BANANA FLAX CRACKERS
Did you know?
Flax meal is actually ground flax seed. Flax seed must be ground for your pet to be able to process the seeds, (whole flax seeds will actually pass through your pet undigested).
Flax seed is an excellent source of alpha-linolenic acid, a type of Omega-3 fatty acid. Omega-3 fatty acids are critical for your pet’s skin and coat health. Flax seed can prevent dry, itchy skin, shedding, and hot spots.
Flax seed also have cholesterol-lowering properties and may help stop tumor growth in dogs with cancer. 
Flax seeds contains both soluble and insoluble fiber. The insoluble fiber in flax seed speeds the passage of food through the digestive system. It also builds stool volume, preventing constipation. Many vets recommend the addition of ground flax seed to a dog’s regular food for these benefits, and also because heavier stools will help evacuate the dog’s anal sacs, preventing impaction.
Flax seed contains high levels of lignans (phytonutrients – natural chemicals) that provide beneficial properties for your dog. While flax seed does appear to lose some of its actual nutritional benefit during baking, the lignans remain stable, providing potent antioxidants as well as anti-inflammatory, antiviral and antibacterial properties.

BANANA FLAX CRACKERS
1 – 2 medium size (or 2 small) mashed bananas
½ cup flax seed meal
1 tbsp. flax seeds
1 – 2 tsp. sesame seeds (decoration)
Preheat oven to 150° C (300° F) and lightly spray a whoopie pie (or cupcake) tin with cooking spray.
Mix mashed banana, flax seed meal and flax seeds together.
Drop teaspoonful portions into each whoopie pie (or cupcake) cavity.
Press down the mixture in each cavity using either the bottom of a glass/cup or your fingers to form a thin, flat round.
Take a pinch of sesame seeds and sprinkle over top of cracker mixture. Press seeds down gently.
Bake for 20 – 22 minutes.
Remove tin from the oven and turn out crackers onto a wire cooling rack to cool completely.
Yield: 24 crackers
Storage, Refrigeration and Freezing instructions:
Store in zip lock bags or air tight containers in your refrigerator.
Allow to come to room temperature before feeding.
Home-baked dog treats contain no preservatives, so they can mold or spoil the same as home-baked people cookies/cakes do. Other variables, ingredients/moisture content of the treat and climate conditions will also determine the storage time.
Refrigeration will prolong the life of home-made dog treats.
Freeze for up to 4 months – Always allow treats to thaw completely before feeding.

Feed these BANANA FLAX CRACKERS only as a treat.
Treats should not make up more than 10% of your pet’s diet.
As with any treat, always provide fresh water after feeding.

Be sure to check the recipe for any known foods or ingredients your pet may be allergic to. If in doubt, check with your Vet.

Tagged: Banana Flax Crackers, Cooking for your dog, Dog Cookies, Dog Food Recipes, Dog Recipes, Dog Treat Recipes, Dog Treats, Dogs, Golden Retriever