Our fur babies deserve homemade treats too.  I recently bought Ranger and Abby some at our farmers' market and they LOVED them.  I thought it would be fun to figure out a recipe of our own.  With so many questionable fillers in most store-bought pet food and treats, this is a great way to spoil them with something delicious that’s not going to harm their health.  These treats have seven simple ingredients of which you most likely already have in your kitchen.  You can modify and make them with just about anything.  Abby and Ranger go bonkers for bananas and peanut butter.  I mixed in coconut oil because coconut oil rocks.  It’s good for just about anything but particularly great for their skin and coat and also helps with their digestion.  The touch of salt and cinnamon just adds a bit of fun.  Maybe your pup loves pumpkin or sweet potato or carrots.  Get creative and play with your mix-ins.  You just want to make sure the dough is pliable and firm.  If it’s crumbly, add more wet (like peanut butter or pumpkin).  If it’s sticky add more flour.  Have fun spoiling your pup with these.  They know you made them with love.  

Recipe for Homemade Peanut Butter Banana Dog Treats:

Ingredients:  

• 2 1/2 cups flour, more if needed

• 2 ripe bananas, mashed

• 1 egg

• 1/4 cup peanut butter, more if needed

• ¼ cup coconut oil, melted

• ¼ teaspoon salt

• ¼ teaspoon cinnamon

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  Dress a baking sheet either with parchment paper or by spraying it with non-stick cooking spray.  Set aside.

In a large bowl, combine flour, bananas, egg, peanut butter, coconut oil, salt, and cinnamon until well combined.  You want the dough to be firm and pliable.  If it’s sticky, add additional flour one tablespoon at a time.  If it’s crumbly, add more peanut butter one tablespoon at a time.   

Working on a lightly floured surface, knead the dough until it comes together, about 5-6 times. 

Using a rolling pin, roll the dough to 1/4-inch thickness.  Using your favorite pet cookie cutters or simply ones you have at home, cut into shapes.  Place onto the baking sheet.

Bake in the oven until the edges are golden brown, about 15-18 minutes.

Let cool completely.

Tell him how much you love him and let your favorite furry friend sample one (or two).