Bean Treats For Your Four-Legged Friends!

My dog, Toby, has been my shadow since he was 12 weeks old. Toby celebrated his ninth birthday in March and is as healthy and happy as he was when he was a pup. For nine years he has given me unconditional love and companionship, been my co-pilot on long road trips, and served as my walking partner.

I love to bake and have been experimenting with bean flour. So why not make my constant companion some treats that have no additives and are good for him? Toby loves peanut butter — just say those two words to him and he starts licking his lips in anticipation. I wanted something easy but that would taste great. I created these healthy dog treats using only five ingredients, and they’re easy to make and inexpensive.

Dough will be sticky.

Roll between two pieces of parchment or wax paper.

Wilton cookie cutters.

Cut out cookies and place on parchment or Silpat.

Baked cookies.

Toby Treats.

This recipe made about 50 cookies using small cookie cutters.

Bean Flour Dog Treats
Yield: 50 cookies

Ingredients:
1 medium banana
3 tablespoons peanut butter (I used creamy)
1 large egg
1 3/4 cup garbanzo bean flour
¼ cup quick oats

Directions:
1. Preheat oven to 300 degrees.
2. In a food processor, blend the banana, peanut butter, and egg until completely mixed.
3. Add the flour and the oats, pulsing until completely mixed.
4. Place the dough on a piece of parchment or wax paper that has been floured. The dough will be really sticky at this point.
5. Flour the top of the dough and put another piece of parchment on top.
6. Roll out dough until about 1/4″ thick and cut out using the cookie cutter of your choice. (I used small animal cookie cutters.) Repeat until all the dough is used.
7. Place cookies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a Silpat.
8. Bake the cookies for 30-35 minutes or until golden brown. Cool on a cooling rack. Cookies will be good for up to two weeks in an airtight container.

Note: Some dogs are allergic to peanuts. Your dog may have a food allergy if he experiences symptoms such as itching, redness, or chewing on his feet.