Peanut Butter, Banana & Oat Recipe – 3 Ingredient Dog Treats

Last updated on January 31st, 2026 at 07:22 am

I used to think dog treats had to look fancy to be good. Crunchy shapes, weird ingredients I couldn’t pronounce, and a price tag that made me side-eye the shelf.

Then I tried this recipe on a lazy afternoon and realized I had massively overcomplicated things.

This recipe starts with a blunt truth. Dogs do not care about aesthetics, trends, or packaging.

They care about smell, taste, and whether you hand it over fast enough.

What Makes This Recipe Shine

This recipe shines because it refuses to be complicated. You grab three ingredients, mash them together, and suddenly you look like the most thoughtful dog parent on the block. I love recipes that respect my time, and this one absolutely does.

The flavor combo works every single time. Peanut butter brings that rich, nutty smell dogs lose their minds over, bananas add natural sweetness, and oats keep everything together without drama. IMO, it’s the holy trinity of lazy-but-loving dog snacks.

I also trust this recipe more than most store-bought treats. I know exactly what goes in, and I don’t need Google to decode the label. That peace of mind feels almost as good as watching a dog sit perfectly still for a treat.

Another reason I keep coming back to this one involves flexibility. I can bake them crunchy, keep them soft, or even roll them into no-bake bites. Few dog recipes adapt this easily without falling apart or turning weird.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• Ripe banana – The spottier it looks, the better it tastes, and dogs fully agree with that.
• Natural peanut butter – Skip anything with xylitol because that stuff scares me more than burnt cookies.
• Rolled oats – Old-fashioned oats work best, and instant oats still get the job done on rushed days.

That’s it, and yes, it really feels almost too easy. I double-checked the first time because my brain expected a catch. There isn’t one.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Mash the Banana

Grab a bowl and toss in the ripe banana. Smash it with a fork until it looks smooth but slightly chunky, because perfection doesn’t matter here. I actually prefer a little texture since it helps the dough hold together.

Take a second to notice the smell. That sweet banana scent sets the tone for everything that follows. If your dog already wandered into the kitchen, that’s your first sign you’re doing it right.

Step 2: Add the Peanut Butter

Scoop the peanut butter straight into the mashed banana. Stir with confidence and don’t stress about streaks at first. The mixture thickens quickly, and it starts looking like actual dough within seconds.

I usually taste-test peanut butter before adding it, purely for quality control. FYI, that step is optional but emotionally important. Once mixed, the smell turns dangerously tempting.

Step 3: Mix in the Oats

Pour the oats in slowly while stirring. The dough tightens as the oats absorb moisture, which feels oddly satisfying. Stop when the mixture looks firm but still scoopable.

If the dough feels too dry, add a tiny bit more banana. If it feels sticky, sprinkle in extra oats. This recipe forgives small mistakes, which is my favorite kind of recipe.

Step 4: Shape the Treats

Roll small balls or press the dough flat to cut shapes. I usually go with simple rounds because my dog doesn’t care about hearts or bones. Keep sizes consistent so baking stays even.

Line a baking tray with parchment and space them out slightly. They won’t spread much, so you don’t need to overthink placement. This step moves fast, which I appreciate.

Step 5: Bake or Chill

Bake the treats at a moderate oven temperature until they feel firm and lightly golden. If you prefer soft treats, pull them earlier and let them cool. For no-bake treats, chill them in the fridge until set.

Cooling matters more than people think. Hot treats smell amazing, but patience prevents crumbly messes. Trust me, waiting saves cleanup later.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

The biggest mistake involves using peanut butter with unsafe sweeteners. I check labels every time because one bad ingredient can ruin the whole experience. When in doubt, I skip it entirely.

Another mistake comes from overbaking. Crunchy treats sound nice, but too much heat dries them out fast. I aim for firm but not rock-hard unless I know my dog prefers extra crunch.

People also make the dough too thick. Huge treats look generous, but smaller bites work better for training and portion control. Plus, dogs never complain about getting more than one.

Alternatives & Substitutions

You can swap oats for oat flour if you want smoother dough. I sometimes blend oats when I want cleaner edges on baked treats. Both versions work, and dogs never notice the difference.

Mashed pumpkin works as a banana replacement if bananas aren’t available. I like pumpkin for dogs with sensitive stomachs because it digests easily. The texture stays similar, which keeps shaping easy.

If peanut butter isn’t an option, almond butter without additives works fine. I personally stick with peanut butter because dogs react faster to the smell. That instant tail wag wins every time.

FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

Can dogs eat peanut butter every day?

Dogs can enjoy peanut butter regularly in moderation. I treat it like a reward, not a meal replacement. Balance always keeps things healthier.

Do these treats work for puppies?

These treats work great for puppies when you keep sizes small. Soft versions help tiny teeth and make training smoother. I break them into pieces for safety.

How long do these treats last?

Stored properly, baked treats last about a week at room temperature. Refrigeration stretches that to two weeks easily. Freezing works even better for batch prep.

Can I make these without baking?

You can absolutely skip baking and chill the dough instead. No-bake treats stay soft and hold together well. I use this method when I feel impatient.

Are oats safe for dogs?

Oats provide fiber and gentle energy for dogs. Most dogs digest them without issues. I introduce them slowly if it’s a dog’s first time.

Why did my dough turn crumbly?

Crumbly dough usually means too many oats. Adding a spoon of mashed banana fixes it fast. Mixing gently also helps maintain structure.

Final Thoughts

This recipe reminds me why simple wins. Three ingredients, minimal effort, and a dog who thinks I’m a genius. That feels like a solid trade.

If you want a treat that fits busy days without cutting corners, this one delivers. Make a batch once, and you’ll keep coming back, just like I do.