This simple, three-ingredient dog treat recipe is an easy way to spoil your pup with a homemade snack packed with nutrients. You’ll love how quick it is to prepare, and your dog will appreciate the tasty treat made with wholesome, natural ingredients.
In this guide, I my self will walk you through the benefits of making these treats, the ingredients involved, and how to prepare them step-by-step.
Why You Should Make This Recipe for Your Dog
Homemade dog treats are a great way to ensure your pup is getting a healthy snack without the hidden additives and preservatives found in many commercial options. By making this easy recipe at home, you can control exactly what goes into your dog’s treats, ensuring they’re not only delicious but nutritious as well.
The 3-ingredient peanut butter banana dog treats are a healthy choice because they feature natural ingredients that are gentle on your dog’s digestive system while providing essential nutrients.
These treats are particularly great for dogs with sensitive stomachs or those who have food allergies, since the recipe is both simple and highly customizable.
Now, let’s get into how to make these easy and healthy treats for your furry friend!
3-Ingredient Peanut Butter Banana Dog Treats
Prep & Cook Time
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
- Total Time: 20-22 minutes
Tools Needed
- Mixing bowl
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Fork or masher
- Cookie cutters (optional)
Ingredients Needed
- 1 overripe Banana
Bananas should be ripe to ensure they mash easily and provide natural sweetness. - ½ cup Natural Peanut Butter (ensure it’s free from xylitol)
This ingredient adds healthy fats and protein while keeping the treats tasty and rich in flavor. - 1 cup Old-Fashioned Oats
Old-fashioned oats are gluten-free and packed with fiber, which supports your dog’s digestive health.
How to Make the Treats: Step by Step
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Before you get started, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your oven is ready by the time your treats are prepared.
Step 2: Mash the Banana
Take your overripe banana and place it in a mixing bowl. Use a fork or masher to mash the banana until it becomes smooth and creamy. The ripe banana will be naturally sweet, so there’s no need for added sugars.
Step 3: Add Peanut Butter and Oats
Once the banana is mashed, add the ½ cup of natural peanut butter to the bowl. Stir the peanut butter into the mashed banana until well combined. After the peanut butter is fully incorporated, add the 1 cup of old-fashioned oats to the mixture and mix everything together until it forms a dough-like consistency.
Step 4: Spread the Mixture
Next, spread the mixture out onto a piece of parchment paper. Use a spatula or your hands to press it out to your desired thickness—about ½ inch thick is ideal for bite-sized treats.
Step 5: Cut into Shapes
At this point, you can either cut the dough into fun shapes using cookie cutters or simply use a knife to slice it into squares or strips. If you don’t have cookie cutters, you can easily shape the dough by hand. Make sure the pieces are uniform in size so they bake evenly.
Step 6: Place on a Baking Sheet
Transfer the cut dough pieces onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Make sure there’s enough space between each piece to allow for even baking.
Step 7: Bake the Treats
Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the treats turn golden brown around the edges. Keep an eye on them during the last few minutes to prevent over-baking.
Step 8: Let Cool
Once your treats are done baking, remove them from the oven and allow them to cool completely on a wire rack. This is important, as hot treats could cause your dog discomfort. Once cooled, they’re ready to serve!
Nutritional Value (Estimated)
These treats are a nutritious option for your dog, offering a balance of healthy fats, fiber, and protein. Here’s an estimated breakdown of the nutrients in each treat:
| Nutrient | Amount per Treat |
| Calories | 102 |
| Total Fat | 4.6 g |
| Saturated Fat | 0.8 g |
| Total Carbohydrates | 14.8 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 1.6 g |
| Protein | 3.5 g |
Why This Recipe Is Healthy for Your Dog
This simple, three-ingredient treat is healthy for your dog for several reasons. Each ingredient has its own set of benefits, contributing to the overall nutritional value of the treats.
Banana
Bananas are a wonderful natural source of potassium, which is vital for muscle and nerve function. They are also high in fiber, which aids digestion and supports gut health. Furthermore, bananas contain vitamins B6 and C, which help boost your dog’s immune system and overall vitality.
Natural Peanut Butter (No Xylitol)
Peanut butter is a great source of healthy fats and protein, both of which help promote your dog’s heart health and energy levels. However, it’s important to ensure the peanut butter you use does not contain xylitol, a sugar substitute that is toxic to dogs. Always choose unsweetened, xylitol-free peanut butter to keep your dog safe.
Old-Fashioned Oats
Oats are not only gluten-free, making them an excellent option for dogs with allergies, but they are also rich in fiber. Fiber is essential for digestive health and can help regulate your dog’s bowel movements. Oats are also low in fat, making them an ideal base for dog treats that are healthy yet filling.
Safety Precautions for This Recipe
While this recipe is designed to be healthy and safe for most dogs, there are a few important safety precautions to keep in mind:
- Portion Control: Treats should only be given in moderation. Overfeeding treats, even healthy ones, can lead to weight gain.
- Peanut Butter: Ensure the peanut butter you use is free of xylitol. Always check the ingredient list, as xylitol can be extremely toxic to dogs and cause serious health issues.
- Bananas: While bananas are safe for dogs in moderation, too many can cause digestive upset due to their fiber content. Keep portions small, especially if you’re introducing bananas to your dog’s diet for the first time.
- Allergies: Always check with your vet if your dog has any allergies to the ingredients before giving them these treats.
Ingredients to Avoid in Dog Treats
When making homemade treats for your dog, it’s essential to know which ingredients to avoid. Here’s a list of ingredients that should never be included in dog treats:
- Xylitol: A sugar substitute found in many peanut butters and sugar-free products, xylitol is extremely toxic to dogs.
- Chocolate: Chocolate contains theobromine, which is highly toxic to dogs and can lead to severe poisoning.
- Grapes and Raisins: These fruits can cause kidney failure in dogs, even in small amounts.
- Macadamia Nuts: These nuts can cause weakness, tremors, and vomiting in dogs.
- Onions and Garlic: These foods can damage your dog’s red blood cells and lead to anemia.
How to Make Healthy Dog Treats
When making homemade treats for your dog, it’s important to ensure they’re not only tasty but also packed with the nutrients your dog needs. A healthy dog treat should include:
- Whole, natural ingredients: Stick with natural, whole foods like oats, sweet potatoes, bananas, and peanut butter.
- Balance of nutrients: Look for treats that include a good mix of protein, fiber, and healthy fats. This balance supports overall health, including digestion and energy levels.
- No artificial additives or preservatives: Commercial dog treats are often filled with artificial flavors and colors. Homemade treats allow you to avoid these unnecessary chemicals.
By using simple, wholesome ingredients, you can ensure that the treats you make are not only tasty but also contribute to your dog’s overall well-being.
Can I substitute peanut butter with something else?
If your dog is allergic to peanuts, you can substitute peanut butter with almond butter or sunflower seed butter. Make sure the butter you choose is free from xylitol and artificial sweeteners.
Can I use instant oats instead of old-fashioned oats?
It’s best to use old-fashioned oats in this recipe, as they have the right texture to hold the treats together. Instant oats may not provide the same structure.
How long will these treats last?
These treats will last for about one week if stored in an airtight container at room temperature. If you want them to last longer, you can freeze them for up to three months.
How can I make the treats more flavorful?
You can add small amounts of other dog-safe ingredients such as cinnamon, pumpkin puree, or unsweetened applesauce to enhance the flavor.
Final Thoughts
Making homemade dog treats doesn’t have to be complicated or time-consuming. These 3-ingredient peanut butter banana dog treats are quick, easy, and packed with nutrients your dog will love.
Not only will you feel good about giving your pup something healthy, but you’ll also save money on store-bought options.
Now that you know how simple it is to make healthy treats for your dog, give this recipe a try and watch your dog wag their tail in delight.
