Around here, one of the ways we like to spoil our beloved dogs is by adding variety to their treats.  They love trying new things and especially love homemade treats.  Banana muffins are a quick and easy way to create something delicious and healthy for your dog.  Not only are they easy to prepare, but they are also packed with nutrients that can benefit your dog.

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As we all know, dogs experience the world through scent.  The aromatic appeal of freshly baked banana muffins will make your dog come running.  Bananas also have a natural sweetness that dogs love, without adding unhealthy processed sugars. 

Benefits of Banana Muffins for Dogs

Bananas are a fantastic source of essential vitamins and minerals. They are rich in Vitamin C, Vitamin B6, and potassium, which support overall health and well-being. The dietary fibre in bananas aids in digestion and helps maintain a healthy weight. Additionally, bananas are low in calories, making them an excellent ingredient for low-calorie dog snacks.

Health Benefits

Incorporating bananas into your dog’s diet can have multiple health benefits. The fibre in bananas promotes healthy digestion, while the potassium helps maintain healthy muscle function and heart health. Additionally, bananas are low in calories and high in natural sugars, providing a quick energy boost.

• Digestive Health: The fibre content helps regulate your dog’s digestive system.
• Heart Health: Potassium supports heart function and blood pressure regulation.
• Immune System Boost: Antioxidants in bananas help strengthen the immune system.

Why Homemade Treats are Better

When you make treats at home, you control what goes into them. This means you can avoid harmful additives, preservatives, and artificial flavours often found in commercial dog treats. Homemade treats ensure that your dog enjoys fresh, natural ingredients.  If it is important to you, you can also opt for organic, non-GMO ingredients. 

Homemade treats are also ideal for dogs with allergies or sensitivities.  You can tailor any recipe to your dog’s needs with a few simple modifications.  You can easily make almost any recipe dairy free, egg free and/or grain free with a few simple changes.  Because dogs are not as picky as humans about texture or taste, they are extremely easy to please with homemade baking! 

Substitutions, Modifications and Add-ins

This recipe is highly customizable.  You can easily tailor it to your dog’s taste preferences or dietary needs. 

• Flour:  choose a dog-safe flour that suits your dog’s needs.  If you prefer grain-free or gluten free, substitute for a suitable flour like chickpea.  Or opt for a gluten free substitution like oat flour (TIP: you can make your own oat flour at home by running oats through a blender or food processor).  See our article on Dog-Safe Flours for more information.
• Egg Substitutes:  Instead of eggs, consider substituting with applesauce or pumpkin.  Or, for each egg substitute, grind chia or flaxseeds to a powder and mix 1 tbsp of seeds with 3 tbsp of warm water.  Allow it to sit and gel for 5 mins prior to incorporating into the recipe. 
• Sweetener:  While bananas are naturally sweet, if you think your pup would enjoy just a little more sweetness, or you plan to also eat these yourself, consider adding in a tablespoon of a natural sweetener like honey or maple syrup
• Oil: While this recipe calls for coconut oil, you could easily substitute another dog-safe oil, like olive oil
• Additions: if you want to mix up this recipe a bit more, consider adding other healthy fruits like apple or applesauce (without the seeds and core), blueberries, strawberries or sweet potato.  Or, consider adding some herbs or spices like a bit of cinnamon, parsley or even dill! 

Tips for Making the Best Dog-Friendly Banana Muffins

Choosing the Right Ingredients: Always opt for organic and natural products when possible. Avoid ingredients that are harmful to dogs, such as chocolate, xylitol, and certain nuts.

• Storage Tips: Store the muffins in an airtight container in the fridge to keep them fresh for up to a week. For longer storage, you can freeze the muffins and thaw them as needed.
• Serving Suggestions: Adjust the serving size based on your dog’s size. These muffins can be used as a special treat or a reward during training.  Even though these are made in the miniature size, they may still be too big for smaller dogs so consider cutting them in halves or even quarters. 
• Make it a Pupcake: consider turning this into a cupcake by adding a dog-friendly frosting.  You can frost these muffins with some whipped cream cheese, or a mixture of yogurt, banana and creamy peanut butter (make sure it is xylitol free!

Tools Required to Make Banana Muffins for Dogs

Muffins are incredibly easy and require only a few items you likely already have in your kitchen.  You will need some measuring cups and spoons, a fork to mash the bananas, a large bowl and a spoon for mixing.   You will also need a muffin tin or cups, and paper liners if you wish to use them.  Unless you have a very large dog, a mini muffin tin is usually a better choice for serving sizes.  We love these silicone mini muffin liners, but you could also use a muffin tin and liners if you prefer. 

Ingredients for Healthy Banana Muffins

To make these nutritious banana muffins for dogs, you’ll need the following dog-safe ingredients:

• Ripe bananas: 3 large
• Dog-safe flour: 1 1/2 cups
• Eggs: 1 large, beaten
• Baking powder: 1 teaspoon
• Coconut oil: 1/3 cup, melted

Step-by-Step Recipe for Banana Muffins

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F.  Prepare your muffin tins by greasing  each muffin cup with a dog safe oil like coconut or olive oil, or even a bit of butter or ghee.  Alternatively you can use a paper liners in each cup. 

Peel each banana and place them in a large bowl.  You can use ripe, or even over-ripe bananas.  Using a fork, mash the bananas well, then mix in the beaten egg.  Next, mix in the melted coconut oil.  Add the flour and baking soda, stirring until combined.

Spoon the mixture into your muffin tins, about 3/4 the way up each cup.  Place in the middle section of the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes.  Once they are done they will be light brown.  To test for doneness, you can stick a toothpick into the middle of a couple of muffins.  If the toothpick comes out clean, they are done!

Allow the muffins to cool completely before serving to your dog.  Muffins can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature in  for up to 5 days, or in an air-tight container in the freezer for up to 3 months. 

Conclusion

Making delicious and healthy banana muffins for your dog is a fantastic way to show them love and care. Not only are these muffins easy to make, but they are also packed with nutrients that benefit your dog’s health. By using wholesome, natural ingredients, you can avoid the pitfalls of commercial dog treats and ensure your pet enjoys the best. So why not try this recipe today? Your furry friend will thank you with wagging tails and happy barks!

Does your dog go bananas for bananas? Check out some of our other banana based recipes:

• Deliciously Cool: Strawberry Banana Frozen Dog Treats Recipe
• How to Make Irresistible Peanut Butter Banana Dog Treats at Home

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