Disclaimer: This recipe is from Stephanie Melchione of The Cozy Cook.
Homemade strawberry banana dog treats? Sounds delish, ain't it? But first, can dogs eat strawberries?
Certainly, dogs can safely consume strawberries. These fruits are rich in vitamins and minerals that are beneficial for dogs. However, due to their sweetness, it's advisable to offer strawberries to dogs and puppies in moderation to avoid potential stomach discomfort.
Strawberries are packed with fiber and vitamin C. Additionally, they contain an enzyme that can assist in naturally whitening your dog's teeth as they consume them. However, as with all fruits, it's advisable to provide strawberries in moderation due to their natural sugar content.
What about peanut butter? Can they eat any kind? Depends.
Peanut butter serves as an excellent occasional “high value” treat, proving useful for concealing medications or diverting your dog's attention during activities like bath time or nail trimming.
Although the majority of peanut butter brands are dog-safe, it's important to note that not all peanut butters meet this safety standard.
How to find a “safe” kind? Simple:
- All-natural peanut butter devoid of additional salt or sugar.
- Avoid using light or sugar-free peanut butter, as these may contain artificial sweeteners, such as xylitol
Xylitol is a sweetener that's becoming increasingly popular due to its dental advantages for humans and its appropriateness as a sugar alternative for individuals with diabetes. However, it's alarming that thousands of dogs suffer accidental xylitol poisoning annually.
In most cases, any peanut butter free of xylitol (or chocolate) is generally safe for dogs. It can serve as a valuable source of protein and healthy fats for your dog, provided it is offered in moderation. Nevertheless, not all peanut butters are created equal in terms of healthiness.
Many of the peanut butter varieties available on store shelves have attributes that can benefit your dog, but they often include additives and excess sugar, which are less desirable. Your optimal choice is to seek out peanut butter (or other nut butter) with minimal or no additives.
Make sure to scrutinize labels and ingredient lists attentively. Don't make the assumption that claims like “all-natural” or “no artificial sweeteners” on the front label guarantee safety for your dog, as xylitol is technically considered an “all-natural” sweetener.
If you possess a good-quality blender or food processor, preparing your own peanut or nut butter at home is a straightforward task. This homemade option will be more wholesome for your dog, and they won't be able to distinguish the difference.
Strawberry Banana Dog Treats
Ingredients
- 1 Egg
- 1/3 Peanut butter*
- 1 cup Wheat flour
- 1/2 cups Oats
- 1/2 cup Banana mashed
- 5 Strawberries, ripe finely diced
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 300 degrees.
- Combine all ingredients in a large bowl and knead until a dough ball forms. If it's too sticky, add a little more flour.
- Roll it out on a lightly floured surface until it's about an inch thick. Cut into shapes with cookie cutters or treat molds.
- Place the cutouts or the mold sheets on a baking pan and bake for about 20-25 minutes.
- Remove them from the oven and let them cool completed before handling.
Notes
- The ideal choice is all-natural peanut butter without any additional salt or sugar. Avoid opting for light or sugar-free peanut butter, as these may contain artificial sweeteners like xylitol, which can be harmful to dogs.