Peanut Butter and Banana Bites: A Dog Treat Recipe Even You’ll Want to Try

If there’s one thing I’ve learned in my 20 years of living with dogs, grooming them, and making homemade meals and treats, it’s this: dogs know when something is made with love. Every time I bake treats at home, my dogs somehow sense it before the oven even preheats. If you’re thinking about making healthy, homemade dog treats, you’re already doing something great for your dog’s long-term health.

Store-bought treats can be convenient, but after years of reading labels and helping dog owners troubleshoot allergies, weight gain, and stomach issues, I strongly believe simple homemade recipes are often the safest option. That’s exactly why these Peanut Butter and Banana Bites have become a favorite in my kitchen.

Key Takeaways

• Homemade dog treats give you full control over ingredients
• Peanut butter and banana provide energy, healthy fats, and nutrients
• These treats are gentle on digestion and suitable for most dogs
• Oat flour is a great option for dogs with wheat sensitivities
• Proper storage keeps homemade treats fresh and safe

The Ingredients: Simple, Natural, and Dog-Approved

Peanut Butter:
Dogs absolutely love peanut butter, and I’ve yet to meet one who doesn’t light up at the smell. Peanut butter provides protein and healthy fats that support skin health and coat shine. I always stress one rule from experience: peanut butter must be xylitol-free. Xylitol is extremely toxic to dogs and can cause low blood sugar and liver failure within hours.

Banana:
Bananas add natural sweetness and moisture to the treats. They’re rich in potassium, which supports muscle function and nerve signaling. In moderation, bananas can also help with digestion. I’ve often used bananas in treats for senior dogs because they’re soft and easy on the stomach.

Egg:
Eggs act as the binder in this recipe and add high-quality protein. One large egg contains about 6 grams of protein, which supports muscle maintenance and tissue repair. In my experience, eggs also improve coat softness when used occasionally.

Oat Flour:
Oat flour is one of my go-to ingredients because it’s gentle on digestion and naturally gluten-free. Many dogs I’ve worked with over the years do better with oats than wheat. If you don’t have oat flour, blending plain rolled oats works perfectly.

Let’s Get Baking: Step-by-Step

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). I always do this first so everything is ready once the dough comes together. If your dog is anything like mine, this is when they start pacing the kitchen, convinced something magical is happening.

Step 2: Mash the Banana

Peel one ripe banana and mash it thoroughly in a bowl. The riper the banana, the easier it is to mash and the sweeter the treats will be. Over the years, I’ve learned that overripe bananas are perfect for dog treats and reduce the need for any added sweeteners.

Step 3: Mix in the Peanut Butter

Add 1/2 cup of peanut butter to the mashed banana and mix until smooth and sticky. Peanut butter’s aroma alone is enough to keep most dogs glued to your feet. This combination also provides sustained energy, which is great for active dogs.

Step 4: Add the Egg

Crack one egg into the mixture and stir until fully combined. The egg helps bind the ingredients and adds moisture, ensuring the treats bake evenly rather than crumbling apart.

Step 5: Flour Power

Add 1 cup of oat flour and mix until a soft dough forms. If the dough feels too sticky, add a small amount of oat flour at a time. From experience, the dough should be slightly tacky but firm enough to roll without sticking excessively.

Step 6: Roll, Cut, and Shape

Lightly dust a surface with oat flour and roll the dough to about 1/4-inch thickness. You can use cookie cutters for fun shapes or simply cut squares. After two decades of doing this, I can confidently say your dog will not judge your cutting skills.

Step 7: Bake Until Perfection

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and place the treats evenly spaced. Bake for 15–20 minutes until firm and lightly golden. A slight crunch helps with dental scraping, especially for small and medium-sized dogs.

Step 8: Cool and Store

Allow the treats to cool completely before serving. This helps them firm up and prevents mouth burns. Store them in an airtight container for up to one week, or refrigerate for longer freshness. In my house, they rarely last that long.

Why Your Dog Will Love These Treats

Dogs love strong, familiar flavors, and peanut butter combined with banana is a winning combination. These treats are chewy with a mild crunch and packed with smells that trigger a dog’s natural food excitement.

Unlike many commercial treats that contain fillers, artificial preservatives, and excess sugar, these bites are made from whole ingredients. From years of observing dogs’ reactions, homemade treats often result in fewer digestive issues and more enthusiastic tail wags.

Final Thoughts: Will You Steal One for Yourself?

I won’t tell you not to try one—but I will say these are made for dogs. Still, with ingredients like oats, banana, peanut butter, and egg, it’s easy to see why they smell so tempting.

Making homemade treats is one of the simplest ways to show your dog love while supporting their health. After 20 years of caring for dogs, I can honestly say that the joy they get from homemade food is worth every minute. Enjoy baking, and enjoy the happy paws that follow.