M enjoys creating healthy, DIY dog treats at home for her beloved pup to enjoy.

As the name suggests, this DIY KONG filling requires just three ingredients.

Ingredients

• peanut butter (no xylitol!)
• banana
• coconut oil

Supplies

• Mashing utensil
• KONG

I don't use any precise measurements —eyeballing will do just fine. You'll also need a KONG or another high-quality, durable, stuffable and washable dog toy. My golden retriever loves the Tux Treat Toy by West Paw Design.

Whipping up this concoction is just as simple as the ingredients list and requires very little time, making it perfect for those mornings when you're rushing out the door and leaving your heartbroken, sad-eyed pooch behind.

Step 1: Peel and Mash

In the first step, peel your banana (go for one that is somewhat soft) and mash it.

Step 2: Combine Peanut Butter and Coconut Oil

In step 2, add the coconut oil and peanut butter. Although I'm normally not one for measurements, when it comes to this DIY KONG filling, be careful when adding the coconut oil, especially if it is new to your dog's diet. As wonderful and beneficial as coconut oil is, too much can lead to upset stomachs.

Caution

Do not use sugar-free peanut butters as the artificial sweeteners, particularly xylitol, can be toxic. Before feeding your dog peanut butter, be sure to check the ingredients.

Step 3: Mix It Up

In step 3, you should have all of the ingredients combined and mixed!

Step 4: Transfer and Stuff

In step 4, transfer the mixture to your pup's KONG or favourite stuffable toy.

Final Step: Let Your Dog Enjoy the Treat!

If your dog is anything like my two, he or she will have this KONG licked clean within minutes. If you're looking to keep your pup extra busy (for example, if you're leaving the house to go to work or to run errands), I recommend popping the stuffed KONG into the freezer for an hour or two before serving.

Sources

• Benefits of Coconut Oil for Pets | Wellness Mama
  There are many ways to use coconut oil for pets to improve health and soften their coats. Most animal love coconut oil so it's easy to add it to their diet.
• This One Ingredient Could Make Peanut Butter Deadly For Your Dog
  For animal people. Pass it on.

This content is accurate and true to the best of the author’s knowledge and is not meant to substitute for formal and individualized advice from a qualified professional.

© 2017 M