Bananas: Healthy Dog Treat?

  Posted on April 19, 2017  by Joy of Living  No comments

 

My dogs LOVE bananas!  Every time they see me with one, they come over wanting a bite.  I split the pointy end piece between them, their fruit bite of the day.

I’m a big believer in feeding healthy treats, and bananas fill the bill.

Health Benefits of Bananas For Your Dog

Bananas are high in soluble carbohydrates, a great source of energy for dogs and antioxidants they contain are helpful to a dog's fur and skin. Click To Tweet They’re also rich in Vitamin C, low in sodium, and rich with potassium.

Another benefit is they can often be substituted for eggs in the event your dog has an egg allergy.

Dog Treat Recipe

As an Easter treat, I made dog treats with bananas as one of the ingredients.  Here’s the recipe:

Easter Bunny Treats

2 cups oat flour

1 banana (organic)

1/3 cup unsweetened applesauce (organic)

2 teaspoons baking powder

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

1 teaspoon cinnamon

2 cups pureed carrots (organic)

1/4 cup safflower oil

1 teaspoon vanilla

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Peel and dice carrots, then puree in food processor.

Combine carrots with all other ingredients in large bowl.  Mix thoroughly.  Put cupcake papers in mini muffin tin.  Spoon mixture evenly into papers, fill close to the top.

Bake 10-15 minutes.  They’re done when toothpick inserted in middle comes out clean.  Cool completely on wire rack.

These come out quite moist, almost cake-like, so you might need to add a bit of cooking time if your dog prefers firmer treats.

Since they are moist and don’t contain any preservatives, store in airtight container in the refrigerator.

 

 

My dogs and those I shared them with loved these treats.  They’re easy and filled with nutritious ingredients.

Although bananas are filled with nutrients, introduce them slowly if your dog hasn’t had them before.  Offer a very small taste in the beginning to minimize any chance of digestive upset.

If you’re looking for a new treat for your dog, try bananas.  My dogs give them two paws up!