Calcium: 160mg | Iron: 40mg
FAQ
- What ingredients are needed for these homemade dog treats?
- You’ll need bananas, peanut butter, and oats to make these treats. They are simple, cost-effective, and loved by dogs.
- How can I make these dog treats without a food processor?
- If you don’t have a food processor, you can use a blender or coffee grinder to grind the oats. Then, mix the ground oats with mashed banana and peanut butter in a bowl to form a dough. Oat flour is another option, but start with a smaller quantity as it is denser.
- How should the peanut butter be for these dog treats?
- The peanut butter should be natural, consisting only of peanuts. Avoid any brands with added oils, sugars, or xylitol, as xylitol is harmful to dogs.
- How should I store the homemade dog treats?
- Store these treats in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, in the fridge for up to two weeks, or in the freezer for longer-lasting freshness and firmness.
- What is the texture of these dog treats once they are baked?
- The treats will be slightly soft when first removed from the oven but will firm up as they cool. They remain somewhat soft, making them easy for dogs to enjoy.
Tips
- If you lack a food processor, you can use a blender or coffee grinder to grind the oats, or simply use oat flour. Remember that oat flour is denser, so start with 1 cup and gradually add more if needed.
- When selecting peanut butter, opt for a natural variety with only peanuts as the ingredient. Avoid those with added oils, sugars, or xylitol, which is harmful to dogs.
- If the dough is too sticky, use whole wheat flour, extra ground oats, or any other dog-safe flour for dusting and kneading.
- For longer-lasting freshness, store the finished treats in the freezer, which also makes them firmer.
Equipment
- Food Processor or Blender – For grinding the oats into a fine powder.
- Cookie Cutters – Optional, for cutting out shapes (e.g., heart-shaped).
- Parchment Paper – For lining the baking sheet.
