Homemade Banana and Peanut Butter Chew Stick Recipe for Dogs
I first made these banana and peanut butter chew sticks on a rainy Saturday when my dog needed a distraction and my bananas were a little too ripe for cereal. They’re soft, simple, and built from pantry staples — perfect for training rewards, quiet-time chews, or a homemade alternative to store-bought treats. If you enjoy easy pet projects, this same love of simple comfort shows up in my recipe for homemade chicken and dumplings, but these chews are faster and dog-approved.
What makes this recipe special
These chew sticks are intentionally minimal: ripe banana for natural sweetness and moisture, xylitol-free peanut butter for flavor and protein, oat flour for gentle digestion, and a touch of coconut oil for pliability and a shiny finish. They’re grain-friendly for dogs sensitive to wheat (oat flour is soothing), and they’re easy to portion for training sessions.
“My rescue went crazy for these — the smell drew him in and they held together nicely for a gentle chew.” — a happy pet owner
Because they’re egg-free and simple, they’re great if you want a hypoallergenic-ish treat without complicated ingredients. If you’re exploring homemade pet food or snacks, you might also like another comforting option in this homemade chicken and dumplings post I reference often.
Step-by-step overview
Before you start: this recipe is quick to mix and requires low oven temps for the best texture. You’ll mash, combine wet and dry, form sticks, and bake. You can choose a shorter bake for softer chews or a long, low bake to dry them out into firmer sticks that last longer.
- Prep time: ~10 minutes
- Bake time: 25–30 minutes (soft) or 1.5–2 hours at 200°F (90°C) for firmer chews
- Yield: about 12–16 small sticks (depends on size)
What you’ll need
Key ingredients — all are common and dog-safe when chosen carefully:
- 2 ripe bananas
- ½ cup natural peanut butter (unsweetened and xylitol-free — essential for dog safety)
- 1½ cups oat flour (substitute: grind rolled oats in a blender to make your own)
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil (melted)
Optional notes: swap ¼ cup of oat flour for brown rice flour if you need a lighter texture, or add 1–2 teaspoons of pumpkin purée for extra fiber.
How to prepare it
- Preheat the oven to 300°F (150°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Mash the bananas in a large mixing bowl until smooth. A fork or potato masher works fine.
- Add the peanut butter and melted coconut oil to the mashed bananas and stir until fully combined.
- Gradually fold in the oat flour. Stir until a firm, slightly sticky, pliable dough forms. If it’s too wet, add a tablespoon of oat flour at a time.
- Shape the dough into sticks: roll small amounts between your palms into logs, or pipe the dough through a piping bag fitted with a large round tip for uniform pieces.
- Arrange the sticks on the prepared sheet, leaving a little space between them.
- For softer chews: bake at 300°F (150°C) for 25–30 minutes. For firmer, longer-lasting chews: reduce oven to 200°F (90°C) and bake 1.5–2 hours until they’re dried to your liking. Rotate the pan halfway through the long bake for even drying.
- Let the sticks cool completely on a wire rack before giving them to your dog.
For other quick pantry-friendly recipes that pair well with homemade snacks and meals, check out this creamy bacon chicken recipe for inspiration.
Directions
- Preheat, line, mash, mix, and form — simple execution with two baking options for texture control.
- Watch for dough consistency: you want it firm enough to hold shape but not rock-hard. If piping, slightly thinner dough helps it flow.
- Always cool fully — treats continue to firm as they cool.
Best ways to enjoy it
Serve these as training rewards, after short walks, or tucked into puzzle toys for enrichment. For small dogs, break sticks into bite-size pieces; for larger dogs, offer a whole stick as a supervised treat. You can also use one as a topper for food puzzles or smear a little fresh peanut butter on top for extra excitement.
How to store & freeze
- Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks.
- Freezer: Freeze in a single layer on a tray, then transfer to a sealed bag for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge or at room temperature before serving.
- Food safety: Because these treats contain no preservatives, refrigeration extends freshness; always discard if you notice mold, off smells, or discoloration.
Pro chef tips
- Use fully ripe bananas — they mash smoothly and add natural sweetness without extra sugar.
- Check peanut butter labels: xylitol is highly toxic to dogs; choose a plain, unsweetened variety.
- If you want uniform sticks, chill the dough for 15–20 minutes before piping or rolling. It’s easier to handle.
- For a firmer chew without long baking, slice thicker sticks and bake at 275°F (135°C) for 40–50 minutes, flipping once.
- Keep portion size appropriate for your dog’s weight — treats should be no more than 10% of daily caloric intake.
Creative twists
- Pumpkin & peanut butter: Add 2 tablespoons canned pumpkin for a seasonal flavor and extra fiber.
- Apple cinnamon: Stir in 1 tablespoon unsweetened apple purée and a pinch of cinnamon (safe in small amounts) for variety.
- Oat + sweet potato: Replace half the banana with mashed cooked sweet potato for a denser chew.
- Grain-free option: Use almond flour instead of oat flour only if your dog’s digestion tolerates tree nuts — check with your vet first.
Your questions answered
Q: Is peanut butter safe for dogs?
A: Yes, as long as it’s free of xylitol and unsweetened. Always read labels. Natural peanut butter (peanuts and salt only) is a common, safe option in moderation.
Q: Can these treats replace regular dog chews?
A: They’re great as occasional treats and training rewards but shouldn’t replace balanced, nutritionally complete food. Use them as part of a varied treat rotation.
Q: My dog has a wheat allergy — is oat flour okay?
A: Many dogs with wheat sensitivities tolerate oats well, but every dog is different. Introduce a small amount first and watch for digestive upset. For specific allergies, consult your vet.
Q: Can I make a larger batch and freeze?
A: Yes — freeze baked sticks for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge before serving.
Conclusion
If you want a quick, wholesome treat that uses banana and peanut butter to make dogs happy, these chew sticks are a reliable choice. For more inspiration and similar dog-treat ideas, see this roundup of Homemade Peanut Butter Banana Dog Treats – Three Little Ferns and this simple recipe for 3-Ingredient Peanut Butter Banana Dog Treats – Flora & Vino. Enjoy baking something wholesome for your pup — and remember to keep portions appropriate and ingredient labels checked for safety.
Banana and Peanut Butter Chew Sticks
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat the oven to 300°F (150°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Mash the bananas in a large mixing bowl until smooth.
- Add the peanut butter and melted coconut oil to the mashed bananas and stir until fully combined.
- Gradually fold in the oat flour until a firm, slightly sticky dough forms. If dough is too wet, add extra oat flour, a tablespoon at a time.
- Shape the dough into sticks by rolling small amounts between your palms or pipe the dough using a piping bag fitted with a large round tip.
- Arrange the sticks on the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between them.
- For softer chews, bake at 300°F (150°C) for 25–30 minutes.
- For firmer chews, reduce oven to 200°F (90°C) and bake for 1.5–2 hours until dried to your liking. Rotate the pan halfway through the baking time.
- Let the sticks cool completely on a wire rack before serving to your dog.
