Christmas Banana and Bacon Dog Treat Recipe

It’s beginning to smell a lot like Christmas! I love to bake, especially during the holiday season. But man, do I hate the extra weight that comes along with eating all those goodies. That’s why homemade dog treats are the answer – I can indulge my baking crave without having to taste test… I leave that to Oscar and Zed. And they were more than happy to oblige and gobbled down these Christmas Banana and Bacon dog treats. Whip up a batch for your pooch’s stocking!

Ingredients:

4 cups whole wheat flour

¼ cup of oats

2 teaspoons baking powder

1 egg

1 banana, mashed

½ cup peanut butter

2 tablespoons honey

1 cup milk or almond milk

1 tablespoon olive oil

½ cup bacon, cooked and crumbled

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Line cookie sheets with parchment paper.
2. In a large mixing bowl, mix together wet ingredients – milk, peanut butter, egg, olive oil, and banana – until smooth
3. Add in flour, oats, bacon bites (you can save ¼ cup to sprinkle on top of cookies), and baking powder and mix until a dough forms. If it’s too sticky, add more flour.
4. Flour your countertop and roll the dough out to ¼ inch thickness. Cut into shapes using a cookie cutter. Place on cookie sheets.
5. Brush treats with an egg wash and sprinkle them with bacon bits, lightly pressing them into the treats.
6. Place cookie sheets in oven and bake for 30 minutes.
7. Remove from oven and let cool on racks for 2-3 hours. Keep treats stored in fridge or freeze in airtight container.

If you aren’t sold on these treats just on the basis of giving your dog a little something ‘special’ this holiday season, there are many health benefits associated with bananas. While your dog’s treats should only be a small portion of his overall food calorie intake, offering treats with high-quality ingredients can add some great benefits! Not only are bananas delicious and budget-friendly, but they also offer great health benefits.

Bananas are a great source of fiber for any dogs that are struggling with constipation, diarrhea, or other symptoms of gastro upset. They support your dog’s digestive system, helping to prevent blockages that may occur from fur balls from grooming and other potential blockages. They are also high in Vitamin C and B6, Magnesium, Potassium, and Biotin. This means that they will help to promote healthier skin, coat quality, bone growth, bone density, and muscle development.

In addition to the health benefits that bananas offer, they are also a healthier alternative to other potential ingredients with higher sugar content or troublesome fats. Always take the time to read the ingredients on any treats that you are offering your pup to avoid troublesome ingredients that could lead to health complications.