2-Ingredient Banana Oat Dog Treat Recipe

Most store-bought dog treats are way more complicated than they need to be. Half the time the ingredient list looks like a chemistry experiment, and you’re just standing there thinking, “Why does a dog biscuit need five preservatives?”

This recipe fixes that problem fast. It’s simple, cheap, and made with ingredients you probably already have sitting in your kitchen right now.

Short Intro

A good homemade dog treat recipe should be simple enough that you’ll actually make it more than once. If it takes 17 ingredients and a food processor that costs more than your rent, it’s not happening.

That’s why this 2-Ingredient Banana Oat Dog Treat Recipe is one of my favorites. It’s easy, dog-safe, and the kind of thing you can throw together without overthinking it.

What Makes This Recipe Shine

The best part about this recipe is that it doesn’t try too hard. It uses two ingredients that make total sense together, and it creates a treat that feels homemade in the best way, not “Pinterest perfect but impossible to bake.”

Banana adds natural sweetness and a soft texture, while oats give structure and that chewy-biscuit feel. Together, they bake into little treats that smell like banana bread, which is honestly not a bad deal for you either.

I also love how forgiving this recipe is. If your banana is a little extra ripe and mushy, great. If your oats are quick oats instead of rolled oats, still fine.

Dogs go crazy for the smell, and it’s not because of artificial flavoring. It’s just real banana, warm oats, and that cozy baked-food scent that makes them hover in the kitchen like tiny furry supervisors.

Another reason this recipe works so well is that it’s gentle. It’s not spicy, salty, greasy, or overloaded with random stuff that can upset your dog’s stomach.

And if your dog is the type to inhale treats like they’re competing in a sport, these still feel like a decent option. They’re simple, clean, and you can control the size so you’re not accidentally feeding your dog the calorie equivalent of a cheeseburger.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 1 ripe banana (the riper the better, because it mashes easily and smells sweeter)
• 1 cup oats (rolled oats work best, but quick oats also work fine)

That’s literally it. Both ingredients are commonly used in homemade dog treat recipes because they’re generally safe, easy to digest, and simple enough that you know exactly what your dog is eating.

Bananas are a natural source of fiber and potassium, and oats are a gentle grain that many dogs tolerate well. Just make sure you’re using plain oats, not the flavored instant oatmeal packets that come with sugar and weird extras.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven and Prep the Baking Sheet

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it’s ready when your dough is mixed. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it so the treats don’t stick.

This step matters more than people think, because oats love to cling to metal pans like they’re paying rent. Parchment paper saves you from scraping burnt oat crumbs later.

Step 2: Mash the Banana Until Smooth

Peel your banana and drop it into a mixing bowl. Mash it with a fork until it turns into a smooth, pudding-like texture with minimal chunks.

A few small banana lumps won’t ruin anything, but smoother banana makes the treats bake more evenly. It also helps the oats bind better, so you don’t end up with crumbly dog snacks that fall apart the second your dog touches them.

Step 3: Mix in the Oats

Pour the oats into the mashed banana and stir until everything comes together. You want a thick, sticky dough that holds its shape when you press it with a spoon.

If the mixture feels too wet, add a tablespoon or two of oats. If it feels too dry and won’t mix, your banana might’ve been small, so add a tiny splash of water and stir again.

Step 4: Shape the Treats

Scoop out small portions of the mixture and shape them into little rounds or flattened bites. Place them on your baking sheet with a little space between each one.

I usually flatten them slightly because thick treats take longer to bake and sometimes stay soft in the middle. Flat treats bake more evenly and end up with that chewy biscuit texture dogs love.

Step 5: Bake Until Firm

Bake the treats for 15–20 minutes, depending on how thick you made them. They should look lightly golden and feel firm around the edges.

If you want a crunchier treat, bake them closer to 20 minutes. If your dog prefers softer treats, pull them around 15 minutes and let them cool fully.

Step 6: Cool Completely Before Serving

Remove the treats from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for about 10 minutes. Then transfer them to a wire rack or plate to cool the rest of the way.

This part is important because the treats keep firming up as they cool. Giving your dog a hot treat fresh from the oven is not the heroic moment some people think it is.

Step 7: Store the Treats Properly

Once fully cooled, store them in an airtight container. Keep them at room temperature for about 2 days, in the fridge for up to a week, or freeze them for longer storage.

If you live somewhere humid, the fridge is your best friend. Oats can absorb moisture fast, and nobody wants soggy banana treats floating around in a container.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

One of the biggest mistakes people make with banana oat dog treats is using a banana that isn’t ripe enough. A firm yellow banana might look fine for you, but it doesn’t mash well and it won’t blend smoothly with the oats.

When the banana isn’t ripe, the mixture ends up dry and crumbly. The treats still bake, but they break apart easily, and you’ll wonder why your dog is eating more crumbs than actual treats.

Another common issue is making the treats too thick. It’s tempting to roll them into chunky little balls, but that can leave the center undercooked while the outside gets too hard.

Flattening them slightly solves that problem. It gives you a more consistent bake and a texture that works for most dogs, especially small breeds or older dogs with sensitive teeth.

Overbaking is also a classic mistake. People think dog treats need to be rock hard, like they’re trying to build a chew toy out of oats.

If you bake them too long, they get dry and brittle. That might be fine for some dogs, but others will just chew once and spit it out like they’re offended.

Another thing people forget is portion size. Even though these treats are healthy compared to store-bought junk, they still count as extra calories.

Small dogs need smaller treats, and big dogs don’t need half the tray just because they look at you with dramatic eyes. Dogs are very good at acting like they haven’t eaten in three days.

Also, don’t store them while they’re still warm. That traps steam in the container, and then you get soft, slightly damp treats that go bad faster.

If you want these to last, let them cool completely. Patience isn’t fun, but neither is throwing out a batch you just baked.

Alternatives & Substitutions

This recipe is already super simple, but you can still tweak it depending on your dog’s needs. The best part is that banana and oats work as a solid base for a lot of dog-safe add-ins.

If your dog has trouble with oats, you can try using oat flour instead. Just grind the oats into a powder using a blender or food processor, then mix it with banana to make a smoother dough.

For dogs that need a grain-free option, oats might not work. In that case, you can try coconut flour, but you’ll need way less because it absorbs moisture like crazy.

If you want to add protein, a spoonful of plain peanut butter works well, as long as it’s xylitol-free. Seriously, check the label every time, because xylitol is toxic to dogs and not something you want to gamble with.

You can also add a little plain pumpkin puree if you want extra fiber. Pumpkin and banana together smell great, and most dogs love the taste.

For dogs with sensitive stomachs, I’d keep it basic. Banana and oats are already gentle, and sometimes the best homemade dog treat is the boring one that doesn’t cause issues.

If your dog is picky, try adding a pinch of cinnamon. It gives a warmer smell and flavor, and it’s generally safe in small amounts.

You can also shape these into mini training treats. Make them smaller, bake them slightly longer, and you’ll have bite-sized treats that work great for obedience training without overfeeding.

Personally, I like keeping them simple most of the time. Once you start adding five ingredients, you might as well be making dog muffins, and then your dog starts expecting luxury.

FAQ

Can dogs eat banana and oats safely?

Yes, most dogs can eat banana and oats safely in moderation. Banana is a natural fruit with fiber and potassium, and oats are a mild grain that’s commonly used in dog treat recipes.

That said, every dog is different, so start with a small treat and watch for any stomach issues. If your dog has known food sensitivities, it’s always smart to introduce new treats slowly.

How many banana oat treats can I give my dog per day?

It depends on your dog’s size and diet, but these should still be treated like snacks, not meals. For small dogs, 1–2 small treats a day is plenty.

Medium to large dogs can usually handle 2–4 treats, especially if they’re bite-sized. If your dog is on a weight loss plan, keep portions smaller because even healthy treats add up fast.

Can puppies eat these treats?

Most puppies can eat these treats once they’re eating solid foods, but you should keep the portions small. Puppies have sensitive stomachs, and too much banana can sometimes cause loose stool.

I’d also bake them a little softer for puppies. Hard treats can be annoying for tiny teeth, and your puppy doesn’t need to struggle like they’re chewing a rock.

How do I make these treats crunchier?

Bake them longer and make them thinner. If you flatten them into thin little rounds and bake closer to 20 minutes, you’ll get a firmer, crispier texture.

You can also turn off the oven after baking and leave them inside for another 10 minutes with the door slightly cracked. That helps dry them out without burning them.

How long do homemade banana oat dog treats last?

At room temperature, they usually last about 2 days in an airtight container. In the fridge, you can get around a week.

If you want them to last longer, freezing is the best option. They freeze well and thaw quickly, which makes them great for meal prep style treat-making.

Can I freeze banana oat dog treats?

Yes, freezing works really well for these treats. Let them cool completely, then store them in a freezer-safe container or bag.

They usually stay good in the freezer for about 2–3 months. You can thaw them in the fridge or just let them sit at room temperature for 15–20 minutes.

What if my dough is too sticky or too dry?

If it’s too sticky, add a little more oats and mix again. Some bananas are bigger and wetter than others, so this happens all the time.

If it’s too dry and won’t hold together, add a tiny splash of water or mash in a bit more banana if you have one. You want a dough that sticks together easily without feeling like soup.

Final Thoughts

This 2-Ingredient Banana Oat Dog Treat Recipe is one of those easy wins that actually feels worth making. It’s simple, dog-safe, and way cleaner than most store-bought treats.

I love it because it works for everyday snacks, training rewards, or even just those moments when your dog is staring at you like you owe them something. Bake a batch, freeze half, and you’ll always have a healthy treat ready to go.