Banana & Pumpkin Chews for Dogs

Banana & Pumpkin Chews for Dogs 🍌🎃

Introduction: Treat your furry friend to these wholesome, homemade Banana & Pumpkin Chews! These delicious dog chews are not only easy to make but are also packed with healthy ingredients like banana, pumpkin, oats, and whole wheat flour. Perfect for a treat after a walk, training, or simply as a way to spoil your pup, these chews are sure to have tails wagging with joy!

Ingredients:

• 1 ripe banana, mashed 🍌
• 1/2 cup pumpkin puree (plain, unsweetened) 🎃
• 1 cup rolled oats 🌾
• 1/4 cup whole wheat flour 🌾
• 1 egg 🥚

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
2. In a bowl, mix together the mashed banana, pumpkin puree, rolled oats, whole wheat flour, and egg. Stir until the mixture is well combined.
3. Scoop spoonfuls of the mixture onto the lined baking sheet. Shape the mixture into small, chew-sized pieces, approximately 1-2 inches in size.
4. Bake for 20-25 minutes until the chews are firm and lightly golden. Keep an eye on them to ensure they don’t overbake.
5. Allow the chews to cool completely before serving to your dog. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain freshness.

Nutrition Information:

• Calories: ~45 per chew
• Protein: 2g
• Fat: 1g
• Carbohydrates: 7g
• Fiber: 1g

30 Most Popular Questions and Their Answers

1. Can I use a different type of flour? Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour with oat flour, almond flour, or coconut flour.
2. Is pumpkin safe for dogs? Yes, plain unsweetened pumpkin is great for dogs and can aid in digestion.
3. Can I add peanut butter? Yes, a small amount of natural, unsweetened peanut butter can be added for extra flavor.
4. How long do these chews last? These chews can last up to 5 days in the fridge or 2 months in the freezer.
5. Can I freeze the dough? Yes, you can freeze the dough for up to 3 months before baking.
6. Can I make these chews gluten-free? Yes, substitute the whole wheat flour with gluten-free alternatives like oat or coconut flour.
7. Are these chews suitable for puppies? Yes, but always check with your vet for specific dietary needs for puppies.
8. Can I use canned pumpkin pie filling instead of pumpkin puree? No, pumpkin pie filling contains added sugar and spices that aren’t safe for dogs.
9. How many chews should I give my dog per day? Treats should make up no more than 10% of your dog’s daily caloric intake. Adjust the serving size according to your dog’s size.
10. What can I substitute for the egg? You can use a tablespoon of unsweetened applesauce or a flaxseed egg as a substitute.
11. Can I add honey? Yes, a small amount of honey can be added, but it’s not necessary for this recipe.
12. How do I know when the chews are fully baked? The chews should be firm to the touch and lightly golden on top.
13. Can I add cinnamon to the recipe? Yes, a pinch of cinnamon is safe for dogs and adds flavor.
14. Can I double the recipe? Yes, you can double or triple the recipe depending on how many chews you want to make.
15. Is this recipe safe for senior dogs? Yes, these chews are soft and can be enjoyed by senior dogs, but consult your vet if your dog has any dietary restrictions.
16. What if my dog has a sensitive stomach? Both pumpkin and oats are great for digestion, but introduce new treats gradually.
17. How can I make the chews last longer? Store them in an airtight container in the fridge or freeze them for up to 2 months.
18. Can I use quick oats instead of rolled oats? Yes, quick oats will work just as well in this recipe.
19. Are these chews suitable for small dogs? Yes, you can shape the chews smaller to suit smaller breeds.
20. Can I add blueberries to the recipe? Yes, fresh or frozen blueberries can be added for an antioxidant boost.
21. Are these treats good for dogs with allergies? If your dog has food allergies, check with your vet and use substitute ingredients like gluten-free flour or avoid any allergens.
22. How can I make the chews harder? Bake them for an additional 5-10 minutes for a crunchier texture.
23. Can I use a silicone mold for shaping? Yes, silicone molds work well for shaping and baking.
24. Can I add carrots to the recipe? Yes, finely shredded carrots are a great addition to these chews.
25. What size should I make the chews? Aim for 1-2 inch-sized chews, but adjust the size based on your dog’s breed and preferences.
26. What if my dog doesn’t like bananas? You can try substituting the banana with unsweetened applesauce or pureed sweet potato.
27. Can I add flaxseed to the recipe? Yes, adding a tablespoon of ground flaxseed is a healthy option.
28. Is it okay to leave out the egg? You can replace the egg with a tablespoon of applesauce or pumpkin puree.
29. How long should I let the chews cool before giving them to my dog? Allow the chews to cool for at least 10-15 minutes before serving to avoid burning your dog’s mouth.
30. Are these chews safe for dogs with diabetes? Always check with your vet, but since the ingredients are natural and unsweetened, they could be suitable in moderation.

30 Tips for Perfect Banana & Pumpkin Chews for Dogs

1. Use ripe bananas: The riper the banana, the sweeter and more flavorful the chews will be.
2. Choose pure pumpkin: Always use plain, unsweetened pumpkin puree with no additives.
3. Mix thoroughly: Ensure the banana and pumpkin are well mashed and mixed to create an even texture.
4. Don’t overmix the dough: Overmixing can make the chews dense.
5. Preheat the oven fully: Make sure the oven reaches 350°F before putting in the chews to ensure even baking.
6. Shape evenly: Form chews of equal size for consistent baking.
7. Use parchment paper: Prevents the chews from sticking to the baking sheet.
8. Add a pinch of cinnamon: It’s safe for dogs and adds flavor without extra calories.
9. Check the bake time: Keep an eye on the chews in the last 5 minutes to avoid overbaking.
10. Cool completely: Always cool the chews before serving to avoid burning your dog’s mouth.
11. Store in the fridge: Keeps the chews fresh for up to 5 days.
12. Freeze extras: Make a big batch and freeze them for up to 2 months.
13. Use a cookie scoop: Helps create evenly sized chews.
14. Try a silicone mold: Create fun shapes for the chews.
15. Add variety with flaxseed: A tablespoon of ground flaxseed adds fiber and omega-3s.
16. Adjust the size: Tailor the size of the chews to your dog’s breed.
17. Add blueberries: Adds antioxidants and boosts the nutrition.
18. Try sweet potato: Replace the pumpkin with sweet potato for a different flavor.
19. Bake longer for crunchier chews: Add 5-10 minutes for a firmer texture.
20. Use quick oats for smoother chews: Quick oats create a finer texture than rolled oats.
21. Add a bit of water if the mixture is too dry: A tablespoon or two can help bind the ingredients.
22. Experiment with shapes: Use cookie cutters for fun shapes your dog will love.
23. Make smaller chews for training: Create bite-sized pieces for training rewards.
24. Use whole wheat or oat flour: These flours are healthier for dogs than all-purpose flour.
25. Introduce new treats gradually: If this is your dog’s first time trying these ingredients, introduce the treats slowly.
26. Adjust the consistency: If the dough is too thick, add a bit of extra banana or pumpkin puree.
27. Top with a blueberry: For a decorative touch, add a blueberry on top of each chew before baking.
28. Use natural peanut butter: If adding peanut butter, make sure it’s unsweetened and free of xylitol.
29. Bake in batches: If you’re making a large quantity, bake in multiple batches to avoid overcrowding the tray.
30. Get creative with flavors: Try adding apple, carrots, or coconut for variety.

With these tips, FAQs, and the easy recipe for Banana & Pumpkin Chews for Dogs, you’ll have no trouble baking a batch of healthy, tasty treats your furry friend will absolutely love! 🐶🍌