Banana Oat Dog Treats - Soft, Simple, and Naturally Sweet

Banana Oat Dog Treats are a quick, wholesome snack your pup will love. They’re made with simple pantry ingredients and come together with just a bowl and a fork. No fancy equipment, no long ingredient list, and no added sugar.

These treats bake up soft and tender, perfect for most dogs, including seniors with sensitive teeth. If you’ve got a ripe banana on the counter, you’re halfway there.

Why This Recipe Works

Short ingredient list: Just bananas, oats, egg, and a little peanut butter. Nothing complicated or hard to find.
One-bowl method: Less mess and easy cleanup, which makes baking more enjoyable.
Soft texture: The mashed banana keeps the treats moist, so they’re gentle on teeth and gums.
Naturally sweet: Bananas add flavor without added sugar or artificial ingredients.
Customizable: You can swap in pumpkin, add a pinch of cinnamon, or use different shapes and sizes.

Ingredients

1 large ripe banana (the spottier, the better)
1 1/2 cups rolled oats or quick oats (see note below)
1 large egg
2 tablespoons unsalted, xylitol-free peanut butter
Optional: 1–2 tablespoons water if needed for texture
Optional: 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Note: If your dog prefers a smoother texture, pulse the oats in a food processor or blender for 10–15 seconds to make “oat flour.” You can also use store-bought oat flour and adjust the moisture as needed.

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How to Make It

Preheat the oven: Set to 325°F (165°C).
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat.
Mash the banana: In a large bowl, mash the ripe banana with a fork until smooth with minimal lumps.
Add wet ingredients: Stir in the egg and peanut butter until fully combined.
Mix in oats: Add the oats and stir until a thick, slightly sticky dough forms. If it’s too dry, add 1 tablespoon of water at a time. If too wet, add a little more oats.
Shape the treats: For drop cookies, scoop small spoonfuls and flatten gently with your fingers.
For cut-outs, roll the dough between two sheets of parchment to about 1/4-inch thick and cut with small cookie cutters.
Bake: Place on the prepared sheet and bake for 18–22 minutes, or until set and lightly golden on the bottom. Smaller shapes may bake a bit faster.
Cool completely: Let the treats cool on the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a rack to cool fully. Cooling helps them firm up.
Serve: Offer one treat and see how your dog likes them, then store the rest properly.

How to Store

Room temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Refrigerator: Keep in a sealed container for 7–10 days.
Freezer: Freeze in a zip-top bag for up to 3 months.
Thaw at room temperature or in the fridge before serving.

Tip: Because these treats are moist and low in preservatives, avoid leaving them out uncovered. If you live in a humid climate, refrigerate after day one.

Health Benefits

Bananas: Provide potassium, vitamin B6, and fiber. They’re gentle on the stomach and add natural sweetness.
Oats: A good source of soluble fiber, which can support digestion and help dogs feel satisfied.
Egg: Adds protein and helps bind the dough, improving texture without extra additives.
Peanut butter: Offers healthy fats and flavor.
Choose an unsalted, xylitol-free brand to keep it dog-safe.

Reminder: Treats should be a small portion of your dog’s daily calories—generally no more than 10%.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Using peanut butter with xylitol: Xylitol is toxic to dogs. Always check the label and stick to plain, unsalted peanut butter.
Overbaking: These are meant to be soft. Overbaking can make them hard and dry.
Skipping the cool-down: Warm treats continue to set as they cool.
Serving too soon can make them crumble.
Making treats too big: Large treats are harder to portion. Smaller shapes help with training and calorie control.
Ignoring allergies: If your dog is sensitive to grains or peanuts, adjust with the variations below or check with your vet.

Variations You Can Try

Pumpkin swap: Replace half the banana with plain pumpkin puree for a fall-inspired flavor.
Grain-free option: Use certified gluten-free oats if needed. For grain-free, try 1 cup almond flour plus 1/2 cup coconut flour, and adjust moisture with water.
Note: Some dogs can be sensitive to coconut; introduce slowly.
Cinnamon and flax: Add 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon and 1 tablespoon ground flaxseed for extra fiber and omega-3s.
Blueberry bites: Fold in 1/4 cup finely chopped blueberries for a fruity twist.
Crunchier version: Bake at 300°F (150°C) for a longer time, 25–35 minutes, until dry and crisp, checking often.

FAQ

Can I use steel-cut oats?

Steel-cut oats won’t soften enough in this quick bake and can be too hard for dogs. Use rolled or quick oats, or pulse rolled oats into a fine texture.

Is peanut butter safe for all dogs?

Most dogs can have plain, unsalted, xylitol-free peanut butter in small amounts. If your dog has a peanut allergy or pancreatitis, skip it and use mashed banana only or a little pumpkin puree.

How many treats can I give my dog?

Treats should be less than 10% of daily calories.

For a small dog, that might be 1–2 small treats per day; for a larger dog, 2–4. When in doubt, check with your vet.

Can I make these without eggs?

Yes. Replace the egg with 2 tablespoons unsweetened applesauce or an extra 2–3 tablespoons mashed banana.

The texture will be slightly softer.

Do these work as training treats?

Yes, if you shape them small. Bake slightly thinner and cut pea-sized pieces so you can reward frequently without overfeeding.

How do I know when they’re done?

The edges should look set and the bottoms lightly golden. They’ll feel soft when hot but firm up as they cool.

Can I add honey or sugar?

There’s no need.

Bananas provide natural sweetness, and added sugars aren’t recommended for dogs.

What if my dough is too sticky to roll?

Chill it for 10–15 minutes, dust with a little oat flour, and roll between two sheets of parchment to prevent sticking.

Final Thoughts

Banana Oat Dog Treats are simple, budget-friendly, and genuinely useful to keep on hand. They’re soft, flavorful, and easy to adapt to your dog’s preferences. With a handful of everyday ingredients, you can make a batch in under 30 minutes and know exactly what’s in your pet’s snacks.

Keep a bag in the freezer, and you’ll always have a wholesome treat ready for your best friend.

David

I’ve spent 10+ years in dog training, digging into what makes dogs (and their humans) tick. At Smart Dog Learning, I share my no-nonsense, fun approach to training so you can enjoy life with a well-behaved, happy pup—no boring lectures, just practical results 😉