Banana Muffins for Dogs

Spoil your furry friend with a batch of homemade banana muffins made just for them! These dog-friendly muffins are soft, flavorful, and filled with wholesome ingredients your dog will love. Whether you’re baking them up for a birthday, Gotcha Day, or just because, these tasty treats are a delightful way to show your pup some love straight from your kitchen.

Why You Will Love This Recipe

There’s something so satisfying about baking for your dog; mixing the ingredients, filling the kitchen with yummy smells, and then seeing your pup’s tail wag in excitement. Making homemade dog muffins turns an ordinary day into something special. And there are so many reasons this recipe will be a favorite!

Wholesome Ingredients – These muffins are made with simple, dog-safe ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen. No mystery fillers or weird preservatives here, just wholesome goodness.

Easy to Make – Just mix, scoop, and bake. No complicated steps or fancy equipment required.

No Added Sugar or Sweeteners – These muffins get their natural sweetness from ripe bananas. There’s no added sugar and absolutely no artificial sweeteners.

Classic Flavor Combo – Peanut butter and banana is a beloved combo for dogs (and people too). It’s a win-win flavor pairing that keeps tails wagging!

Simple to Customize – You can adjust the ingredients to match your dog’s tastes or dietary needs. Swap in different flours or yogurt alternatives, or make them mini for smaller pups.

Economical – These homemade muffins are much more budget-friendly than store-bought dog bakery treats, and they’re fresher too.

Perfect for a Special Breakfast Treat – Whether it’s a Gotcha Day, birthday, or holiday, these muffins make it feel like a celebration.

Ingredients and What They Bring to the Muffins

Each ingredient in these muffins is picked with dogs in mind. Here’s what makes them so tasty and nutritious:

• Banana – Naturally sweet, packed with potassium and fiber.
• Peanut Butter – A tasty protein source that dogs love.
• Plain Greek Yogurt – Adds moisture, tang, and protein.
• Coconut Oil – Provides healthy fats for skin and coat.
• Eggs – Help bind the muffins and add protein.
• Oat Flour – A gluten-free flour that’s gentle on tummies and full of fiber.
• Baking Soda & Baking Powder – Help the muffins rise and get fluffy.
• Cinnamon – A flavorful spice that adds a warm aroma.

Ingredient Notes and Substitutions

When making these treats, there are some things to keep in mind and simple swaps you can make:

• Safety First – Always double-check that your peanut butter doesn’t contain xylitol, an artificial sweetener that’s toxic to dogs.
• Peanut Butter – You can use almond butter or sunflower seed butter, just make sure it’s xylitol-free.
• Yogurt – Buttermilk can be used in place of yogurt for a tangy twist.
• Dairy-Free – Need a dairy-free option? Swap the Greek yogurt for plant-based yogurt or silken tofu.
• Leaveners and Spice – Baking powder, baking soda, and cinnamon are all safe for dogs in small amounts.
• Flour Tip – You can make your own oat flour by blending uncooked old-fashioned oats until they resemble flour. One cup of oats makes about ¾ cup of flour.
• Flour Options – Oat flour can be replaced with rice flour (homemade or store-bought). You can also use all-purpose flour or a 50/50 mix of all-purpose and whole wheat flour. Avoid using only whole wheat flour, as it tends to be too dense.

How to Make Banana Muffins for Dogs

These muffins come together in just a few simple steps. Here’s how to bake them:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F. Grease a 12-cup muffin pan.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients – In a bowl, stir together the oat flour, baking powder, baking soda, and cinnamon.
3. Mash Banana – Peel and mash 1 banana in a large bowl.
4. Combine Wet Ingredients – Add the mashed banana, peanut butter, Greek yogurt, eggs, and melted coconut oil. Stir until well combined.
5. Combine Everything – Add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and mix until fully incorporated.
6. Fill Muffin Cups – Fill each muffin cup about halfway full with the batter.
7. Top with Banana Slices – Slice the remaining half banana and cut the slices in half. Press two half-slices into the top of each muffin.
8. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
9. Cool Completely – Transfer the muffins to a wire rack to cool.

Recipe Variation – Mini Banana Muffins

Mini muffins are a great size for smaller dogs or for giving as treats in moderation. Simply:

• Use a mini muffin pan.
• Reduce the baking time to 10 to 12 minutes.

How to Store the Muffins and How Long They Last

Once cooled, store the muffins in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh for up to 5 days.

For longer storage, you can freeze them in a sealed freezer bag or container. They’ll keep well in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw them in the fridge overnight before serving.

Can people eat these muffins?

Oh yes, they sure can! All the ingredients are safe for human consumption. These muffins aren’t overly sweet, but they’re definitely snack-worthy. Give one a try and you might be surprised how much you like it!

More Breakfast Dog Treat Recipes

Want to make some more bakery-style treats for your dog? Try these recipes:

• Apple Muffins
• Banana Bread
• Blueberry Muffins
• Pumpkin Bread
• Pumpkin Muffins

Find lots of easy recipes for dog breakfast treats right here on Spoiled Hounds!

Serving Amount

Treats should make up no more than 10% of your dog’s daily calories. If you’re unsure about serving size, check with your vet.

Also, if your dog hasn’t had one or more of the ingredients before, start by giving a small piece to make sure they don’t have any allergies, sensitivities, or adverse reactions.