Homemade Peanut Butter Bacon Banana Dog Treats: A Recipe for Unconditional Love
There’s a special joy in pampering our furry companions, and what better way than with delicious, homemade treats? Forget the mystery ingredients and preservatives found in store-bought options. These DIY Peanut Butter Bacon Banana Dog Treats are not only incredibly easy to make with ingredients you likely already have on hand, but they’re also packed with flavors your dog will absolutely adore. Prepare to witness tail wags of pure delight and cement your status as the ultimate pet parent!
Celebrating Special Milestones with Wholesome Dog Treats
Today marks a truly special occasion in our household: it’s our beloved dog, Dudley’s, 5th birthday! Around here, we believe our four-legged family members deserve just as much celebration as anyone else. For years, my tradition involved a trip to the local dog bakery to pick up something unique and beautifully decorated. However, a few years back, that cherished little bakery closed its doors, leaving a void in our annual celebrations. That’s when I decided to take matters into my own hands and delve into the wonderful world of homemade dog treats.
While my creations may not boast the elaborate icing or artistic flair of professional bakery items, the reaction from my dogs tells me one thing: they couldn’t care less about aesthetics. All they know is that these delicious, fresh-baked treats are a welcome departure from the standard kibble and packaged biscuits. The joy of seeing them eagerly devour something made with love is truly priceless. It’s not just about the treat itself, but the intention and care behind it, making it a truly special gesture for our furry friends.
The Journey to Dudley: A Tale of Unconditional Love
If you had asked me four and a half years ago whether we’d be throwing a birthday party for Dudley, my answer might have surprised you. My journey with dogs has been a deeply personal one, shaped by both profound love and heartbreaking loss. Growing up, our family never owned a dog. However, as a teenager, I often babysat for a family who had an adorable Yorkie, and I quickly fell head over heels in love with him. This early exposure sparked a lifelong affection for canines.
Fast forward to my college years: as soon as I secured my own place during my senior year, I welcomed a Yorkie into my life. His name was Parker, and he was my absolute world. I would have moved mountains for that dog, even spending upwards of $4,000 on back surgery when he was just four years old. He was more than a pet; he was my first “baby.” However, life presented us with an unforeseen challenge. When I became pregnant with my first child, Parker unfortunately needed another surgery, this time for his kidneys. This would have been his fourth major operation, as his kidneys had never functioned properly. With a new baby on the way, the emotional and financial strain of another costly surgery with no guarantee of success became overwhelming.
In October of 2010, when my son was just four months old, we made the incredibly difficult decision to have Parker put down. It remains one of the hardest days of my life. Yet, it was equally heartbreaking to witness his daily struggles and the immense pain he endured just to perform basic bodily functions. Ultimately, it was the most compassionate choice for both him and our family. We find comfort in knowing he’s now playing freely and pain-free in doggie heaven with all his furry friends. Hi, Parker!
Opening Our Hearts Again: The Arrival of Dudley
My husband, who grew up with dogs and shares my deep love for them, raised the idea of getting a new companion about six months after Parker’s passing. I wasn’t entirely ready, but I would occasionally browse the Humane Society’s website, cautiously searching for a potential new family member. One fateful day, Dudley’s picture caught our eye. We promptly made an appointment to meet him first thing on a Saturday morning.
I’ll never forget the sheer delight that lit up my husband’s and son’s faces the moment Dudley entered the room. Their eyes gleamed with instant affection, and in that very instant, I knew Dudley had found his forever home. He was a six-month-old Schnauzer mix, sadly abandoned on the side of the road. Despite his rough start, he had clearly been well cared for, needing no house training or the typical puppy obedience lessons. He was undeniably cute and wonderful, yet I found myself struggling to adjust to having a new dog. Working from home with a newborn, my energy reserves were constantly depleted, and managing a new puppy felt overwhelming. At one point, I even told my husband to find him another home.
“Give him a few weeks,” my husband wisely advised, “he’ll calm down.” And he was absolutely right. I am eternally grateful for his patience and his words of encouragement, because now I cannot imagine my life without Dudley. He has become my sweet boy, showering me with unwavering, unconditional love, even on days when I might not be at my best. His presence has healed a part of my heart I didn’t realize was still aching, and for that, I am endlessly thankful.
The Perfect Birthday Treat: Peanut Butter Bacon Banana Dog Treats
So, to properly celebrate Dudley’s fifth birthday, we’re treating him to these fantastic DIY Peanut Butter Bacon Banana Dog Treats, along with a few new chew toys. I made a variation of these homemade dog treats last year that included carrots. This year, I decided to omit the carrots and instead added bacon. Why bacon? Because, just like humans, dogs absolutely adore bacon, and my Dudley is certainly no exception! The irresistible aroma of sizzling bacon is enough to get any dog’s tail wagging, and incorporating it into their treats makes them even more enticing.
One of the best aspects of these wholesome dog treats is how incredibly simple they are to prepare. In most cases, you won’t even need to make a special trip to the grocery store. The process involves just a few steps: crisping up some bacon, combining the remaining natural ingredients in a bowl to form a dough, rolling it out, and cutting it into fun shapes. While the dogs certainly won’t mind if you simply slice them into squares, using a cute bone-shaped cookie cutter adds an extra touch that makes them look even more appealing. A quick bake in the oven, and before you know it, you’ll have a batch of homemade dog treats that your pups will find utterly irresistible. It’s a small effort for a huge reward in their joyful reactions!
A Fun Activity for the Whole Family
Making these dog treats also doubles as a fantastic activity to share with your children. My daughter absolutely loved helping me cut out the cookie shapes. She couldn’t resist striking a pose, complete with her hand on her hip, for these photos, showcasing her proud involvement in the treat-making process. It’s a wonderful way to teach kids about caring for pets, the importance of healthy ingredients, and the simple joy of creating something together. Plus, they get to see their furry friend’s excitement firsthand, reinforcing the bond between them.
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DIY Peanut Butter Bacon Banana Dog Treats
Prep Time
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Author Strawberry Blondie Kitchen
Yield 18 Treats
Make your pups something extra special with these DIY Peanut Butter Bacon Banana Dog Treats. Super easy, made with ingredients you already have on hand and your dogs are sure to love them!
Ingredients for Delicious Dog Treats
- 3 slices of bacon, cooked and fat reserved
- 1 cup whole wheat white flour
- 1 cup oat flour
- 1/2 cup rolled oats
- 1 tablespoon dried parsley
- 1 large egg
- 1 ripe banana, mashed
- 1/3 cup natural peanut butter (ensure it does NOT contain Xylitol)
- 1 tablespoon reserved bacon fat
- 1/2 cup water (or as needed for consistency)
Simple Baking Instructions for Your Furry Friends
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175°C). Line a 12 x 17-inch baking sheet with a silicone baking mat (Silpat) or parchment paper.
- Cook the bacon in a frying pan until crispy. Remove the bacon, crumble it once cooled, and carefully reserve 1 tablespoon of the rendered bacon fat.
- In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the whole wheat white flour, oat flour, rolled oats, and dried parsley. Stir well and set aside.
- In a separate heat-proof bowl, combine the mashed banana, natural peanut butter (double-check for no Xylitol), and the reserved bacon fat. Stir until well combined. Heat this mixture in a microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring after each, until the peanut butter is melted and smooth. Allow it to cool slightly before adding the beaten egg and the crumbled bacon bits.
- Create a well in the center of your dry ingredients bowl. Pour the cooled wet ingredients into this well. Gradually add water, mixing until a smooth, pliable dough forms. (The amount of water may vary, but typically around 1/2 cup is needed for the right consistency).
- Lightly flour a large, clean surface. Roll out the dough evenly until it is approximately 1/4 inch thick.
- Use a cookie cutter (a fun dog bone shape is perfect!) to cut out your treats. Carefully place them onto the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until the edges of the treats are golden brown and firm. Allow the treats to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Important Notes & Tips for Safe Dog Treats
*Please note: Every dog is unique and has different dietary needs and sensitivities. Some dogs may have allergies to certain foods. Always consult your veterinarian before introducing any new ingredients or treats into your dog’s diet, especially if they have pre-existing health conditions or allergies. Store these homemade treats in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week, or freeze them for longer preservation.
Courses Homemade Dog Treats
Cuisine Dog Treats
Essential Baking Tools for Homemade Dog Treats
To make your baking experience even smoother and more efficient, I highly recommend using Silpat silicone baking mats. They are truly game-changers for all types of baking, ensuring nothing sticks and eliminating the need to constantly buy and discard parchment paper. These reusable mats provide a perfectly non-stick surface, making cleanup a breeze and guaranteeing your dog treats release easily every time. Investing in a good quality silicone mat is a smart choice for any avid baker, human or canine-focused!
For that adorable, professional touch, you can also easily purchase this charming dog bone cookie cutter. While your dogs won’t differentiate between a perfectly shaped bone and a simple square, it certainly adds to the fun of the baking process and makes for more Instagram-worthy treats! It’s a small detail that brings a smile to your face and adds to the homemade charm.
Happy Barkday, Dudley!
Five years ago, a little Schnauzer mix found his way into our hearts, turning our lives upside down in the best possible way. From the initial struggles to the undeniable bond we share today, Dudley has taught us so much about resilience, love, and the simple joys of companionship. Every tail wag, every playful bark, every cuddle reminds us of the incredible gift he is to our family. Celebrating his birthday with these delicious, wholesome homemade treats is just a small way to show him the immense love and gratitude we feel.
Happy 5th Birthday, Dudley! We love you more than words can express, and we look forward to many more years of snuggles, adventures, and of course, plenty of homemade treats.