Hi everyone, welcome back to my blog. If you love spoiling your furry friend with treats—but finding healthy options that don’t break the bank can be tricky.
That’s why I started making my own dog treats at home. Today, I want to share my recipe for Apple and Banana Dog Treats, a simple, nutritious, and utterly delicious snack that my dog, Max, goes crazy for.
These treats are made with just a few wholesome ingredients, and the process is fun to do—even if you’re a beginner in the kitchen. Plus, they make your house smell amazing while baking!
Why Apple and Banana Treats Are Great for Dogs
I first tried making dog treats with apples and bananas because I wanted something naturally sweet, without any artificial sugars.
Both fruits are safe for dogs in moderation, packed with vitamins, and easy on their stomachs.
- Apples: Rich in fiber and vitamin C. They help support digestion and overall health. Just make sure to remove the seeds and core.
- Bananas: Full of potassium and natural energy, bananas are soft and easy for dogs to chew. They also add natural sweetness without needing sugar.
Max is a picky eater, but the first time I baked these treats, he practically danced around the kitchen while they were cooling. I knew I had a winner.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For this batch, you’ll need:
- 1 ripe banana
- 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce (or finely chopped apple)
- 1 and 1/2 cups whole wheat flour (you can substitute oat flour for sensitive stomachs)
- 1/4 cup rolled oats
- 1 egg
Optional: A dash of cinnamon for flavor (dogs generally love it in small amounts).
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat and Prepare
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
I always keep a little extra flour nearby in case the dough gets sticky.
2. Mash the Banana and Mix Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, mash your banana until smooth. Then add the applesauce and the egg, mixing until everything is well combined.
At this stage, the aroma of banana and apple fills my kitchen, and Max is already sniffing around, tail wagging.
3. Incorporate Dry Ingredients
Add the flour and oats gradually to the wet mixture, stirring well. The dough should come together but remain slightly soft—not too sticky, not too dry.
If it feels sticky, sprinkle a bit more flour; if it’s dry, add a teaspoon or two of water or more applesauce.
This part is fun because you can feel the dough forming and adjust it to the perfect texture for rolling.
4. Roll Out the Dough
Lightly flour your work surface and roll the dough to about 1/4 inch thick. This thickness ensures the treats bake evenly and are easy for dogs to chew.
I like using cookie cutters shaped like bones or hearts—Max gets extra excited when he sees the shapes!
5. Cut and Arrange on Baking Sheet
Cut the dough into desired shapes and arrange them on the lined baking sheet.
Remember to leave a little space between each treat because they expand slightly while baking.
6. Bake the Treats
Place the cookie sheet in the oven and bake for 15–20 minutes, or until the edges start to turn golden brown.
The smell while baking is heavenly—it’s like a little bakery in your kitchen, and it’s impossible not to peek at the treats while they’re cooking.
7. Cool Completely
After baking, remove the treats and let them cool completely.
Cooling is important because hot treats can be too soft and sticky, making them hard to handle or break apart.
Storage and Serving
These Apple and Banana Dog Treats stay fresh for about a week in an airtight container.
If you want to make a larger batch, you can freeze them and thaw a few at a time.
Max loves it when I pull out a frozen treat on a hot day—it keeps him busy and cools him down.
Serve these treats as a reward after training, a snack during walks, or just because you love your dog.
Always remember moderation: treats should make up no more than 10% of your dog’s daily caloric intake.
Tips and Tricks
- Make it fun: Let your dog watch while you roll out the dough. I promise, the tail wagging will be endless.
- Flavor variations: You can add a teaspoon of peanut butter (unsalted, no xylitol) for extra excitement.
- Adjust size: For small dogs, cut the treats smaller. For larger dogs, make them bigger and slightly thicker.
Why Homemade Treats Are Better
I’ve noticed a huge difference in Max’s energy and overall happiness since switching to homemade treats.
No more fillers, artificial ingredients, or mystery chemicals.
I know exactly what he’s eating, and that peace of mind is priceless.
Plus, baking for your pet is a bonding experience.
Seeing Max sit patiently, waiting for his treat, makes every step of this recipe worth it.
Final Thoughts
Making Apple and Banana Dog Treats is simple, affordable, and fun.
With just a few wholesome ingredients, you can create a treat your dog will love, while also knowing it’s healthy.
I encourage you to try it this weekend—you might even find yourself making more batches because your dog will go crazy for them!
Remember, love your pets, treat them kindly, and always prioritize their health and happiness. Happy baking!