Strawberry Banana Dog Cookie Recipe

Strawberry and banana make one of the easiest “safe and tasty” flavor combos for homemade dog treats. They’re naturally sweet, super beginner-friendly, and they don’t need any weird ingredients to work. Plus, most dogs go absolutely feral for anything banana-based, so you already know this recipe has a high success rate.

If you want a dog cookie recipe that feels homemade and healthy without turning into a full kitchen project, this one is a solid go-to. It’s simple, it smells great while baking, and it stores well too.

What Makes This Recipe Shine

This recipe works so well because it hits that sweet spot between healthy and “my dog thinks I’m a professional chef.” Banana adds natural sweetness and helps bind everything together, so you don’t need sugar, syrups, or anything questionable. Strawberries bring a fresh fruity flavor and a little extra nutrition without being overpowering.

The texture is another big win. These cookies bake up slightly crisp on the outside and softer in the middle, depending on how thin you roll them. That makes them perfect for dogs who like crunchy treats but also good for dogs who don’t want something rock-hard. You can adjust the bake time to match your dog’s chewing style, which is honestly one of my favorite parts.

Nutritionally, this recipe has a lot going for it. Strawberries contain antioxidants and vitamin C, and bananas provide potassium and fiber. No, it’s not a “superfood miracle,” but it’s definitely a better choice than random store-bought biscuits full of fillers and mystery ingredients. I’m not anti-store treats, but some of those labels look like they were written by a chemistry professor.

What I love most is how forgiving this dough is. Even if your measurements aren’t perfect, it still comes together. If you’ve ever tried making homemade dog treats that turned into sticky mush or dry sand, you know how rare that is. This dough behaves like it actually wants to become cookies.

Also, the smell while baking is genuinely pleasant. It smells like a mild fruity snack, not like something you regret doing halfway through. Your dog will probably camp in the kitchen the entire time, staring at the oven like it owes them money.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 1 ripe banana (mashed)
  The riper the better, because it mashes easier and adds more natural sweetness.
• 1/2 cup fresh strawberries (finely chopped or mashed)
  Use fresh or thawed frozen strawberries, but avoid anything with added sugar.
• 1 large egg
  Helps bind the dough and gives the cookies a better texture.
• 1 1/2 cups oat flour
  Oat flour is gentle on most dogs’ stomachs and works great for dog cookies.
• 1/2 cup rolled oats
  Adds texture and makes the cookies feel more “biscuit-like.”
• 1 tablespoon unsweetened peanut butter (optional)
  Only use peanut butter with no xylitol, ever. This adds flavor and helps picky dogs get excited.
• 1 tablespoon coconut oil (optional)
  Helps with texture and gives the treats a slightly richer bite.
• 1–3 tablespoons water (as needed)
  Only use if your dough feels too dry.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. This keeps the cookies from sticking and saves you from scrubbing baked-on fruit bits later. Trust me, nobody wants that kind of drama.

Wash your strawberries and remove the stems, then chop them into small pieces. If you want smoother cookies, mash them instead, but chopping gives a nice little texture that dogs usually don’t mind at all.

Step 2: Mash the Banana and Mix the Wet Ingredients

Grab a medium mixing bowl and mash your banana until it looks like baby food. You want it mostly smooth, but a few small lumps won’t ruin anything. In fact, dogs probably appreciate the little banana pockets more than we do.

Add your chopped strawberries into the bowl and mix them in. Then crack in the egg and stir everything until it looks like a fruity pancake batter situation. If you’re using peanut butter or coconut oil, add them now and mix until smooth.

Step 3: Add the Dry Ingredients

Pour in the oat flour and rolled oats, then stir until the dough starts forming. At first it might feel sticky and messy, but keep mixing and it will tighten up. This is one of those recipes where the dough suddenly goes from “this is chaos” to “okay yeah, this works.”

If the dough feels too wet, add a little more oat flour one tablespoon at a time. If it feels too dry and crumbly, add a tablespoon of water and mix again. You’re aiming for a dough that holds together and doesn’t stick heavily to your hands.

Step 4: Shape the Cookies

Lightly flour your surface with oat flour and roll the dough out to about 1/4 inch thick. If your dog likes crunchier treats, roll it thinner. If your dog prefers softer cookies, keep them slightly thicker.

Use a cookie cutter, knife, or even a pizza cutter to cut out shapes. Honestly, your dog does not care if they’re hearts, bones, or awkward squares. The only one judging your cookie shapes is you.

Place the cookies on your lined baking sheet with a little space between them. They won’t spread much, but give them room anyway so they bake evenly.

Step 5: Bake Until Set

Bake for 18–22 minutes, depending on thickness. You want the edges to look slightly golden and the tops to feel firm when you touch them. If you want crunchier cookies, bake closer to 25 minutes.

Once they’re done, remove the tray from the oven and let them cool for at least 30 minutes. Don’t skip this part, because hot fruit-based treats can burn your dog’s mouth and also fall apart if you handle them too early.

Step 6: Cool Completely and Store Properly

After cooling, transfer the cookies to a wire rack or plate. Let them cool fully before storing, because trapped heat creates moisture, and moisture creates mold. And mold is not the vibe we’re going for here.

Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for a few days, or refrigerate them for longer freshness. You can also freeze them if you like making big batches.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

One of the biggest mistakes people make with fruit-based dog cookies is using strawberries that are too watery. If your strawberries are super juicy, your dough can turn into a sticky mess fast. It’s not the end of the world, but you’ll have to add more flour and the cookies might bake softer than you planned.

Another common issue is using peanut butter without checking the label. I know it sounds dramatic, but it matters. Some peanut butters contain xylitol, which is extremely toxic to dogs. Even a small amount can be dangerous, so always use plain unsweetened peanut butter and double-check the ingredients.

Overbaking is also a classic mistake. People think dog treats need to be hard as a rock to be “real biscuits,” but that’s not true. If you bake them too long, they can become overly dry and brittle. That might be fine for big dogs who chew like machines, but it’s not great for smaller dogs or older dogs.

Using too much flour can also mess things up. If you keep adding flour because the dough feels sticky, you might end up with cookies that are dry and bland. Fruit dough is naturally sticky, so instead of dumping flour into the bowl, try chilling the dough for 10 minutes. That little trick can save the whole batch.

And let’s talk about salt. People sometimes add a pinch out of habit because they’re used to baking human cookies. You don’t need it here. Dogs don’t need added salt in homemade treats, and it’s one of those things that can quietly cause problems if you overdo it.

Finally, don’t rush the cooling process. Warm cookies might smell amazing, but they’re softer and more fragile right out of the oven. If you try to store them too soon, they’ll get soggy fast, and then you’re basically making fruit bread chunks instead of cookies.

Alternatives & Substitutions

If your dog has grain sensitivities, you can swap oat flour for coconut flour, but you’ll need to adjust the liquid. Coconut flour absorbs a lot, so start with about 3/4 cup and add water slowly. The dough will feel thicker and more dense, but it still works.

For a gluten-free version, oat flour is already a great choice, but just make sure your oats are certified gluten-free. Some oats get cross-contaminated during processing, which can matter if your dog has a sensitive stomach. Most dogs are fine, but it’s worth mentioning.

If your dog can’t have eggs, you can use a simple flax egg. Mix 1 tablespoon ground flaxseed with 3 tablespoons water and let it sit for 5–10 minutes. It thickens up and works surprisingly well in dog treats. The cookies may be slightly softer, but they still hold their shape.

You can also swap strawberries for blueberries, raspberries, or even pumpkin puree. Blueberries are probably the easiest replacement because they don’t add too much water. Pumpkin makes the cookies softer and gives them that cozy “fall treat” vibe.

If you want a protein boost, add 2–3 tablespoons of plain Greek yogurt. It adds moisture, so you may need a little extra flour, but it gives the cookies a richer texture. Just keep it plain and unsweetened, because flavored yogurt usually contains sugar or artificial sweeteners.

For dogs with peanut allergies, you can use sunflower seed butter or skip nut butter completely. Honestly, the banana already carries the flavor, so peanut butter is more like a bonus than a requirement.

If you want crunchier cookies, roll the dough thinner and bake a few extra minutes. If you want softer cookies for puppies or seniors, keep them thicker and bake slightly less. This is one of those recipes where you can customize it without stressing.

FAQ

Can dogs eat strawberries safely?

Yes, most dogs can eat strawberries in moderation. They’re a healthy fruit option with fiber and antioxidants, and they’re naturally sweet without needing added sugar. Just make sure you wash them well and remove the stems.

If your dog has a sensitive stomach, start with a small amount because too much fruit can cause mild digestive upset. Dogs don’t need a fruit buffet, even if they act like they do.

Can I use frozen strawberries?

Absolutely, frozen strawberries work fine. Just thaw them first and drain off extra liquid, because frozen berries release a lot of moisture. If you skip draining, your dough can become too wet and harder to shape.

Once drained, chop or mash them like fresh strawberries. The flavor still holds up really well.

How long do these strawberry banana dog cookies last?

At room temperature, they usually last about 3–4 days in an airtight container. In the refrigerator, they can last around 7–10 days depending on moisture levels. Because these cookies contain fresh fruit, they spoil faster than dry crunchy biscuits.

If you want them to last longer, freezing is the best move. That way you can just grab a few when needed.

Can I freeze these dog cookies?

Yes, and honestly, you probably should. Place them in a freezer-safe container or bag and freeze for up to 2–3 months. They thaw quickly at room temperature, usually within 15–20 minutes.

Freezing also helps preserve the flavor and texture better than refrigerating for too long. It’s a great way to batch-make treats without worrying about spoilage.

Are these cookies safe for puppies?

They can be, but portion size matters. Puppies have smaller digestive systems, so give them tiny pieces at first and watch for any stomach upset. Also, make sure the cookies are baked soft enough for them to chew easily.

If your puppy is very young, you might want to crumble the cookie and use it as a training treat instead of giving a full one.

How many cookies can I give my dog per day?

It depends on your dog’s size, activity level, and diet. For a small dog, 1 cookie per day is usually plenty. Medium dogs can handle 1–2, and larger dogs might be fine with 2–3.

Even healthy treats should stay treats, not meals. If your dog starts expecting five cookies a day, they will absolutely try to negotiate for more like they’re paying rent.

Can I make these cookies crunchy instead of soft?

Yes, you can make them crunchier by rolling the dough thinner and baking longer. Another trick is to bake them normally, then turn off the oven and leave them inside with the door slightly cracked for 20–30 minutes. That helps dry them out without burning.

Crunchy treats store better too, so if you like keeping them at room temperature longer, that method helps a lot.

FINAL THOUGHTS

This strawberry banana dog cookie recipe is one of those easy wins that feels way fancier than it actually is. It uses simple ingredients, it smells great, and it makes your dog think you’re the best human on earth for at least 10 minutes.

If you want a homemade treat that’s healthy, fun, and ridiculously easy to batch-freeze, this is the one. Make a double batch and save yourself the trouble later, because once your dog tastes these, they’ll definitely ask for an encore.