2-Ingredient! Dog Treats Homemade Pumpkin Peanut Butter Recipe

Looking for a simple and healthy way to treat your furry friend? This homemade banana and peanut butter chew stick recipe is a perfect choice! These dog chew sticks are made with just a few dog-friendly ingredients and offer a nutritious and delicious natural snack for your pup. Learn why homemade dog chew sticks are better than store-bought options, what ingredients you’ll need, and how to make them with our easy, step-by-step guide. This recipe will show you how to create a natural treat that your dog will love, while avoiding harmful sugars and artificial colors.

We’ll cover everything from preheating your oven to the best cooling and storage methods. You’ll also learn how to customize these treats with ingredients like cinnamon or pumpkin puree. Discover why these chews are great for dogs of all ages, including senior dogs, and how the 🍌 Bananas and 🥜 Peanut Butter offer a range of nutritional benefits. We’ll also highlight common mistakes to avoid, such as using natural peanut butter with xylitol, and suggest other homemade dog treat recipes to try, like Oatmeal Dog Cookies or Pumpkin Pupsicles.

These homemade banana and peanut butter chew sticks are not only a delicious treat but also a great way to provide positive reinforcement training. Whether you freeze them for a refreshing chew or use them as a reward, your dog is sure to enjoy this natural and healthy snack. Plus, you’ll have the satisfaction of knowing exactly what’s going into your pup’s food.

Why Make Homemade Dog Chew Sticks?

Making homemade dog treats allows you to control exactly what your dog is eating. Many store-bought chews contain hidden sugars, artificial colors, and preservatives. By making your own homemade banana and peanut butter chew sticks, you can ensure your pup is getting a healthy, natural snack without any harmful additives. Plus, it’s a fun and rewarding way to bond with your furry friend, like Bailey.

Ingredients You’ll Need

You only need a few dog-friendly ingredients to make these delicious chews:

• 2 ripe bananas: Provides natural sweetness, potassium, and fiber.
• ½ cup natural peanut butter (unsweetened, xylitol-free): A great source of protein and healthy fats. Always use natural, unsweetened peanut butter.
• 1½ cups oat flour: Gentle on digestion and helps create a chewy texture.
• 1 tablespoon coconut oil: Adds moisture and helps create a smooth consistency.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Here’s how to make these tasty treats:

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Alternatively, you can use a food dehydrator for a longer-lasting chew.

Step 2: Mash the Bananas

In a large mixing bowl, mash the bananas with a fork until smooth. The riper the bananas, the easier they are to mash.

Step 3: Mix in the Peanut Butter and Coconut Oil

Add the peanut butter and coconut oil to the mashed bananas. Stir well until the mixture is creamy and fully combined.

Step 4: Add the Oat Flour

Slowly mix in the oat flour, stirring until a dough forms. The dough should be firm yet pliable. If it feels too sticky, add a little extra flour.

Step 5: Shape the Chew Sticks

Shape the dough into logs about ½ inch thick and 5-6 inches long. You can also use a piping bag to create uniform sticks.

Step 6: Bake or Dehydrate

• For softer chews: Bake at 300°F (150°C) for 25-30 minutes or until slightly firm.
• For longer-lasting chews: Lower the oven temperature to 200°F (90°C) and bake for 1.5-2 hours to dry them out more.
• For a dehydrator: Place them in at 135°F (57°C) for 4-6 hours until fully chewy.

Cooling and Storage Tips

Let the homemade banana and peanut butter chew sticks cool completely before giving them to your pup. Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 weeks or freeze them for up to 3 months.

Customizing Your Chew Sticks

Want to add some variety? Try these customizations:

• Add cinnamon for extra flavor and anti-inflammatory benefits.
• Mix in pumpkin puree for added fiber and a fall-inspired treat.
• Use blueberries for an antioxidant boost.

Why Your Pup Will Love These Chews

These chews are:

• Naturally sweet from bananas
• Packed with protein and healthy fats from peanut butter
• Soft yet chewy, making them ideal for dogs of all ages
• Long-lasting and fun to chew

Nutritional Benefits of Banana and Peanut Butter Chew Sticks

These homemade dog treats are only as good as their ingredients. Bananas and peanut butter offer amazing health benefits for dogs.

🍌 Bananas: A Natural Superfood for Dogs

• Rich in Potassium: Supports muscle function and heart health.
• High in Fiber: Helps regulate digestion and prevents constipation.
• Packed with Vitamins: Contains Vitamin C, Vitamin B6, and antioxidants for a strong immune system.

🥜 Peanut Butter: A Protein Powerhouse

• Healthy Fats: Promotes a shiny coat and nourishes the skin.
• Good Source of Protein: Helps build and maintain strong muscles.
• Contains Niacin (Vitamin B3): Essential for brain function and energy production.
• Loaded with Magnesium: Helps with bone health and metabolism.

How to Serve These Chew Sticks

There are many ways to serve these treats to your dog.

🥶 Freeze for a Longer-Lasting Treat

Freeze the chew sticks for an extra cool, refreshing chew. This is perfect for hot summer days.

🦴 Use as a Training Reward

Cut the chew sticks into smaller pieces and use them for positive reinforcement training.

🐕 Ideal for Senior Dogs

These chews are soft yet chewy, making them easier for senior dogs to enjoy without hurting their teeth, unlike hard biscuits.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Here are some common mistakes to watch out for:

1. Using the Wrong Peanut Butter

Avoid peanut butter that contains xylitol, sugar, or artificial additives. Stick to natural, unsweetened peanut butter.

2. Adding Too Much Flour

Adding too much oat flour can make the chew sticks too dry and crumbly.

3. Overbaking the Chew Sticks

Baking at too high a temperature can make the sticks too hard.

4. Skipping the Cooling Step

Always let the treats cool completely before serving.

Final Thoughts: A Treat Your Dog Will Love

Making homemade treats for your dog is a great way to show love. These banana and peanut butter chew sticks are a healthy, natural, and delicious alternative to store-bought snacks.