Amazing Apple Banana Dog Treats RECIPE

Okay, confession time: my dog, Buster, is a total foodie. Seriously, he’s got more discerning taste buds than some humans I know! I used to buy him all sorts of fancy treats, but then I started reading the ingredient labels and, honestly? Sometimes it’s just a bunch of stuff I can’t even pronounce. That’s when I got really into making my own dog treats, and let me tell you, it’s SO much more rewarding! The amazing thing is, you don’t need to be some fancy pastry chef to whip up something your pup will go absolutely bonkers for. These Apple and Banana Dog Treats are my absolute go-to. They’re ridiculously easy, packed with good-for-them ingredients, and my Buster? Well, he practically does a happy dance every time I pull out the bag. It’s the best feeling knowing exactly what’s going into his belly!

Why You’ll Love This Apple and Banana Dog Treats RECIPE

Honestly, there are so many reasons this recipe is a winner, but here are my favorites:

• Super Easy: Seriously, you probably have most of the stuff in your pantry already. It’s a lifesaver when you need a quick treat!
• Healthy Goodness: Made with real fruit and whole wheat flour, it’s a snack you can feel good about giving. No weird fillers here!
• Pup Approved: My Buster goes nuts for these. The sweet combo of apple and banana is irresistible to dogs!
• Great for Overripe Fruit: Got bananas getting a little too brown? This is the perfect way to use them up before they go bad. Waste not, want not!

Gather Your Ingredients for Apple and Banana Dog Treats

Alright, let’s get down to business and talk about what you’ll need for these yummy treats! It’s honestly super simple, which is why I love it so much. First up, you’re going to need about **2 cups of whole wheat flour.** I stick with whole wheat because it’s a good, hearty base, but you could totally experiment with oat flour if your pup is sensitive to wheat – just keep in mind the texture might change a *little* bit. Next, we’ve got the fruity stars of the show! You’ll need **1/2 cup of unsweetened applesauce.** Make sure it’s the unsweetened kind, ’cause we don’t want to add any unnecessary sugars for our furry friends. Then, grab yourself a nice, ripe banana – the browner, the better, honestly – and mash it up until it’s nice and smooth. You’ll need about **1/4 cup of that mashed banana.** A perfectly ripe banana makes these extra moist and delicious for your doggo! And finally, just a splash of **1/4 cup of water** to help bring it all together into a nice, workable dough. That’s it! See? No fancy stuff, just wholesome goodness.

Essential Equipment for Making Apple and Banana Dog Treats

To whip up these awesome apple and banana dog treats, you really don’t need a whole lot. It’s all pretty basic kitchen stuff! First, you’ll need a large mixing bowl; this is where all the magic happens and you combine everything. Then, grab a couple of baking sheets – having two is handy so you can bake a good batch all at once. Definitely line those baking sheets with parchment paper. Trust me, it makes cleanup a breeze and stops those delicious treats from sticking. And of course, you’ll want some cookie cutters! Any fun shapes will do – bones, stars, whatever you have on hand. That’s really it!

Step-by-Step Guide to Your Apple and Banana Dog Treats RECIPE

Alright, let’s get baking! This is where the fun really begins. First things first, let’s get that oven preheated to 350°F (175°C). It’s important to have it nice and hot when the treats are ready to go in. Now, grab your big mixing bowl. Dump in that whole wheat flour, the unsweetened applesauce, and your mashed-up ripe banana. Give it all a good mix until it’s starting to come together. You might need to add that pretty little splash of water here! Just a heads-up, you might need a smidge more water, or maybe a tiny bit less, depending on how moist your fruit is. You’re looking for a stiff dough – think play-doh consistency, something you can actually roll out without it being too sticky or too crumbly. Just keep mixing until it feels right!

Preparing the Dough for Your Apple and Banana Dog Treats

So, you’ve got your ingredients in the bowl, and you’re stirring away. The key here is to get a nice, cohesive dough. Don’t overmix it, though! We’re not making bread here. You want everything just combined into a nice, pliable dough. Really mash that banana well before you add it; nobody wants big chunks of banana in their treat, right? If the dough feels too dry and crumbly, just add another tablespoon of water at a time until it holds together. If it feels too sticky, a little sprinkle of flour should do the trick. It’s all about getting that perfect, workable texture.

Shaping and Baking Your Homemade Dog Treats

Once your dough is just right, sprinkle a little bit of flour onto your clean counter or a cutting board. This stops it from sticking while you roll. Lay your dough out and roll it to about 1/4 inch thick. You want them thin enough to get nice and crisp, but not so thin they burn instantly. Now comes the best part – cutting out fun shapes! Use whatever cookie cutters you have. Little bones, stars, hearts – whatever makes you smile. Carefully place these cute shapes onto that baking sheet you lined with parchment paper. Make sure they’ve got a little space between them so they bake evenly. Pop them into that preheated oven and bake for about 20 to 25 minutes. You’re looking for them to be golden brown and feel firm to the touch. Once they’re done, take them out and let them cool completely on a wire rack before you give your best friend the best treat ever!

Ingredient Notes and Substitutions for Apple and Banana Dog Treats

So, let’s chat a bit more about these ingredients because, honestly, the little details really make a difference! When it comes to the banana, definitely go for one that’s on the riper side – you know, those ones with all the brown spots? Those spots mean they’re sweeter and mash up way easier, giving you that lovely, moist texture without needing any added sugar. Plus, dogs actually love bananas, so it’s a win-win! Now, about the flour. Whole wheat is my go-to because it’s got good fiber for my pups, but if your doggy friend has a sensitive tummy or you’re looking for a change, you can totally swap it! Oat flour is a fantastic substitute – just make sure it’s plain oat flour, not the flavored kind. You might need to adjust the water slightly if you use oat flour, as it can sometimes absorb liquid a bit differently. I haven’t tried gluten-free blends too much with this one, but if you do, pick one that’s designed for baking with a nice balance, and again, keep an eye on that dough consistency! And the applesauce? Unsweetened is key! It adds moisture and a hint of apple flavor without any extra sugar or artificial stuff. If you happen to run out of applesauce, you could try a little bit of mashed sweet potato or even a plain pumpkin puree (make sure it’s 100% pumpkin, not pie filling!), but the applesauce really gives it that classic, slightly sweet taste dogs seem to crave. Just remember, whatever you change, always observe your dog to make sure they agree with it!

Tips for Perfect Apple and Banana Dog Treats Every Time

Okay, so you want to make sure these treats turn out *just right* for your furry overlord? I get it! My biggest tip is probably to not overmix that dough. Once everything’s combined and it feels nice and workable, stop! Overmixing can make them a bit tough, and we want tender, bite-sized goodness. Also, try to get that dough rolled out to a pretty even thickness, about 1/4 inch. If some are thick and some are thin, they won’t bake up too consistently, and nobody likes a burnt edge or a doughy center! When they’re baking, just keep an eye on them. They should look golden brown and feel firm when you give them a gentle poke. If you’re unsure, you can always carefully take one out and let it cool for a minute to see if it’s as firm as you like it. And please, PLEASE let them cool completely before you hand them over. Trust me, a hot treat is not a happy treat for your pup’s mouth! Patience is key here!

Storing and Freezing Your Apple and Banana Dog Treats

So, you’ve made these amazing little treats and your dog has devoured them, but you want to save some for later? Totally smart! For treats you plan to give out within a week, just pop them into an airtight container and keep them right there on your counter. They should stay perfectly good for about a week. Makes life so much easier when you know you’ve got homemade goodies ready to go! Now, if you’re like me and you like to bake a HUGE batch to have on hand for weeks (or even months!), freezing is your best friend. Just seal them up tight in a freezer-safe bag or container, and they’ll last for a good few months. When you want to give one, just let it thaw on the counter for a bit. So simple!

Frequently Asked Questions about Apple and Banana Dog Treats

Got questions about whipping up these apple and banana delights for your furry pal? I’ve got you covered! Lots of folks ask about swapping things around, so let’s dive in.

Can I use different types of flour for these dog treats?

Oh, absolutely! While whole wheat is my go-to, you can totally try oat flour. Just measure it the same way! Some people also have luck with coconut flour, but you might need to add a little more liquid because it’s super absorbent. Gluten-free blends can work too, but look for ones meant for baking, and be prepared to adjust that water just a bit to get that nice, stiff dough consistency.

How long do these apple and banana dog treats last?

If you store them in an airtight container at room temperature, they’re usually good for about a week. Honestly, though, they disappear pretty fast around here! If you’re lucky enough to have any left after that, popping them in the freezer is your best bet. They’ll keep nicely for a couple of months there.

Are these treats suitable for puppies?

Yep, they sure are! The ingredients are super gentle. Just make sure you cut them into smaller, puppy-friendly sizes. Since puppies are still growing, always supervise them when they’re eating and make sure they’re not gobbling them down too fast. They’re a great, natural way to introduce new tastes!

Can I add other ingredients to these treats?

You can definitely get creative! A little pinch of cinnamon (just a tiny bit!) can be nice, or maybe some shredded unsweetened coconut. Some people add a tablespoon of peanut butter (xylitol-free, of course!) for extra flavor. Just remember, when adding new things, introduce them slowly to make sure your dog’s tummy likes them. Keep it simple at first, though!

Nutritional Information for Apple and Banana Dog Treats

Just so you know, this is all based on estimates since we’re all baking with slightly different flours and fruit sizes! But generally, each of these yummy treats comes in at around **50 calories**. You’re looking at about **1 gram of fat**, **2 grams of protein**, and **10 grams of carbohydrates**. It’s a pretty balanced little snack for your best pal!

Share Your Apple and Banana Dog Treats Creations!

Alright, now it’s your turn! I’d absolutely LOVE to hear how your apple and banana dog treats turned out. Did your pup do the zoomies? Did you try any fun cookie cutter shapes? Leave a comment below and tell me all about it! And hey, if you snapped some adorable photos of your doggo enjoying their homemade goodies, I’d be thrilled if you tagged me on social media. Seeing your creations really makes my day! Dont forget Delicious Chicken Veggie Patties For more recipes follow me on PINTEREST Print