Banana Oatmeal Dog Cookie Recipe (4 Ingredients)

Banana and oats are basically the cheat code of homemade dog treats because they’re simple, affordable, and most dogs act like they’re getting a five-star snack.

This recipe is one of my favorites because it doesn’t require fancy ingredients, complicated steps, or a kitchen full of equipment. It’s also a great way to use up a ripe banana that’s about one day away from becoming compost.

If you want a dog cookie that smells good, bakes evenly, and doesn’t fall apart the second your dog takes a bite, this one does the job. And yes, it’s only four ingredients, which feels almost suspiciously easy.

What Makes This Recipe Shine

This banana oatmeal dog cookie recipe works so well because it’s built around ingredients that naturally hold together without needing weird binders or processed fillers. The banana adds moisture and sweetness, while the oats give structure and a chewy bite. It’s the kind of combination that just makes sense, like peanut butter and jelly, except your dog is the one winning here.

I also love how forgiving it is. If your banana is super ripe and soft, perfect. If it’s slightly underripe, still fine. The dough basically adapts, and you can adjust texture easily without ruining the whole batch.

From a nutrition standpoint, oats are a nice, gentle ingredient for most dogs. They’re commonly used in dog treats because they’re easy to digest and give a little fiber boost. Banana brings potassium, natural sweetness, and a smell that dogs seem weirdly obsessed with.

Texture-wise, these cookies come out slightly crisp on the outside and softer inside, especially if you don’t overbake them. They smell like warm banana oatmeal, which is honestly not a bad deal for your kitchen either. Some dog treats smell like a science experiment gone wrong, but these don’t.

The best part is how useful they are for everyday dog life. These cookies work as quick rewards, snack-time treats, or even a little topper crumble if your dog gets bored with their normal food. It’s one of those “make once, use all week” recipes that actually feels worth the effort.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 1 ripe banana (the riper the better because it mashes easily and adds sweetness)
• 1 cup rolled oats (old-fashioned oats work best and give good texture)
• 1 egg (helps bind everything together and adds protein)
• 2 tablespoons peanut butter (unsweetened) (make sure it’s xylitol-free, because xylitol is toxic to dogs)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat and Prep Your Baking Setup

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This keeps the cookies from sticking and makes cleanup way easier, because nobody wants to scrape baked banana off a tray.

If you don’t have parchment paper, a lightly greased baking sheet works too, but parchment is cleaner and more reliable. Also, set aside a fork and a mixing bowl, because that’s basically all you need.

2. Mash the Banana Until Smooth

Peel your ripe banana and drop it into a bowl. Mash it with a fork until it turns into a smooth paste with only a few tiny lumps left.

You don’t need it perfectly pureed, but you do want it mostly smooth so the dough mixes evenly. If the banana stays chunky, you’ll end up with uneven texture and weird soft spots in the cookies.

3. Mix in the Egg and Peanut Butter

Crack the egg into the bowl with the mashed banana and stir until it blends in. The mixture should look slightly creamy and a little loose at this stage.

Add the peanut butter and stir again until it’s fully combined. This step makes the dough smell amazing, and it’s also where the mixture starts to thicken slightly.

4. Add the Oats and Form the Dough

Pour in the rolled oats and stir until everything comes together. The dough should look thick and sticky, almost like a chunky cookie batter.

Let the mixture sit for about 3–5 minutes so the oats can absorb moisture. This small step matters because it helps the dough hold its shape better during baking.

5. Shape the Cookies

Scoop small portions of dough and roll them into balls, then flatten them gently on the baking sheet. You can make them round, square-ish, or just messy little blobs, because your dog will not judge your cookie artistry.

If you want to use cookie cutters, you can, but this dough is slightly sticky so it won’t behave like regular sugar cookie dough. I usually just flatten them with my fingers or the back of a spoon and call it a day.

6. Bake Until Lightly Golden

Bake the cookies for about 15–18 minutes, depending on how thick you made them. You want the edges to look lightly golden and the tops to feel firm when touched.

If you prefer crunchier cookies, bake closer to 20 minutes, but keep an eye on them. Banana can burn fast, and burnt dog cookies smell like sadness.

7. Cool Completely Before Serving

Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the tray for about 10 minutes. Then move them to a cooling rack or plate and let them cool completely.

This part is important because the cookies firm up as they cool. Also, you don’t want to hand your dog a hot treat and end up with a dramatic tongue situation.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

One of the biggest mistakes people make with homemade dog treats is using peanut butter that contains xylitol. This isn’t just a “maybe it’s bad” ingredient, it’s seriously dangerous for dogs. Always check the label, even if you think the peanut butter is safe.

Another common issue is using too much peanut butter because it feels like it’ll make the treats taste better. It does make them richer, but too much can upset your dog’s stomach and make the cookies greasy. Two tablespoons is plenty for flavor without turning the recipe into an oil bomb.

Overbaking is also super common, especially if you’re trying to make them crunchy. These cookies don’t need to be dark brown to be done. Once the edges start turning golden and the center feels set, you’re good.

Some people also skip letting the dough rest after adding the oats. That little waiting time helps the oats absorb moisture and makes the cookies hold together better. If you skip it, the dough can spread too much and bake unevenly.

Finally, don’t make the cookies too thick unless you plan to bake longer. Thick cookies stay soft inside, which can be fine, but they also spoil faster if stored incorrectly. Thin-to-medium cookies are the safest bet if you want them to last longer.

Alternatives & Substitutions

If your dog has a peanut allergy or you just want to mix things up, you can swap the peanut butter with sunflower seed butter. It has a similar creamy texture and most dogs love it, but you still want to make sure it’s unsweetened and free of weird additives.

For dogs that don’t handle eggs well, you can replace the egg with a simple flax egg. Just mix 1 tablespoon ground flaxseed with 2.5 tablespoons water and let it sit for 5 minutes until it thickens. It works surprisingly well and keeps the cookies together.

If you want to make the cookies grain-free, oats won’t work, obviously. In that case, you can use coconut flour, but you’ll need way less because it absorbs moisture like crazy. Start with about ¼ cup and adjust slowly, because too much coconut flour will make the cookies dry and crumbly.

You can also add extras if you want to level them up. A spoonful of pumpkin puree works great and adds fiber, but it technically turns the recipe into five ingredients. Shredded carrots or finely chopped apples are also fun additions, especially if your dog likes crunchy textures.

If you want a softer cookie for senior dogs, bake for less time and keep them slightly underdone in the center. They’ll stay chewy and easier to bite. If your dog is more of a crunch monster, bake a little longer and let them cool fully for a firmer snap.

FAQ

Can dogs eat banana oatmeal cookies every day?

They can, but they probably shouldn’t. These are healthy as treats, but they still count as extra calories, especially with peanut butter involved.

A good rule is to treat them like snacks, not meals. A small cookie a day for a medium dog is usually fine, but don’t go full “cookie buffet” mode.

Are these cookies safe for puppies?

Yes, in most cases they are, but portion size matters more for puppies. Puppies have smaller stomachs and more sensitive digestion, so you want to start with a tiny piece first.

Also, if your puppy has never had oats or peanut butter, introduce it slowly. Some dogs handle new foods like champs, and others act like you just fed them a science experiment.

How long do homemade banana oat dog cookies last?

At room temperature in an airtight container, they last about 3–4 days. Because banana adds moisture, they don’t stay shelf-stable for a long time.

If you want them to last longer, store them in the fridge. They can last about 7 days refrigerated, and they still taste fine to dogs, even cold.

Can I freeze these dog cookies?

Yes, freezing works really well. Just let the cookies cool completely, then store them in a freezer-safe bag or container.

They’ll stay good for about 2–3 months in the freezer. When you want to use them, thaw at room temperature or pop one in the fridge overnight.

What kind of oats should I use?

Rolled oats are the best option because they give the right texture and hold the dough together nicely. Quick oats also work, but the cookies may end up slightly softer and less structured.

Steel-cut oats aren’t a good idea because they’re too hard and won’t soften properly during baking. Your dog deserves better than crunchy oat gravel.

What if my dough is too wet or too dry?

If your dough feels too wet and sticky, add a little more oats, about a tablespoon at a time. The banana size can vary, so sometimes you just need a small adjustment.

If the dough feels too dry and crumbly, add a tiny splash of water or a teaspoon of extra mashed banana. You want it thick but still moldable.

Is peanut butter actually good for dogs?

In moderation, yes. Peanut butter contains healthy fats and protein, and most dogs treat it like it’s the greatest invention in history.

The key is choosing the right kind. Always use unsweetened peanut butter with no xylitol, no artificial sweeteners, and preferably minimal added salt.

Final Thoughts

This banana oatmeal dog cookie recipe is one of those simple homemade treats that feels almost too easy, but it always works. The ingredients are basic, the steps are beginner-friendly, and the cookies come out smelling good enough that you’ll probably wish you could eat them too.

If you want a go-to dog treat you can make without stress, this is the one. Bake a batch, freeze half, and enjoy being your dog’s favorite person for the next few weeks.