If there’s one thing I’ve learned from having dogs, it’s that they can smell a treat from a mile away.
And while store-bought snacks are convenient, I always like to know exactly what my furry friends are eating.
That’s why I decided to try making banana and peanut chew sticks at home—and wow, it turned into one of our favorite treat recipes!
Not only are these treats super simple to make, but they’re also healthy, packed with nutrients, and perfect for keeping your dog entertained.
Let me walk you through my experience, tips, and everything you need to know to make these for your pups.
Why Banana and Peanut? The Health Benefits
When I first thought about homemade dog treats, I wanted something nutritious, safe, and irresistible.
After a bit of research (and lots of taste-testing with Max supervising), I landed on bananas and peanut butter. Here’s why:
Bananas
- Packed with potassium, which supports healthy muscle and nerve function.
- High in fiber, which helps digestion and keeps your dog’s tummy happy.
- Naturally sweet, so you don’t need to add sugar or artificial flavoring.
- Soft texture makes treats easy to chew—even for older dogs or pups with sensitive teeth.
I still remember the first time I let Max try a mashed banana. He sniffed it suspiciously for a second, then devoured it in one bite and looked at me like, “More, please!” That look alone was worth the experiment.
Peanut Butter
- Full of protein and healthy fats that support energy and coat health.
- Dogs LOVE the flavor. Honestly, it might be the ultimate dog treat flavor.
- Versatile—mixes well with bananas to make a soft, chewy dough.
⚠️ Important: Make sure your peanut butter is xylitol-free, as xylitol is toxic to dogs. I’ve learned this the hard way reading labels, so double-check before using it.
Together, bananas and peanut butter create a naturally sweet, soft, and chewy treat that dogs can enjoy safely.
Ingredients for Banana and Peanut Chew Sticks
Here’s what I use every time I make a batch. You probably already have most of these at home:
- 2 ripe bananas
- 1/2 cup natural peanut butter (unsweetened, xylitol-free)
- 1 1/2 cups oat flour (or finely ground oats)
- 1 egg (optional, helps bind the mixture)
That’s it! No artificial flavors, preservatives, or fillers—just wholesome ingredients your dog will adore.
Pro tip: I usually use bananas that are slightly overripe—they mash easily and add natural sweetness.
Step-by-Step Guide: How I Make Them
I love this part because it’s fun, easy, and a little messy—which makes Max very happy. Here’s my step-by-step process:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Mash the bananas in a large bowl until smooth. Max usually watches intensely, ready to lick the bowl if I’m not careful.
- Add the peanut butter and egg, mixing until well combined. The dough should be soft but not too sticky.
- Gradually add oat flour, mixing until a dough forms. You might need a little more flour if it’s sticky, or a little less if it’s too dry.
- Shape the dough into sticks—like baby carrots in size. Place them on the baking sheet.
- Bake for 15–20 minutes, until lightly golden.
- Cool completely before giving them to your dog.
Storage: I keep a batch in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. For longer storage, freeze some and thaw as needed.
Max goes nuts every time I pull one out of the freezer—they taste just as good!
Tips I Learned From Experience
After a few batches, I discovered some tricks to make these treats even better:
- Adjust the size for your dog: Max is medium-sized, so I make sticks about 3 inches long. Smaller dogs might need shorter sticks, and larger dogs might enjoy a longer chew.
- Texture matters: For chewier treats, bake a little less. For crunchier sticks, leave them in a few extra minutes. I personally love soft chews because Max can eat them slowly without breaking a tooth.
- Flavor variations: Sometimes I add a pinch of cinnamon or shredded coconut. Dogs love the aroma, and it adds a little variety to their treat routine.
- Supervision is key: Always watch your dog the first time they try a homemade treat—especially if it’s new. Even soft sticks can be a choking hazard if eaten too fast.
The Joy of Homemade Treats
Making these banana and peanut chew sticks has been so rewarding.
I love knowing exactly what Max is eating, and it feels good to give him something healthy, homemade, and delicious.
It’s also a great way to bond with your dog. My kids often help roll the dough, and Max sits patiently (or impatiently) waiting for the first batch to come out of the oven. Seeing him excited, tail wagging furiously, makes all the effort worth it.
When and How to Serve
I usually give Max a chew stick:
- As a reward for good behavior
- During training sessions
- When I need him to stay occupied while I do chores or cook
Even though they’re healthy, I limit treats to 1–2 per day, depending on size and activity level. Too many—even homemade ones—can upset your dog’s tummy.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making homemade treats is easy, but here are a few things I learned the hard way:
- Never use xylitol-containing peanut butter—it’s extremely toxic for dogs.
- Avoid chocolate, raisins, and other human foods that are unsafe.
- Don’t overfeed—these treats are just supplements, not replacements for a balanced diet.
- Monitor the texture—too hard can hurt teeth, too soft can break apart easily.
Bonus: Health Benefits for Your Dog
Not only are these treats yummy, but they also provide:
- Better digestion thanks to the fiber in bananas
- Energy and coat health from protein and healthy fats in peanut butter
- Dental benefits if given as a chew to gnaw slowly
- Mental stimulation since dogs enjoy working to eat chewy treats
Personal Story
One of my favorite memories was making these treats on a rainy afternoon. Max was bored and restless, so I started mixing the bananas and peanut butter.
By the time I rolled the dough into sticks, he was doing circles around me, whining (cutely, of course), and trying to “help” with the rolling.
When the treats came out of the oven, he carefully sniffed each one, picked his favorite, and carried it to his bed.
It was such a small moment, but it reminded me why I love homemade dog treats: it’s not just about the food—it’s about the joy and bond it creates.
Final Thoughts
Making banana and peanut chew sticks is an easy, fun, and rewarding activity for any dog owner.
Not only do your pups get a healthy snack, but you also get the satisfaction of creating something safe and delicious at home.
Give it a try—adjust the recipe to your dog’s taste, size, and chewing preferences. Once you see your dog’s happy face, you’ll be hooked, just like I am.