Homemade Sourdough Banana Dog Treats: A Nutritious Snack for Your Pup
As a devoted dog lover, I’m always looking for ways to incorporate healthy, homemade options into my Golden Retrievers' diet. Just like we prioritize clean, wholesome food for our families, our dogs deserve the same! That’s why I love this Sourdough Banana Dog Treat recipe—it’s simple, packed with nutritious ingredients, and a fantastic way to use up extra sourdough discard.
If you're a momma like me, these treats are a fun way to involve your children in baking while teaching them about real, whole ingredients!
In this post, I’ll walk you through:
✔️ Why homemade dog treats are better than store-bought options
✔️ The benefits of each ingredient in this recipe
✔️ Step-by-step instructions for making these treats
✔️ How to store them for long-lasting freshness
✔️ Where to find my favorite baking tools & ingredients (affiliate links included!)
Why Make Homemade Dog Treats?
f you’ve ever turned over the package of a store-bought dog treat, you may have noticed a long list of unrecognizable ingredients—preservatives, artificial flavors, and fillers that your dog doesn’t need. Many mass-produced treats contain:
🚫 Unhealthy fillers (corn, soy, or wheat by-products)
🚫 Artificial preservatives (BHA, BHT)
🚫 Unnecessary sugars and salt
By making your own dog treats at home, you can control exactly what goes into them. You’ll know your pup is getting real food, without the questionable extras. Plus, it’s more cost-effective in the long run, especially if you’re already baking sourdough bread and have discard on hand!
Health Benefits of These Ingredients
One of the best things about this recipe is that it’s made from simple, wholesome ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen. Here’s why each ingredient is beneficial:
Sourdough Discard
Sourdough discard is fermented, which means it contains natural probiotics that may support your dog’s digestion. It’s also a great way to reduce waste from your sourdough starter! (If you don’t already bake sourdough but want to start, I highly recommend this sourdough starter kit for beginners!)
Bananas
Bananas are rich in potassium, fiber, and vitamin B6, making them a healthy natural sweetener for your pup. They also support digestive health and provide a little energy boost!
Peanut Butter (Xylitol-Free!)
Dogs love peanut butter, and it’s a great source of protein and healthy fats. However, be sure to use a natural peanut butter that doesn’t contain xylitol, as it’s toxic to dogs. I love using this all-natural peanut butter for my homemade treats.
Whole Wheat Flour & Oats
These whole grains add fiber, vitamins, and a hearty texture to the treats. Oats are especially great for dogs with sensitive stomachs and provide sustained energy. If your dog has a wheat allergy, you can substitute with oat flour or almond flour.
Sourdough Banana Dog Treat Recipe
Ingredients:
½ cup sourdough discard
1 cup mashed banana
⅔ cup peanut butter (unsweetened, xylitol-free)
1 egg
1 ½ cups whole wheat flour
1 cup oats
Instructions:
Preheat your oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. (I like these reusable parchment sheets to cut down on waste!)
2. Mix the wet ingredients – In a large bowl, combine the sourdough discard, mashed banana, peanut butter, and egg. Stir until smooth.
3. Add the dry ingredients – Gradually mix in the whole wheat flour and oats until a dough forms. The dough should be firm but not too sticky.
4. Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface to about ¼-inch thick. Use your favorite cookie cutters to make fun shapes! (These bone-shaped cookie cutters are my go-to!)
5. Bake for 15–20 minutes, or until the treats are golden brown and firm.
6. Cool completely before serving to your pup.
How to Store These Treats
To keep your homemade dog treats fresh and crunchy:
🐶 Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. (I love using these glass storage jars for a tidy pantry!)
🐶 Keep them in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.
🐶 Freeze them in a ziplock bag for up to three months—just thaw before giving them to your pup.
A Fun Activity for Kids & Dogs!
One of my favorite things about making homemade dog treats is that it’s a great family activity! If you homeschool, this is a wonderful way to incorporate:
✔️ Practical life skills – Measuring, mixing, and rolling dough
✔️ Math – Fractions, counting ingredients, and timing the bake
✔️ Science – Learning about fermentation in sourdough discard
Let your kids pick the cookie-cutter shapes and help mix the dough—it’s a fun way to include them in caring for their furry best friend!
Final Thoughts: A Treat You Can Feel Good About
These homemade sourdough banana dog treats are a healthy, cost-effective, and fun way to spoil your pup. With real ingredients and no artificial additives, you can feel good knowing exactly what your dog is eating.
Have you tried making homemade dog treats before? Let me know in the comments! And if you make this recipe, I’d love to see—tag me on Instagram so I can share your happy pup! 🐶💛
Affiliate Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. If you purchase through my links, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you for supporting my blog!
