DIY Dog Treats: Frozen Bananas Recipe (with peanut butter!)

by Dr. Marty Pets Team | Aug 13, 2018 | 0 comments

Wanting what’s best for your dog—and keeping them happy—don’t always go hand in hand. If that were the case, every dog treat you’ve ever given your pup would be delicious and good for them. But, as you’ve probably noted from Dr. Marty TV, a lot of store-bought dog treats aren’t the healthiest option for your pooch. And, if your dog has an allergy or digestive issue, giving them any old dog treat may be totally out of the question.

Allergies and dietary issues aside, can you imagine getting the exact same treat or reward every time you did something well? It would get boring. Fast.

Thankfully for Fido, there are homemade dog treat recipes featuring frozen banana that taste great and are packed with nutritional value. Spoiling your four-legged friend with frozen banana treats keeps things interesting for your pup and gives you reassurance that you know exactly what your dog is eating.

Treats made with bananas are tasty, high in potassium, and they’re a low-calorie option for your pooch.1 And, when you add peanut butter to the mix, your dog will love you for it! Peanut butter is loaded with protein and healthy fats, as well as vitamins B and E.²

If you’ve never made homemade dog treats before, try these peanut butter banana dog treats.

They can be made easily with items you probably already have in your refrigerator and pantry. Another bonus is that if you have bananas that are starting to over-ripen, this recipe makes use of them, so you don’t have to throw them away!

Note: Before you make these yummy treats, first consult with your veterinarian to make sure they fit with your dog’s diet.

Why Your Dog Has Allergies

Allergens are all around us. They’re in our food, in the air we breathe, and even in our beds, furniture, and carpeting. Allergic reactions occur when your dog’s immune system perceives these allergens as threats. Some of the more common allergens that affect dogs include pollen, dust mites, fleas, and mold. In some cases, a dog can develop a food allergy, just as a human can.¹

It can take months, or even years, for an allergy to develop. The immune system gradually builds up a sensitivity to certain allergens. Then, one day it will simply over-react to this supposed threat. An allergy is basically an unnecessary response to a substance that would otherwise be harmless.²

All dogs are susceptible to allergies, regardless of breed or age.

The signs of an allergy could start showing up in a puppy as early as six months, but they typically don’t begin until the dog is about one or two years old. Dogs with a skin allergy will usually experience itching. It could be in just one spot, or throughout their body. Some dogs show symptoms like sneezing, coughing, or wheezing, while others will have a runny nose. Allergic reactions can also result in diarrhea and vomiting.³

Ingredients and Preparation

To whip up a batch of peanut butter banana dog treats, you’ll need a few ingredients and some helpful kitchen tools.

Ingredients

· 4 cups plain yogurt (look for unsweetened yogurt)

· 2 tablespoons unsalted peanut butter (creamy peanut butter makes a smoother treat)

· 3 ripe bananas, peeled (you can also use frozen bananas, but let them soften up a little before blending with the other ingredients)

That’s it! These three ingredients come together to make a creamy, fruity, frozen banana treat that your dog will love.

Preparation

After you’ve measured all of your ingredients, mash the peeled bananas in a large mixing bowl until they’re creamy and smooth.

Then, combine the banana purée with the yogurt and peanut butter into a blender. Blend until the mixture has a creamy, smooth consistency.

Next, pour the mixture into plastic ice cube trays (small plastic cups also work, but the ice cube trays make taking the treats out a breeze). Since these will be going into the freezer, remember not to overfill the partitions…you don’t want these treats to overflow.

Pop the ice cube trays into the freezer and leave overnight (or until they’re firm). The treats will keep for up to two weeks in your freezer, but given their popularity, they may barely last through the first week!

This recipe makes approximately eight one-ounce servings.

Cool Treats for Good Dogs

These frozen banana, yogurt, and peanut butter cubes will quickly become one of your dog’s favorite treats. Easy to make and a refreshing snack on a hot day – this treat is healthy and delicious!