Introduction

These homemade banana dog treats are a healthy and tasty snack your furry friend will love. Made with simple ingredients like oats and bananas, they are easy to prepare and perfect for rewarding good behavior.

Ingredients

3 1/2 cups oats
3 medium bananas
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1 tablespoon flax seed (or chia seeds, optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Mash the bananas in a large mixing bowl until smooth.
Step 2: Place 2 1/2 cups of the oats in a food processor and grind until they reach a flour-like consistency. Add the ground oats to the mashed bananas.
Step 3: Add the remaining 1 cup of whole oats, cinnamon, and flax seed (if using) to the bowl. Mix well to combine. Adjust the mixture by adding more oats if it’s too wet, or banana, honey, or water if it’s too dry. The dough should hold together without being sticky or wet.
Step 4: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly dust your work surface with flour or additional ground oats and roll out the dough to about 1/4 inch thick.
Step 5: Use your favorite cookie cutters to cut out shapes and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone mat.
Step 6: Bake the treats for 15 minutes. For crunchy treats, turn off the oven and leave them inside to cool for two hours. For softer treats, remove them after 15 minutes and let cool at room temperature.
Step 7: Store soft treats in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. Hard treats can be kept at room temperature for up to 3 weeks.

Tips & Variations

Substitute flax seed with chia seeds for an omega-3 boost.
If your dog has allergies, consider using oats processed in a gluten-free facility.
Add a spoonful of peanut butter (unsweetened and xylitol-free) for extra flavor and nutrition.
Use cookie cutters in fun shapes to make treat time more enjoyable for your dog.

Storage

Keep soft banana dog treats in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks to maintain freshness. For crunchy treats, store them at room temperature in an airtight container for up to three weeks. If treats soften over time, you can crisp them up again by placing them in a low oven for a few minutes.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use ripe or overripe bananas for this recipe?

Yes! Overripe bananas work well as they are sweeter and easier to mash, enhancing the flavor without adding sugar.

Are these treats safe for all dog breeds?

Generally, yes. However, always check with your vet if your dog has specific allergies or dietary restrictions before introducing new treats.

Banana Dog Treats Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.5 from 80 reviews

These Banana Dog Treats are a healthy and homemade snack option for your furry friend, made with simple ingredients like oats, bananas, and cinnamon. They come out crunchy or soft depending on your baking preference, and are free from artificial additives, making them perfect for rewarding your dog with a nutritious treat.

Author: Dana
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
Yield: Approximately 30 treats depending on size 1x
Category: Pet Treats
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

Dry Ingredients

3 1/2 cups oats
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1 Tablespoon flax seed (or chia seeds, optional)

Wet Ingredients

3 medium bananas

Instructions

Mash Bananas: In a large mixing bowl, thoroughly mash the bananas until smooth to serve as the base of the dough.
Grind Oats: Place 2 1/2 cups of the oats in a food processor and blend until they reach a flour-like texture, then transfer the ground oats to the mixing bowl.
Combine Ingredients: Add the remaining 1 cup of whole oats, cinnamon, and flax seed (if using) to the mixing bowl. Mix well to combine. Adjust the dough consistency by adding more oats if it’s too wet or a bit of banana, honey, or water if it is too dry. The dough should hold together but not be sticky or wet.
Preheat Oven and Prepare Dough Surface: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly dust your work surface with flour or additional ground oats to prevent sticking. Roll out the dough to about 1/4 inch thickness.
Cut Treat Shapes: Use your preferred cookie cutters to cut the dough into treat shapes, then place them on a silicone baking mat or parchment paper lined baking sheet.
Bake Treats: Bake the treats in the preheated oven at 350°F for 15 minutes. For crunchy treats, turn off the oven and leave the treats inside for an additional 2 hours to dry out and harden. For softer treats, remove them from the oven immediately after baking and let them cool at room temperature.
Storage: Store soft treats in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. Hard treats can be stored at room temperature for up to 3 weeks.

Notes

You can substitute flax seeds with chia seeds for similar nutritional benefits.
If the dough is too sticky, add more oats gradually until the right consistency is reached.
Use cookie cutters in fun shapes to make treat preparation enjoyable and personalized.
These treats are free from added sugars and artificial preservatives, making them a healthy choice for dogs.
Always check with your vet before introducing new treats, especially if your dog has dietary restrictions or allergies.

Keywords: Banana dog treats, homemade dog treats, healthy dog biscuits, oat dog treats, natural dog snacks