Oatmeal & Banana Squares – Easy Dog Cookies
These soft, chewy dog cookies come together with simple pantry staples and a single bowl. If your pup loves banana, these will be an instant hit. They’re naturally sweetened with fruit, packed with wholesome oats, and easy to cut into squares for training treats or everyday snacks.
No fancy equipment, no complicated steps—just a quick, reliable recipe you can bake any time. You’ll feel good giving your dog something homemade and healthy.
Oatmeal & Banana Squares – Easy Dog Cookies
Ingredients
- 2 ripe bananas (the spottier, the better)
- 2 cups rolled oats (use quick oats for a softer texture; you can pulse rolled oats briefly in a blender)
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons unsweetened peanut butter (must be xylitol-free)
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil (optional, for moisture and chew)
- Pinch of ground cinnamon (optional; many dogs enjoy the flavor)
Instructions
- Prep the pan: Heat your oven to 325°F (165°C).Line an 8x8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy lifting.
- Mash the banana: In a mixing bowl, mash the ripe bananas with a fork until mostly smooth. A few small lumps are fine.
- Add wet ingredients: Stir in the egg, peanut butter, and coconut oil until fully combined and creamy.
- Stir in dry ingredients: Add the oats and a pinch of cinnamon. Mix until the oats are evenly coated and the mixture holds together.It should be thick and sticky, not runny.
- Press into the pan: Transfer the mixture to the prepared pan. Use a spatula or damp fingers to press it into an even layer, reaching all corners.
- Bake: Bake for 20–25 minutes, until the top looks set and the edges are lightly golden. For a firmer, crunchier texture, bake 5–8 minutes longer.
- Cool completely: Let the slab cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then lift it out using the parchment and cool fully on a rack.This helps it firm up.
- Slice: Cut into small squares. For training treats, aim for tiny, pea-sized pieces; for everyday snacks, cut into 1-inch squares.
- Serve: Offer one or two squares to start, especially if your dog is new to oats or banana.
What Makes This Recipe So Good
- Simple ingredients: Just oats, banana, egg, and a touch of peanut butter. Nothing weird, nothing hard to find.
- One-bowl method: Less mess, faster cleanup, and easy enough for a busy weeknight.
- Soft and sliceable: Perfect for senior dogs or pups with smaller teeth; easy to cut into tiny training bites.
- Naturally sweet: Ripe banana adds flavor without sugar or artificial sweeteners.
- Budget-friendly: Uses inexpensive staples you probably already have at home.
What You’ll Need
- 2 ripe bananas (the spottier, the better)
- 2 cups rolled oats (use quick oats for a softer texture; you can pulse rolled oats briefly in a blender)
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons unsweetened peanut butter (must be xylitol-free)
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil (optional, for moisture and chew)
- Pinch of ground cinnamon (optional; many dogs enjoy the flavor)
Instructions
- Prep the pan: Heat your oven to 325°F (165°C).
Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy lifting.
- Mash the banana: In a mixing bowl, mash the ripe bananas with a fork until mostly smooth. A few small lumps are fine.
- Add wet ingredients: Stir in the egg, peanut butter, and coconut oil until fully combined and creamy.
- Stir in dry ingredients: Add the oats and a pinch of cinnamon. Mix until the oats are evenly coated and the mixture holds together.
It should be thick and sticky, not runny.
- Press into the pan: Transfer the mixture to the prepared pan. Use a spatula or damp fingers to press it into an even layer, reaching all corners.
- Bake: Bake for 20–25 minutes, until the top looks set and the edges are lightly golden. For a firmer, crunchier texture, bake 5–8 minutes longer.
- Cool completely: Let the slab cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then lift it out using the parchment and cool fully on a rack.
This helps it firm up.
- Slice: Cut into small squares. For training treats, aim for tiny, pea-sized pieces; for everyday snacks, cut into 1-inch squares.
- Serve: Offer one or two squares to start, especially if your dog is new to oats or banana.
How to Store
- Room temperature: Keep in an airtight container for up to 2 days if your kitchen is cool and dry.
- Refrigerator: Store in a sealed container for up to 1 week. Place a paper towel inside to absorb excess moisture.
- Freezer: Freeze in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer bag.
They keep well for up to 3 months. Thaw a few at a time in the fridge or at room temperature.
- Label and date: Always mark the bag so you know when you made them.
Health Benefits
- Oats: A gentle source of fiber that supports digestion. They also provide vitamins, minerals, and slow-release energy.
- Bananas: Rich in potassium and vitamin B6.
They add natural sweetness without added sugar.
- Egg: High-quality protein to help support muscles and overall health.
- Peanut butter: Healthy fats and protein that make these treats satisfying. Choose unsweetened and xylitol-free.
- Coconut oil (optional): Adds moisture and helps create a chewy texture. Some dogs tolerate it well in small amounts.
Note: Treats should be a small part of your dog’s diet—generally no more than 10% of daily calories.
If your dog has health issues, check with your vet before introducing new snacks.
What Not to Do
- Don’t use xylitol: Never use peanut butter with xylitol or artificial sweeteners—these are toxic to dogs.
- Don’t add salt or sugar: Dogs don’t need it, and it can upset their stomach.
- Don’t serve hot: Let the squares cool completely to avoid mouth burns.
- Don’t overfeed: Even healthy treats add calories. Keep portions small, especially for small breeds.
- Don’t ignore allergies: If your dog reacts to oats, eggs, or peanuts, choose a variation that avoids those ingredients.
Recipe Variations
- Pumpkin Oat Squares: Replace one banana with 1/2 cup plain pumpkin puree. Great for dogs with sensitive stomachs.
- Apple & Oat: Swap one banana for 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce.
Add a pinch more oats if the batter is too wet.
- Grain-Free Version: Use certified gluten-free oats if needed, or try finely ground unsweetened coconut flakes plus a tablespoon of flaxseed meal. Adjust moisture as needed.
- Crunchy Bites: Spread the batter thinner and bake longer until crisp. Cool fully for extra crunch.
- Allergy-Friendly: If avoiding peanut butter, use plain pumpkin puree or mashed sweet potato for moisture and binding.
- Boosters: Stir in 1 tablespoon ground flaxseed or chia seeds for extra fiber.
Keep add-ins minimal to maintain balance.
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. If using rolled, pulse briefly in a blender for a softer bite.
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Get the Recipes Now 🐶Is peanut butter safe for dogs?
Yes, as long as it’s unsweetened and xylitol-free.
Always read the label. Xylitol is dangerous for dogs even in small amounts.
How many treats can I give per day?
Start with one or two small squares for medium dogs and adjust based on size and activity level. Treats should stay under about 10% of daily calories.
When in doubt, ask your vet.
Can I make these without eggs?
Yes. Replace the egg with 2 tablespoons unsweetened applesauce or pumpkin puree. The texture will be slightly softer but still sliceable.
How do I make them extra soft for senior dogs?
Bake at 325°F for the shorter time and use quick oats.
Add an extra tablespoon of banana or applesauce to keep them moist.
Do these work as training treats?
Absolutely. Bake as directed, cool fully, and cut into tiny pieces. You can also rebake the cut pieces for a few minutes to dry them slightly so they don’t crumble in your pocket.
Can I add blueberries or carrots?
Yes, in small amounts.
Finely chop or mash, and keep total add-ins to about 1/4 cup so the dough still holds together.
What if my dog has a sensitive stomach?
Introduce new treats slowly. Start with a tiny piece and watch for any signs of upset. Pumpkin or applesauce versions can be gentler options.
Wrapping Up
These Oatmeal & Banana Squares are simple, budget-friendly, and dog-approved.
With just a few ingredients and one pan, you can bake a batch that’s easy to cut, store, and share throughout the week. Keep them soft for senior pups or bake a bit longer for crunch. Most of all, enjoy the peace of mind that comes with wholesome, homemade treats made just for your best friend.
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 😉
