This post may contain affiliate links learn more
First things first, thank you for being here! Whether you’re a seasoned dog parent or a newbie, I appreciate you taking the time to check out this recipe. I’m thrilled to share it with you because it’s not just another treat; it’s a special, wholesome snack that brings the goodness of fruits and oats right to your furry friend’s bowl. And trust me, your dog will be tail-wagging happy!
If you’re looking to spoil your pup with a homemade treat that’s easy to make and packed with nutrients, you’ve come to the right place. Subscribe to my newsletter to get more dog-friendly recipes straight to your inbox!
What Makes These Banana and Blueberry Balls So Great?
These Banana and Blueberry Balls are more than just tasty—they’re packed with nutrition. Made with simple, wholesome ingredients that you probably already have in your kitchen, these treats are quick to whip up and perfect for your pup.
Reasons to Love This Recipe
- Natural Ingredients: Only three main ingredients—banana, blueberries, and oats—make these treats a wholesome option for your dog.
- Simple and Quick: With minimal prep and baking time, these treats can be ready in under 30 minutes.
- Nutritious and Healthy: Packed with vitamins, antioxidants, and fiber, these balls are a great snack that supports your dog’s overall health.
What Do These Banana and Blueberry Balls Taste Like?
While I can’t personally speak to the taste (I’ll leave that up to your pup!), I can tell you that the blend of ripe banana and fresh blueberries smells divine while baking. The oats provide a chewy texture that dogs love, and the natural sweetness from the fruit makes these balls a deliciously healthy treat.
Benefits of Banana and Blueberry Balls for Dogs
- Bananas: They are a fantastic source of potassium, vitamin B6, and vitamin C. Bananas are also great for digestion due to their high fiber content.
- Blueberries: These tiny berries are rich in antioxidants and vitamin C, which help boost your dog’s immune system and contribute to a healthy coat and skin.
- Rolled Oats: Oats are a great source of fiber, which aids in digestion. They also help bind the ingredients together to create the perfect texture for these treats.
Ingredients List
- 1 ripe banana, mashed
- 1/2 cup fresh blueberries (or thawed frozen blueberries)
- 1 cup rolled oats (for a finer texture, pulse the oats in a blender before mixing)
Necessary Tools for Preparation
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Large mixing bowl
- Measuring cups
- Spoon or small scoop for forming balls
Ingredient Additions and Substitutions
Feel free to get creative with this recipe! Here are some suggestions:
- Chia Seeds: Add a tablespoon of chia seeds for extra fiber and omega-3 fatty acids.
- Oat Flour: Substitute rolled oats with oat flour for a smoother texture.
- Coconut Oil: A teaspoon of coconut oil can add a touch of healthy fats that are good for your dog’s coat and skin.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat Your Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (180°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Mix the Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the mashed banana, blueberries, and rolled oats. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly combined.
- Form the Balls: Scoop small portions of the mixture (about a tablespoon each) and roll them into balls. Place them on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them evenly.
- Bake: Place the balls in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the balls are firm and slightly golden.
- Cool Completely: Allow the balls to cool completely on the baking sheet before serving them to your dog.
What to Serve with Banana and Blueberry Balls
These treats are perfect on their own, but if you want to make snack time extra special, pair them with some plain yogurt or a dollop of peanut butter for an extra treat that’s both tasty and nutritious.
Tips for Making the Best Banana and Blueberry Balls
- Ripe Bananas: Make sure your banana is ripe and mashed well to ensure it blends smoothly with the oats and blueberries.
- Fresh Blueberries: Fresh blueberries work best for texture, but if you only have frozen, just make sure to thaw and drain them well before adding them to the mix.
- Uniform Size: Try to make each ball about the same size to ensure even baking.
Storage Instructions
Store the Banana and Blueberry Balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. If you want to make a larger batch, these treats freeze beautifully and can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. Just thaw before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Can I use other fruits instead of blueberries?
A: Absolutely! You can substitute blueberries with other dog-friendly fruits like apples (peeled and chopped) or strawberries. Just make sure any substitutions are safe for dogs.
Q: My dog is allergic to oats. Can I use a different base?
A: Yes, you can substitute rolled oats with rice flour or coconut flour if your dog has a sensitivity to oats.
Q: How many treats can I give my dog in one day?
A: Moderation is key! Treats should make up no more than 10% of your dog’s daily caloric intake. For small dogs, 1-2 treats per day is usually sufficient, while larger dogs might enjoy 2-4.
Conclusion
Making these Banana and Blueberry Balls for your dog is a fantastic way to show them some extra love! They’re easy to make, healthy, and dogs adore them. Plus, you can tweak the recipe with different ingredients to keep things exciting. If you and your pup enjoyed this recipe, why not try some more of my dog-friendly recipes? Here are some you might love:
- Chicken and Broccoli Balls for Dogs
- Strawberry and Mozzarella Biscuits for Dogs
- Pumpkin Pupsicles for Dogs – Healthy Frozen Treats Your Pup Will Love
- Banana Balls for Dogs
- Strawberry and Yogurt Biscuits for Dogs
- Strawberry and Banana Oat Balls for Dogs
- Zucchini Chips for Dogs – A Healthy Homemade Treat
- Watermelon and Banana Pupsicles for Dogs
I’d love to see how your Banana and Blueberry Balls turn out! Please leave a review, share your photos on Pinterest, or tag me on social media here.
Nutritional Information
Each Banana and Blueberry Ball (approximate):
- Calories: 40
- Protein: 1g
- Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 1g
Thanks for stopping by! Your furry friend deserves the best, and I hope this recipe helps you provide just that. Happy baking! 🐾
PrintBanana and Blueberry Balls for Dogs
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 20 balls 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Banana and Blueberry Balls for Dogs are a healthy, easy-to-make treat your furry friend will love. Packed with nutritious ingredients like ripe banana, fresh blueberries, and rolled oats, these homemade dog treats are perfect for any pup. Simple to prepare, these chewy balls are a great way to show your dog some extra love. Try this recipe today and watch their tails wag with joy!
Ingredients
- 1 ripe banana, mashed
- 1/2 cup fresh blueberries (or thawed frozen blueberries)
- 1 cup rolled oats (for a finer texture, pulse in a blender before mixing)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, combine the mashed banana, blueberries, and rolled oats. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly combined.
- Scoop small portions of the mixture (about a tablespoon each) and roll them into balls. Place them on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them evenly.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the balls are firm and slightly golden.
- Allow the banana and blueberry balls to cool completely on the baking sheet before serving them to your dog.
Notes
- Banana: Use a ripe banana to add natural sweetness and moisture to the treats. Bananas are rich in potassium and vitamins, making them a healthy choice for dogs.
- Blueberries: Fresh blueberries provide antioxidants and add a burst of flavor. If using frozen blueberries, make sure to thaw and drain them first.
- Rolled Oats: Oats help bind the ingredients together and add fiber. For a finer texture, you can pulse the oats in a blender before mixing.
- Storage: Store the balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week, or freeze for longer storage.
- Adjustments: You can add a tablespoon of chia seeds for extra fiber or substitute rolled oats with oat flour for a different texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dog Treats
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Dog-Friendly
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 ball
- Calories: 40
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 0mg
- Fat: 0.5g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 0