Banana Pumpkin Dog Treats
Welcome, fellow pet lovers, to another adventure in homemade dog treats! Today, we’re whipping up a batch of Banana Pumpkin Dog Treats that will have your furry friends wagging their tails with joy. Packed with wholesome ingredients like ripe bananas and pumpkin puree, these treats are not only delicious but also a nutritious way to show your canine companions some extra love.
We’ve been on a mission to remove as much processed food from our diets as possible. So our pups diet is no different. And if you are like me, you feel good knowing you have full control over what your beloved furry friend is ingesting. Especially dog treats or bones. The amount of processing that goes into store bought dog bones to make them shelf stable is insane. Not to mention the recalls! So making my own dog treats with this easy recipe is a no-brainer.
This is such a simple recipe that I typically make a double recipe and freeze one batch.
Ingredients for Homemade Banana Pumpkin Dog Treats
Four simple ingredients make up this Banana Pumpkin Dog Treat recipe.
- Ripe bananas, mashed
- Pumpkin purée, canned or fresh
- Eggs
- Flour, whole wheat
Equipment
- dog bone cookie cutter
- parchment paper lined cookie sheet
How to make Pumpkin Banana Dog Treats
Step 1: Gather Your Ingredients
First things first, gather all your ingredients. Make sure those bananas are perfectly ripe, as they add a natural sweetness that your furry friend will adore. And don’t forget the pumpkin puree, which not only adds a rich flavor but also provides a dose of essential nutrients.
Step 2: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). It’s time to get that kitchen warmed up for some baking fun!
Step 3: Mash Those Bananas
Take those ripe bananas and mash them up in a bowl until you have creamy bananas. The riper, the better – the natural sweetness will shine through, making these treats irresistible for your pup.
Step 4: Mix in the Pumpkin Purée
Add the pumpkin purée to the mashed bananas. This ingredient not only enhances the flavor but also contributes to your dog’s overall well-being with its nutritional goodness.
Step 5: Crack Those Eggs
In a separate bowl, crack the eggs and beat them well. Eggs act as a binding agent in this recipe, ensuring that your treats hold their shape while baking.
Step 6: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Now, it’s time to bring everything together. Combine the mashed bananas and pumpkin puree mixture with the beaten eggs. Mix well until you have a smooth, consistent blend.
Step 7: Add Whole Wheat Flour
Gradually add the whole wheat flour to the wet ingredients. This step requires a bit of patience – fold in the flour slowly to create a dough that’s not too sticky. You want a workable, firm dough that can be easily rolled out. If your dough is too dry, add 1 tablespoon water at a time. Or if dough is too sticky to work with, try adding more flour 1/4 cup at a time.
Step 8: Roll and Shape
Flour your work surface, using a rolling pin, roll out the dough to about 1/4-inch thickness. Get creative with the shapes – use dog bone-shaped cookie cutters to make treats that are not only tasty but also fun and visually appealing.
Step 9: Bake to Perfection
Place your cute dog bone shapes on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Pop them into the preheated oven and bake for about 20-25 minutes or until golden brown. Keep an eye on them to ensure they don’t get too crispy – we’re aiming for a nice, crunchy exterior with a slightly chewy center.
Step 10: Let Them Cool
Once baked to perfection, allow the treats to cool completely on a wire rack. Your furry companion might be eager to taste them, I know Magnus always is, but patience is key for treats that hold their shape. Your fur baby will thank you for making these homemade pumpkin dog treats!
Magnus approved!
Nutritional Benefits
As with humans, our furry friends need essential vitamins and minerals for a healthy diet. These tasty treats serve uo a good source of Vitamin C, A, Calcium and protein. As a pet parent, these benefits are important to me.
Storage
For best results, store your treats in an airtight container or storage bag for up to 2 weeks in the refrigerator. You can keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, if they last that long! Or store in the freezer for up to 3 months. As I stated above, I batch cook my treats so that I can freeze a batch. When you are ready, remove from the freezer and thaw in the refrigerator over night.
Other Recipes You Might Enjoy
Homemade Instant Pot Dog Food with Chicken
Quick Homemade Instant Pot Beef Dog Food
Equipment
- Baking sheet lined with parchment paper
- Dog-bone shaped cookie cutters – optional
Ingredients
- 1 cup ripe bananas, mashed (about 3)
- 1 14 oz pumpkin puree, canned
- 2 eggs
- 4 cups whole wheat flour
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C)
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the mashed bananas and pumpkin puree.
- In a small bowl, whisk the eggs. Add egg mixture to banana pumpkin mixture.
- Add flour to the pumpkin mixture one cup at a time. Until a workable dough forms. If too sticky, add ¼ cup flour at a time. Or if too stiff, add 1 tablespoon water at a time until dough is soft enough to roll out.
- Flour your work surface, using a rolling pin, roll out the dough to about 1/4-inch thickness. Use cookie cutters shaped like dog bones or any other shape you like.
- Place treats on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Place in the preheated oven and bake for about 20-25 minutes or until golden brown. Keep an eye on them to ensure they don't get too crispy. You want a crunchy outside and chewy inside.
- Cool on a wire rack.
- Enjoy!