Name: Apple and Banana Dog Treats Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Ingredients: 1 large ripe banana (mashed); 1 medium apple (peeled and grated); 1 1/2 cups oat flour (you can make your own by blending rolled oats); 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce; 1 tablespoon coconut oil (optional, for extra flavor and smooth texture); 1 teaspoon cinnamon (optional, adds a sweet aroma dogs love); 1 teaspoon baking powder (optional, helps treats puff a bit)

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Intro

Hey there, fellow dog lovers! Today I’m beyond excited to share a recipe that has become an absolute favorite in my kitchen – Apple and Banana Dog Treats. If you’ve ever wanted to spoil your furry friend with something healthy, tasty, and homemade, you are in for a real treat.

These little morsels are packed with natural flavors, soft enough to chew, but still give your pup that satisfying crunch they love. And the best part? They’re made with wholesome ingredients you probably already have in your pantry.

I remember the first time I made these treats. My golden retriever, Daisy, had been eyeing me suspiciously from across the kitchen. As soon as the treats came out of the oven, she practically danced around me, tail wagging like a little helicopter.

The smell of baked apples and ripe bananas fills the kitchen with a warm, sweet aroma that’s irresistible for both humans and pups alike. Honestly, I think I might sneak one or two myself sometimes.

What is Apple and Banana Dog Treats?

Apple and Banana Dog Treats are soft-baked, nutrient-rich snacks that are completely safe for dogs. Unlike many store-bought dog biscuits, these treats contain no artificial flavors, preservatives, or sugar.

They are a combination of sweet apples, creamy bananas, and a touch of oat flour to give them that perfect chewy texture. Apples bring a mild sweetness and are packed with vitamins, while bananas add natural sugar, potassium, and a lovely aroma that dogs adore.

These treats aren’t just tasty; they’re functional too. Apples can help clean your dog’s teeth, and bananas are great for digestion. Together, they make a delightful snack that’s wholesome, guilt-free, and ideal for training or simply showing your pup some love.

Equipment List

Before you dive into making these Apple and Banana Dog Treats, let’s make sure you have everything you need. Keeping the equipment list simple helps make the recipe stress-free and fun!

Mixing bowls (one large and one medium)
Fork or potato masher (for mashing bananas)
Grater (for the apple)
Wooden spoon or silicone spatula
Baking sheet
Parchment paper or silicone baking mat
Cookie cutter (optional, but fun shapes make them extra special)
Measuring cups and spoons
Cooling rack

Recipe Card Info

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Serves: Approximately 20-25 treats
Cuisine: Pet-friendly, homemade
Course: Dog Food
Calories: ~50 kcal per treat (depends on size)

Ingredients

1 large ripe banana, mashed
1 medium apple, peeled and grated
1 1/2 cups oat flour (you can make your own by blending rolled oats)
1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce
1 tablespoon coconut oil (optional, for extra flavor and smooth texture)
1 teaspoon cinnamon (optional, adds a sweet aroma dogs love)
1 teaspoon baking powder (optional, helps treats puff a bit)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Mash the Banana
In a large mixing bowl, mash the banana with a fork until it’s smooth. This natural sweetness is the base of our treats.

Step 3: Add the Apple
Peel and grate your apple, then fold it into the mashed banana. The apple adds a soft texture and natural moisture, perfect for chewy treats.

Step 4: Mix Wet Ingredients
Add the unsweetened applesauce and coconut oil to the banana-apple mixture. Stir until everything is well combined. You’ll notice the sweet aroma starting to fill your kitchen – that’s when the magic begins.

Step 5: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, mix oat flour, cinnamon, and baking powder. Slowly add this to the wet mixture, stirring gently until a soft dough forms. If it feels too sticky, sprinkle in a little more oat flour until it’s workable.

Step 6: Shape the Treats
Dust your surface with oat flour and roll out the dough to about 1/4 inch thick. You can cut shapes with cookie cutters or simply slice into small squares. Make sure they’re bite-sized, depending on your dog’s size.

Step 7: Bake
Place the treats on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes or until they’re lightly golden. Keep an eye on them; every oven is a bit different.

Step 8: Cool and Serve
Let the treats cool completely on a wire rack. Once cooled, they’re ready to be enjoyed! Store in an airtight container for up to a week, or freeze for longer shelf life.

Tips for Perfect Apple and Banana Dog Treats

Banana Selection: Make sure your bananas are ripe with brown spots. They’re sweeter and mash easily.
Apple Variety: I love using Fuji or Gala apples for their natural sweetness. Avoid seeds as they can be harmful.
Texture Control: If you like crunchy treats, bake a few extra minutes. For softer, chewy ones, stick to 20 minutes.
Freezing: These treats freeze wonderfully. Just thaw at room temperature before serving.
Add-ins: A spoonful of peanut butter or finely chopped carrots can make these treats even more exciting for your pup.

Why Homemade Dog Treats Are Worth It

Making your own dog treats isn’t just about control over ingredients – it’s about love. I mean, who doesn’t want to see their dog’s tail wag uncontrollably when they know a special snack is coming?

Store-bought treats are convenient, sure, but many contain preservatives, added sugar, and artificial colors. Homemade treats, like these Apple and Banana Dog Treats, are nutrient-rich, fresh, and you can adjust them to suit your dog’s tastes and dietary needs. Plus, the process is incredibly satisfying.

There’s a certain joy in watching your dog enjoy something you made from scratch. I often find myself baking these treats while listening to my favorite music or sipping on a cup of tea, just soaking in the happiness in my kitchen. And yes, I might have one myself now and then – just a little nibble of banana and apple goodness.

Flavor Profile

These Apple and Banana Dog Treats are subtly sweet, soft, and fragrant. The banana gives them a creamy, moist texture while the apple adds a hint of tartness and crunch.

Cinnamon, if you choose to add it, brings a warm, inviting aroma that makes your kitchen smell heavenly. Dogs may not understand spices the way humans do, but they sure appreciate the scent! Every bite is a little celebration of natural flavors – simple, honest, and delicious.

Nutritional Benefits

Both apples and bananas offer multiple health benefits for dogs. Apples are a good source of fiber, vitamin C, and antioxidants, helping with digestion and immune support. Bananas are packed with potassium, vitamin B6, and manganese, giving your pup a natural energy boost.

Oat flour adds some complex carbs and fiber, making the treats filling without being heavy. Coconut oil, while optional, supports healthy skin and a shiny coat. These treats prove that snacks can be both indulgent and nutritious.

Fun Ways to Serve

Training Treats: Break them into tiny pieces for rewarding good behavior.
Gift Treats: Package them in a cute jar or bag and give them to fellow dog owners.
Dessert for Dogs: Serve a treat after a walk or mealtime for a special reward.

Storage and Shelf Life

These treats stay fresh for about a week when stored in an airtight container at room temperature. For longer storage, pop them in the freezer for up to 3 months. When frozen, simply thaw before serving, and they’ll be just as delightful. Avoid refrigerating as it can make the treats hard and less enjoyable for your dog.

Variations to Try

Peanut Butter Banana Apple Treats: Add 2 tablespoons of natural peanut butter to the dough for a protein-packed twist.
Carrot Apple Banana Treats: Grate a small carrot into the dough for added fiber and crunch.
Pumpkin Spice: Replace cinnamon with pumpkin spice for a fall-inspired treat.

Each variation brings a slightly different flavor and texture, but the core of mashed banana, grated apple, and oat flour remains the same – wholesome and dog-approved.

Safety Tips

Always remove apple seeds before using.
Introduce new ingredients gradually if your dog has a sensitive stomach.
Limit treats to a small portion of your dog’s daily diet to avoid overfeeding.
Observe your dog for any allergic reactions when trying new recipes.

Final Thoughts

I can’t stress enough how rewarding it is to make treats for your dog from scratch. Apple and Banana Dog Treats are a perfect combination of simple ingredients, natural sweetness, and love baked right in. They’re easy to make, versatile, and something your dog will look forward to every time they hear the sound of a cookie cutter or the rattle of a jar.

Every batch feels like a little gift from your kitchen to your furry friend, and honestly, that happiness is worth every minute of mixing, mashing, and baking. So grab your bananas, apples, and oat flour, and treat your dog to something special today. Trust me, those wagging tails and happy sniffs are all the reward you’ll ever need!

Remember, making Apple and Banana Dog Treats isn’t just baking – it’s creating a memory with your pet, one delicious bite at a time.