Banana Applesauce Dog Treats

How I Unleashed My Culinary Skills for My Dogs

Picture this: I’m standing in the kitchen, a whirlwind of paws, wagging tails, and a loud chorus of barks serenading me. It’s like a scene out of a doggy version of “Dancing with the Stars,” minus, you know, the stars. I was hunting for a recipe to keep my four-legged friends happy, and voilà, a lightbulb moment hit me like a tennis ball at the park. A glorious concoction known as banana applesauce dog treats! They begged for it, with those big, soulful eyes that say, “Feed me something delicious, human!” Suddenly, I felt like a master chef in a children’s cooking show, ready to whip up a dish that would make my furry companions drool.

Let me tell you, sometimes figuring out what dog food to whip up feels like trying to solve a Rubik’s cube blindfolded. One day, I tried to make a gourmet meal for my clan of canine critics, only to realize halfway through that I had no peas. Instead, I grabbed a few bananas from the fruit bowl and opened a pouch of applesauce that had been begging to be used. Bananas in dog treats? Genius! Applesauce? The icing on the pup cake! Believe me, it was a lightbulb moment worthy of a dog parade. I mean, who knew my grocery leftovers could lead to something so tail-waggingly good?

So, if you’re anything like me — a self-proclaimed dog mom (or dad) with a flair for feeding the canines — these treats will change your life. They are a fun and easy way to whip up something fresh and healthy for your best buddies. I can just picture them bounding around the kitchen while I make these treats, their enthusiasm rallying me like a superhero ready to save the day. Well, maybe less superhero, more everyday hero with a spatula in one hand and a banana in the other!

Why You’ll Love This Dog Food Recipe

– **It’s ridiculously easy to make** – Even my dogs could probably do it…if they had opposable thumbs! Seriously though, if I can do it without burning my kitchen down, so can you.
– **It’s impressively delicious** – Prepare for your dog to look at you like you just fed them filet mignon. Friends will definitely be raising their eyebrows and asking, “Did you hire a personal chef for your dog?”
– **It’s comforting** – You know those days when everything feels ‘ruff’? Making these treats is like wrapping yourself in a cozy blanket for both you and your pup.
– **It’s packed with nutrients** – Yeah, you heard that right! These treats are like doggy superheroes, packed with the goodness of fruits.
– **Your pups will thank you** – With every wag of their tail, every slobbery kiss, and yes, even their “I love you” shenanigans! What more convincing do you need?

Preparation & Cooking Time

– Total Time: 30 minutes
– Preparation Time: 15 minutes
– Cooking Time: 15 minutes
– Servings: Makes about 30 treats
– Calories per serving: Approximately 35 calories per treat
– Key Nutrients:
– Protein: 1g
– Carbs: 8g
– Fat: 0.5g

Ingredients You Need

– 2 ripe bananas – The stars of the show! They’re super sweet and loaded with potassium.
– 1 cup of applesauce – Just the right amount of moisture and flavor.
– 1 ½ cups of whole wheat flour – Because dogs deserve a little whole-grain action!
– 1 egg – The binding agent of love.
– ½ cup of rolled oats – Ah, the trusty oats, making treats chewy and inviting.
– ½ teaspoon of cinnamon – A sprinkle of heaven that makes everyone’s nose twitch with happiness.

Ingredient Highlights & Variations

Let’s talk about bananas first. Did you know that bananas are not only delicious, but they’re also rich in potassium and vitamins? They’re like little yellow powerhouses for our furry pals! Now, if you’re thinking of switching it up, you might consider using unsweetened pumpkin puree instead when autumn rolls around – that’s sure to make them wiggle with joy, too!

Now, the applesauce. It’s not just any applesauce; it’s the magical ingredient in many wholesome dog recipes. It’s best to opt for unsweetened or homemade (if you’re feeling adventurous) because those extra sugars can be for humans only! Oh, and those oatmeal goodies? They’re not just filler; they help aid digestion, keeping those furry tummies happy. Think of them as tiny edible hugs.

What about the egg? Eggs are a fantastic source of protein for dogs, and they’re full of taurine, an amino acid good for heart health. If you want to substitute, consider using a little bit of unsweetened yogurt or even a flaxseed meal mixture for our vegan friends’ pups.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat that oven to 350°F (that’s about 175°C for my international friends).
2. Mash the bananas in a mixing bowl until they’re smooth enough to make a real banana smoothie jealous.
3. Add the applesauce and egg; mix it up until everything is creamy and combined, like an enthusiastic pup jumping into a puddle.
4. In another bowl, combine the whole wheat flour, oats, and cinnamon. Whisk them like you’ve just won the doggy lottery!
5. Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet ones until everything is evenly combined. It might get a bit sticky, but that’s just the fun of it!
6. Now comes the fun part—roll the dough into little balls or cut them into shapes. I personally love using a bone-shaped cookie cutter!
7. Place your treats on a parchment-lined baking sheet, giving them some space to breathe (or ‘woof’).
8. Pop them in the oven and let them bake for about 15 minutes or until they’re golden brown and your house smells like a candy store.
9. Allow them to cool down before your little gremlins taste-test.
10. Now sit back, relax, and watch those tails wag with joy as you hand out the best dog treats ever!

How to Serve It

Serving these treats is like throwing your dog a mini-party! You can put them in a fancy jar and present it like a five-star meal that would make any foodie drool. Pairing them with a side of fresh fruit is also delightful — you know, for those fancy pet dinner parties. Maybe a little slice of apple (dog-safe, of course) on the side just to impress their friends who pop by for a visit.

You might also want to sprinkle a few leaf-shaped treats on a plate, allowing them to have a “themed meal” once in a while. Let’s be honest, dogs love a good photo op as much as we do. And don’t forget the most important part: serve each treat with a smile and a whole lot of belly rubs, of course.

FAQ

– **Can I use store-bought applesauce instead of homemade?** Absolutely! As long as it is unsweetened, your dog won’t mind. Just remember, no added sugars or spices, please!
– **Can I substitute the eggs?** Sure! You can use flaxseed meal mixed with water or unsweetened yogurt. It’s like finding a hidden treasure of healthy choices!
– **What if my dog is picky?** Start with just a mini taste test of the treat, and if they give you that “moan of approval,” you’ll be their hero!
– **How long can I store these treats?** They can last for a week in an airtight container or up to three months in the freezer. Just make sure to defrost them in the refrigerator for a yummy treat.
– **What if my dough is too sticky?** If your dough feels like a sticky mass of happiness, simply add a bit more flour until it reaches the perfect consistency.

Let’s Wrap This Up

Now that we’ve ventured together through the land of homemade dog treats, I encourage you to give this recipe a go! Your dogs will thank you, not to mention you’ll be the talk of the dog park. And I’d love it if you could share your tales — did your pup beg for more? Did they do a little happy dance? Or maybe your cat looked on in complete bewilderment? Leave a comment below with your experiences or maybe a funny tale from your kitchen escapades with your furry friends. These banana applesauce dog treats are not just mere food; they’re made with love and laughter, ready to be shared with the best companions a person could ever ask for. Happy cooking!