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Hello, dog lovers! 🐾 First off, I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to each one of you. Whether you’ve been with me on this journey of creating homemade dog treats for a while or you’re just joining the pack, your enthusiasm and love for your furry friends truly inspire me. Today, I’m beyond excited to share a new recipe that’s perfect for all the good boys and girls out there—Banana and Blueberry Balls for Dogs! These treats are easy to make, packed with wholesome ingredients, and oh-so-delicious. Trust me, your pup will be wagging their tail with joy!
But before we dive into this delightful recipe, don’t forget to subscribe to my newsletter to get this and other fantastic dog treat recipes delivered straight to your inbox. Let’s keep those tails wagging with happiness!
Why You and Your Dog Will Love These Banana and Blueberry Balls
Banana and Blueberry Balls for Dogs are the ultimate treat to spoil your pup with something both delicious and nutritious. Here’s why this recipe is a must-try:
- Healthy Ingredients: Packed with the natural sweetness of bananas and the antioxidant power of blueberries, these treats are both tasty and good for your pup.
- Simple to Make: With just a few ingredients and minimal prep time, you’ll have these treats ready in no time!
- Versatile and Adaptable: You can easily swap ingredients to suit your dog’s taste or dietary needs.
- Taste and Texture: These treats have a soft and chewy texture that dogs love, with a burst of fruity flavor from the banana and blueberry combination.
Benefits of Banana and Blueberry Balls for Dogs
Nutritious and Delicious
Bananas are a fantastic source of vitamins B6 and C, potassium, and fiber, which help support your dog’s heart health and digestion. Blueberries are rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals, which contribute to a strong immune system and overall wellness. Together, they make a delicious and healthy snack that’s hard to resist!
Easy to Digest
Both bananas and blueberries are gentle on the stomach, making these treats a great option for dogs with sensitive tummies. Plus, the simple, whole-food ingredients mean you know exactly what you’re feeding your furry friend.
Perfect Training Treats
These bite-sized balls are perfect for training sessions or just as a special reward. Their small size and soft texture make them ideal for quick, rewarding bites that won’t distract from your training routine.
Ingredients
To make these Banana and Blueberry Balls for Dogs, you’ll need:
- 1 ripe banana
- 1/2 cup blueberries (fresh or frozen)
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil (optional, for added shine and flavor)
- 1/4 cup flour (whole wheat or oat flour recommended)
Necessary Tools
- Mixing bowl
- Fork or potato masher
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper or a silicone baking mat
- Food processor (optional, for grinding oats)
Ingredient Additions and Substitutions
- Add Peanut Butter: A tablespoon of natural, unsweetened peanut butter can add a rich, nutty flavor that many dogs love. Just ensure there’s no xylitol in the peanut butter, as it’s toxic to dogs.
- Substitute Blueberries: If your dog isn’t a fan of blueberries, try substituting them with strawberries or raspberries for a different fruity twist.
- Grain-Free Option: For a grain-free version, substitute the oats and flour with coconut flour or almond flour.
How to Make Banana and Blueberry Balls for Dogs
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat Your Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
- Mash the Banana: In a mixing bowl, mash the ripe banana using a fork or potato masher until smooth.
- Add the Blueberries: Gently fold in the blueberries. If you’re using frozen blueberries, let them thaw slightly for easier mixing.
- Mix in Other Ingredients: Add the rolled oats, unsweetened applesauce, coconut oil (if using), and flour to the banana and blueberry mixture. Stir until everything is well combined. If the mixture is too wet, add a bit more flour until it reaches a dough-like consistency.
- Form the Balls: Scoop out small portions of the mixture and roll them into bite-sized balls with your hands. Place them on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the treats are firm to the touch and slightly golden. The smell when these are baking is incredible—your pup will be sniffing around the kitchen in no time!
- Cool: Allow the treats to cool completely on a wire rack before serving to your dog.
What to Serve with Banana and Blueberry Balls for Dogs
These treats are great on their own, but if you’re looking to spoil your pup even more, consider pairing them with other homemade goodies like Chicken and Broccoli Balls or refreshing Pumpkin Pupsicles on a hot day!
Tips for Making the Perfect Dog Treats
- Storage: Store these treats in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week, or freeze them for longer storage. They’ll thaw quickly and be just as tasty!
- Consistency Matters: If your dough is too wet, add a little more flour; if it’s too dry, a splash of water or applesauce will help.
- Get Creative: Feel free to experiment with different fruit and veggie combinations to keep things exciting for your dog!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I use frozen blueberries?
Yes! Just make sure to thaw them slightly before mixing into the dough to make sure they incorporate evenly.
How many treats can I give my dog?
These treats are healthy, but like all treats, they should be given in moderation. One or two per day, depending on your dog’s size and dietary needs, is a good rule of thumb.
What if my dog is allergic to oats?
No worries! You can substitute the oats with an equal amount of almond flour, coconut flour, or another grain-free alternative.
Conclusion
Banana and Blueberry Balls for Dogs are a simple, wholesome treat that your pup will love. With their natural ingredients and easy preparation, these treats are perfect for any dog owner looking to provide a healthy snack. Plus, they’re versatile enough to be customized to your dog’s taste!
Looking for more delicious dog treat ideas? Check out these other recipes your dog will adore: Strawberry and Yogurt Biscuits, Zucchini Chips, and Watermelon and Banana Pupsicles.
Share Your Treats with Us!
If you try this recipe, please leave a review below and share your photos on Pinterest! I love seeing your furry friends enjoying these treats as much as mine do. Happy baking! 🐶
Nutritional Information (per treat)
- Calories: 30
- Protein: 0.8g
- Fat: 1.2g
- Carbohydrates: 4.2g
- Fiber: 0.6g
Remember, these values are approximate and will vary based on the specific ingredients you use.
PrintBanana and Blueberry Balls for Dogs
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 20–24 bite-sized balls 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Banana and Blueberry Balls for Dogs are a simple, healthy treat made with natural ingredients like bananas, blueberries, and oats. These soft, chewy bites are perfect for training rewards or just spoiling your furry friend with a nutritious snack! Follow this easy recipe to create a delicious homemade treat your dog will love.
Ingredients
- 1 ripe banana
- 1/2 cup blueberries (fresh or frozen)
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil (optional)
- 1/4 cup flour (whole wheat or oat flour recommended)
Instructions
- Preheat Your Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
- Mash the Banana: In a mixing bowl, mash the ripe banana with a fork or potato masher until smooth.
- Add the Blueberries: Gently fold in the blueberries, ensuring they’re evenly distributed throughout the banana mash.
- Mix in Other Ingredients: Add rolled oats, unsweetened applesauce, coconut oil (if using), and flour to the mixture. Stir until well combined. Adjust consistency with extra flour if needed.
- Form the Balls: Scoop small portions of the mixture and roll them into bite-sized balls. Place them on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake: Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the treats are firm to the touch and slightly golden.
- Cool: Let the treats cool completely on a wire rack before serving to your dog.
Notes
- Storage: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week, or freeze for longer storage.
- Ingredient Swaps: You can substitute blueberries with strawberries or raspberries. For a grain-free version, use coconut or almond flour instead of rolled oats and wheat flour.
- Optional Add-Ins: Add a tablespoon of natural, unsweetened peanut butter for extra flavor, making sure it contains no xylitol.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
- Category: Dog Treats
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Dog-Friendly
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 treat
- Calories: 30
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 1mg
- Fat: 1.2g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0.7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 4.2g
- Fiber: 0.6g
- Protein: 0.8g
- Cholesterol: 0mg