Banana Peanut Butter Dog Treat

When I was eight, my scrappy mutt Rufus and I ran a very serious bakery out of our tiny kitchen — he tested every sample and I handled quality control (read: taste-testing). My mom would laugh as I mashed bananas and smeared peanut butter on a wooden spoon, the whole kitchen filling with a warm, nutty aroma that felt like a hug. These Banana Peanut Butter Dog Treats bring that exact cozy chaos back: simple ingredients, a soft‑chewy center with a little crunch, and a smell that makes your pup come running before you even finish the last stir. If you want a treat that feels homemade and wholesome — and gets a wag every time — this is the one I reach for when I want to spoil Rufus (and myself) a little.

Quick Facts

• Yield: Serves about 24 small treats
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 18–22 minutes
• Total Time: 28–32 minutes

Why This Recipe is Awesome

This recipe uses pantry-friendly ingredients and comes together fast — it’s so easy even your oven can’t mess it up. The outside crisps up just enough while the inside stays tender and slightly chewy, with that warm banana-peanut aroma filling your kitchen. These treats feel indulgent but stay wholesome: no weird additives, just real food your dog will love. Bonus: they double as a charming homemade gift for fellow dog lovers.

Ingredients

For the Main Dish:

• 1 medium ripe banana (about ½ cup mashed)
• ½ cup natural peanut butter (no xylitol)
• 1 cup oat flour (or whole wheat flour for non‑gluten-free)
• 1 large egg (room temperature)
• ¼ cup rolled oats (for texture)
• 1 tsp cinnamon (optional, for flavor)
• ½ tsp baking powder (optional, keeps treats a touch lighter)

For the Sauce / Garnish (if applicable):

• 2 tbsp peanut butter thinned with 1–2 tsp warm water (optional drizzle)
• Or 2 tbsp plain unsweetened yogurt for a cool topping (use sparingly if your dog is sensitive to dairy)

How I Make It

Step 1:

I preheat the oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper so the bottoms don’t stick. I mash the banana in a bowl with a fork until it’s mostly smooth with a few little lumps that give the treats texture. Then I stir in the peanut butter and the egg until the mixture smells sweet and nutty, like a warm banana muffin batter.

Step 2:

In a separate bowl, I whisk the oat flour, rolled oats, cinnamon, and baking powder. I fold the dry mix into the wet just until everything comes together—don’t overwork it or the treats turn dense. If the dough feels too sticky, I sprinkle in a little extra oat flour, a teaspoon at a time.

Step 3:

I scoop tablespoon-sized portions onto the sheet and press them flat with the back of a spoon or my fingers to about ¼–½ inch thick. If I’m feeling festive, I use small cookie cutters for bone shapes. The dough should hold together; if it crumbles, add a touch of water or another tablespoon of mashed banana.

Step 4:

I bake at 350°F for 18–22 minutes. Watch for golden edges and a firm surface — the treats still feel slightly soft but spring back when you press gently. The kitchen fills with a toasty peanut-banana perfume; your pup will definitely start vocalizing their support right about now.

Step 5:

I let the treats cool completely on a wire rack. They firm up as they cool, so don’t judge doneness until they’ve had a minute to rest. Once cool, I drizzle the thinned peanut butter or dab on a little yogurt for a finishing touch. Store in an airtight container once totally cool.

Pro Tips

• Use a ripe banana — the riper, the sweeter and easier it mashes. Black‑spotted bananas work great.
• If you need gluten‑free, use certified oat flour or finely ground rolled oats; texture stays soft and dog-approved.
• Always check your peanut butter label: avoid anything with xylitol. I keep a separate jar labeled “dog-safe” in my pantry.
• Want crunch? Bake an extra 3–4 minutes for crispier edges, but watch closely so they don’t brown too much.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Skipping preheating: Classic rookie move. It changes texture and bake time.
• Overmixing: Leads to dense or chewy results. Mix until just combined.
• Guessing cook time: Always use visual cues or a timer, not just vibes.
• Overcrowding pans: Give your food some breathing room to crisp properly.

Alternatives & Substitutions

• Swap oat flour for whole wheat flour — whole wheat gives a heartier, slightly nuttier chew but isn’t gluten‑free.
• Replace the egg with 3 tbsp mashed pumpkin or unsweetened applesauce for an egg-free bind (texture becomes a bit softer).
• Use almond butter or sunflower seed butter instead of peanut butter — both work but choose xylitol-free options. Sunflower butter gives a milder flavor and is great for nut allergies.
• Use plain unsweetened yogurt as a small topping for a cool, tangy finish (skip if your dog reacts to dairy).

Variations & Tips

• Add 1–2 tbsp grated apple (no seeds) for a fresh, fruity pop.
• Mix in a tablespoon of pumpkin puree and a pinch of ginger for a seasonal twist.
• Make tiny training treats by rolling dough into pea-sized balls and baking 8–10 minutes.
• Stir in a few carob chips for a chocolate-like treat that’s dog-safe (use sparingly).
• Create a “party” batch: press a dab of mashed banana or a small piece of cooked bacon on top before baking for an extra incentive.

FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes! Store cooled treats in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week or freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving. For gifting, pack frozen and include a note to thaw before giving.

Can I double the recipe?

Sure thing. If you double, bake on two sheets and rotate them halfway through to ensure even color. Keep the treats in a single layer with space between pieces.

Can I substitute butter with oil?

Technically yes, but you’ll miss that buttery magic. Use ¾ the amount of oil and expect a slightly different texture — more tender, less flaky.

How do I know it’s done?

Look for lightly golden edges and a surface that springs back when you press it. The treats firm up as they cool, so give them at least 10 minutes on a rack before judging crispness.

What if I don’t have ingredient X?

Swap oats for oat flour by pulsing rolled oats in a blender. No egg? Use pumpkin or apple sauce. No peanut butter? Try sunflower seed butter (no xylitol) — both are pantry-friendly swaps.

How I Like to Serve It

I stash a jar of these treats by the door for training sessions — they break into tiny pieces and reward fast learning. I also tuck a few into a small cellophane bag for neighbor dog birthdays. On cool afternoons, I toss a couple into a slow puzzle toy and watch my pup work for every bite. These treats feel right for any season: cozy in fall, breezy for summer training sessions.

Notes

• Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week, or freeze up to 3 months. Thaw fully before serving.
• Check ingredient labels for harmful additives (especially xylitol in peanut butter).

Final Thoughts

Closing: Now go make a batch — your dog will reward you with a wag, a spin, and maybe a very enthusiastic kiss. Enjoy the cuddles (and the clean jar)!