Why Homemade Dog Biscuits Beat Store-Bought

When you bake treats at home, you know exactly what goes into them. No mystery preservatives, no artificial flavors — just real, dog-safe ingredients your pup can enjoy without worry. These peanut butter and banana biscuits have become a staple in countless dog households, and for good reason: they're quick to make, budget-friendly, and absolutely irresistible to most dogs.

What You'll Need

  • 1 ripe banana — the riper, the sweeter and easier to mash
  • ½ cup natural peanut butter — always use unsalted, xylitol-free peanut butter
  • 1½ cups whole wheat flour (or oat flour for a gluten-sensitive pup)

Optional add-ins: a teaspoon of cinnamon (dog-safe in small amounts), a tablespoon of rolled oats for extra texture, or a drizzle of honey.

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. Mash the banana thoroughly in a large mixing bowl until smooth with no large lumps.
  3. Add peanut butter to the mashed banana and stir until well combined.
  4. Gradually mix in flour one half cup at a time. The dough should be firm enough to roll out — not sticky, not crumbly. Add a tablespoon of water if too dry.
  5. Roll the dough to about ¼-inch thickness on a lightly floured surface.
  6. Cut into shapes using a bone-shaped cookie cutter or any shape you like.
  7. Bake for 20–25 minutes until the biscuits are golden and firm.
  8. Cool completely on a wire rack before giving them to your dog. Hot biscuits can be too soft and may cause burns.

Storage Tips

These biscuits keep well in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to two weeks or freeze for up to three months. Frozen biscuits can be given directly as a cool summer treat!

Portion Guidance

Treats should make up no more than 10% of your dog's daily calorie intake. For small dogs (under 20 lbs), one or two small biscuits per day is plenty. Medium to large dogs can enjoy two to four biscuits. Always introduce new treats gradually to watch for any digestive reactions.

A Note on Peanut Butter Safety

Always double-check your peanut butter label. Xylitol — a sweetener sometimes added to "natural" or reduced-sugar peanut butter — is highly toxic to dogs. Stick to plain, unsalted varieties with peanuts as the only (or primary) ingredient.

Happy baking — and happy tails! 🐾