Let’s be honest—your dog is more loyal than your WiFi. So why feed them store-bought treats full of mystery ingredients when you can make something tail-waggingly good with just 3 pantry staples?
If you’ve got:
- A ripe banana
- Some rolled oats
- And either an egg or natural peanut butter…
Then congratulations—you’ve got everything you need to bake love straight into a cookie. 💛
🐶 Why Homemade Dog Treats > Store-Bought
Dogs deserve better than shelf-stable “meat” wrapped in plastic. Here’s why this recipe is a total game-changer:
| Ingredient | Benefits |
|---|---|
| Banana 🍌 | Packed with potassium, fiber, and natural sweetness |
| Rolled Oats 🌾 | Gentle on digestion, gluten-free, full of good carbs |
| Egg or PB 🥚🥜 | Rich in protein, flavor-packed, and helps bind the dough |
Unlike commercial treats, these contain:
- ❌ No fillers
- ❌ No added sugar
- ❌ No artificial preservatives
Just pure, wholesome goodness your dog will smell from a mile away.
📋 Ingredients (Basic + Optional Add-Ins)
✨ Basic 3-Ingredient Base:
- 1 cup rolled oats (pulse them a little for texture)
- 1 ripe banana, mashed
- 1 egg (or 2 tbsp xylitol-free natural peanut butter)
🌟 Optional Add-Ins for Flavor & Nutrition Boost:
- 2 tbsp blueberries (smashed)
- 2 tbsp shredded carrots
- A pinch of ground cinnamon (anti-inflammatory & smells amazing)
- 1 tbsp unsweetened applesauce (if replacing egg)
🔪 How to Make Banana Oat Dog Treats (Step-by-Step)
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Pulse the oats in a blender or food processor a few times—not too fine. Texture matters.
- In a mixing bowl, mash the banana until smooth.
- Add egg or peanut butter, mix until combined.
- Fold in the oats and optional add-ins to form a sticky dough.
- Roll into small balls or flatten into cookie shapes using your fingers or cookie cutter.
- Place on a baking tray lined with parchment paper.
- Bake for 12–15 minutes, until golden at the edges.
- Let them cool completely before serving (seriously—they’ll be hot!).
🧊 Storage & Shelf Life
- Counter: 3–4 days (airtight container)
- Fridge: Up to 7 days
- Freezer: Up to 2 months – just thaw before serving.
📦 Pro Tip: Freeze individual portions in silicone molds for grab-n-go treats.
📐 Portion Guidelines by Dog Size
| Dog Size | Treat Size | Max per Day |
|---|---|---|
| Small (under 20 lbs) | Marble-sized | 1–2 treats |
| Medium (20–50 lbs) | Quarter-sized | 2–3 treats |
| Large (50+ lbs) | Half-dollar | 3–4 treats |
👉 Treats are snacks—not meals. Use in moderation and adjust based on activity level.
🧠 Bonus: Boost Your Dog’s Brain While You Treat Them!
Did you know your dog has untapped potential just waiting to be unlocked? With daily mental stimulation, you can:
✅ Improve obedience
✅ Reduce boredom-driven misbehavior
✅ Build a stronger bond
🎯 Try this: After giving your pup a treat, ask for a simple command first—like “sit” or “paw.” Treat + reward = smarter pup in minutes.
Want a full brain-boosting program?
👉 Unlock 21 Brain Games to Train a Smarter, Calmer Dog (Expert-approved, fun & easy)
❓FAQ: Everything You’re Wondering
Q1: Can I use instant oats instead?
A: Technically yes, but instant oats can get mushy. Rolled oats offer better texture and nutrition.
Q2: Can puppies eat these?
A: Yup! Just make them softer and smaller. Skip add-ins until your vet gives the green light.
Q3: Can I replace the egg?
A: Yes! Try 1 tbsp unsweetened applesauce, mashed pumpkin, or 2 tbsp natural PB.
Q4: Can I eat these?
A: Sure, but they’re made for dogs—so expect bland, not bakery. Still, all ingredients are human-safe.
Q5: What if my dog doesn’t like banana?
A: Sub with mashed sweet potato or pumpkin. Still soft, sweet, and full of nutrients.
📌 Final Thoughts: Make Your Dog’s Tail Wag with Every Bite
You don’t need fancy tools or a pet nutrition degree to bake up healthy, love-filled dog treats. In just 30 minutes, you can ditch the mystery snacks and upgrade your pup’s snack time—without spending a dime on overpriced pet store bags.
So grab that old banana, turn on the oven, and make your dog the happiest fluff in the room.
🐾 Your best friend deserves better—and now you know exactly how to give it to them.