Banana Peanut Butter Chew Sticks for Dogs

These sticks bake long and slow so they turn hard and crunchy all the way through, which keeps busy dogs chewing a little longer.

Ripe bananas are the sweetener and the binder.

Why your dog will love this

• Banana and peanut butter, the classic combination
• Crunchy sticks that take a while to finish
• No flour, eggs or dairy

Ingredient notes

• Very ripe bananas Safe

  The browner the banana, the easier it is to mash.

  Fine in moderation. High in natural sugar.

• Xylitol-free peanut butter Caution

  Choose a peanut butter with just peanuts and maybe salt.

  Only use brands without xylitol (also sold as birch sugar). High in fat.

• Rolled oats, blended into flour Safe

  Plain oats cooked or baked. Skip flavored instant oatmeal.

See every ingredient in the safety guide

How to make Banana Peanut Butter Chew Sticks for Dogs

Banana Peanut Butter Chew Sticks for Dogs takes about 1 hour 45 minutes from start to finish and makes 16 sticks. It is an easy recipe. You will need a high-speed blender. Read through every step once before you start, and set out all the ingredients so nothing is missed.

Ingredients and why they are here

You need 3 ingredients. Each one is checked against the ingredient safety guide for dogs.

• 2 medium very ripe bananas: The browner the banana, the easier it is to mash. Fine in moderation. High in natural sugar.
• 1/3 cup xylitol-free peanut butter: Choose a peanut butter with just peanuts and maybe salt. Only use brands without xylitol (also sold as birch sugar). High in fat.
• 2 cups rolled oats, blended into flour: Plain oats cooked or baked. Skip flavored instant oatmeal.

Step-by-step instructions

1. Heat the oven to 300°F (150°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment.
2. Mash the bananas, then stir in the peanut butter.
3. Add the oat flour and knead into a firm dough.
4. Roll into finger-thick logs about 5 inches (13 cm) long and place on the sheet.
5. Bake, turning once halfway, until hard and dry. Allow about 1 hour 30 minutes.
6. Cool completely so the sticks finish crisping.

Tips for success

• Pipe the batter into long sticks with a zip bag for even thickness.
• Dry the sticks low and slow for the chewiest texture.
• Store in the fridge if your kitchen is warm or humid.

How to store it

Let everything cool completely before you pack it away, since trapped steam causes sogginess and mold. Keep it at room temperature for up to 7 days, in the fridge for up to 3 weeks, or in the freezer for up to 3 months. If anything smells off or shows mold, throw it out.

How much to serve

One stick for medium and large dogs. Snap in half for small dogs and puppies. Each stick has about 62 calories. Treats and toppers should stay under 10 percent of your dog’s daily calories, so cut back their regular food a little on days you serve extra.

Swaps and variations

No very ripe bananas? Use 1 cup plain pumpkin purée. No xylitol-free peanut butter? Use unsalted almond butter (xylitol-free). Change one ingredient at a time so you can tell how each swap affects the texture.

Why dogs love it

Banana and peanut butter, the classic combination. Crunchy sticks that take a while to finish. No flour, eggs or dairy.

Feeding tips for dogs

Introduce any new food slowly, starting with a small piece, and wait a day to see how your dog’s stomach handles it. Dogs with allergies, pancreatitis, kidney disease or diabetes may need changes, so check with your vet first. Keep fresh water out, especially with dry or salty-tasting treats, and count every treat toward the daily allowance so meals stay balanced.

Safety notes

Peanut Butter: Only use brands without xylitol (also sold as birch sugar). High in fat. Never add onion, garlic, chocolate, grapes, raisins, xylitol or salt, and check the safety guide before trying a new ingredient with your dog. This recipe is general information, not veterinary advice.

Frequently asked questions

Are these hard enough to clean teeth?

They are crunchy, but no treat replaces brushing. Ask your vet about dental care.

Can puppies have these?

Yes, in small pieces. Watch puppies while they chew.

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