If your dog’s tail wags at the sound of a peanut butter jar opening, this recipe is for you. These Peanut Butter Banana Dog Treats are soft, flavorful, and easy to make with simple pantry staples. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just want a healthy homemade alternative to store-bought biscuits, this is a treat you’ll feel good about giving.
Over the years, I’ve made dozens of dog treat recipes, but this combo of banana and peanut butter is always a hit. It’s naturally sweet, rich in healthy fats and protein, and bakes into soft, chewy cookies perfect for all dog sizes. Best of all, it’s quick and beginner-friendly—no fancy equipment required.
Why Your Dog Will Love This Recipe
These treats are packed with flavor dogs naturally love—creamy peanut butter and ripe banana. The soft texture makes them easy to chew for puppies, seniors, or dogs with dental issues. The smell alone will bring them running! They’re great for training, treating, or even baking as dog gifts. Plus, the ingredients are wholesome and simple, which means you’ll feel just as good as your dog does every time you hand one over.
What You’ll Need
- 1 ripe banana
- 1/2 cup natural unsweetened peanut butter (xylitol-free)
- 1 egg
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1 cup whole wheat flour
- 1–2 tablespoons water (if needed for texture)
Pro Tips
- Always check peanut butter labels—it must be xylitol-free, as xylitol is toxic to dogs.
- Use ripe bananas for a naturally sweeter treat and easier mixing.
- Roll the dough between parchment sheets if it’s sticky; it prevents adding too much extra flour.
- Choose cookie cutter sizes based on your dog’s breed—smaller for little dogs or training treats, larger for big pups.
- For longer shelf life, bake a few extra minutes to dry them out slightly for crunchier storage-friendly treats.
Tools Required
- Mixing bowl
- Fork or potato masher
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Rubber spatula or spoon
- Rolling pin (optional)
- Cookie cutters or knife
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Cooling rack
Substitutions and Variations
- Gluten-free version: Swap whole wheat flour with oat flour or brown rice flour.
- No oats? Use all-purpose flour or an extra 1/4 cup whole wheat flour instead.
- Peanut allergy alternative: Use unsweetened sunflower seed butter or pumpkin purée.
- Add-ins: Stir in a teaspoon of ground flaxseed, cinnamon, or chopped fresh parsley for added nutrition or breath freshening.
Make Ahead Tips
You can prep the dough up to 48 hours ahead and store it tightly wrapped in the fridge. It also freezes beautifully—roll and cut the dough, freeze on a baking sheet, then transfer to a zip-top bag. Bake directly from frozen with just a few extra minutes of oven time.
Finished treats can also be made in large batches and frozen for up to 3 months.
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat and Line Tray
Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Mash the Banana
In a medium bowl, mash the ripe banana using a fork or potato masher until mostly smooth.
Step 3: Add Peanut Butter and Egg
Stir in the peanut butter and egg, mixing until fully combined and creamy.
Step 4: Add Oats and Flour
Add the rolled oats and whole wheat flour to the mixture. Stir with a spoon or spatula until a thick dough forms. Add 1–2 tablespoons of water if the dough is too dry.
Step 5: Roll Out and Cut
On a lightly floured surface or between parchment paper, roll the dough to about 1/4 inch thickness. Cut into shapes using cookie cutters or slice into squares with a knife.
Step 6: Bake
Place the cut-out dough pieces onto the lined baking sheet and bake for 18–22 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the treats are set.
Step 7: Cool
Transfer baked treats to a wire rack and let cool completely before storing or serving.
Serving Suggestions
- Offer 1–2 treats as a midday snack
- Break into smaller pieces for training
- Pair with plain yogurt or a smear of dog-safe peanut butter as a “dessert”
- Use in treat-dispensing toys or enrichment puzzles
- Include in gift bags for dog birthdays or adoption anniversaries
Allergy-Friendly Substitutions
- Wheat-free: Use oat flour, coconut flour, or gluten-free baking blends.
- Nut-free: Replace peanut butter with pure pumpkin or mashed cooked sweet potato.
- Egg-free: Use 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce or 1 tablespoon chia seeds + 3 tablespoons water (let sit for 5 mins).
- No oats: Increase the flour amount and check texture as needed.
Leftovers and Storage
Let treats cool completely before storing:
- Room temperature: Keep in an airtight container for up to 5–7 days.
- Refrigerator: Store for up to 2 weeks.
- Freezer: Freeze in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. Thaw as needed—great for summer!
If the treats feel soft after storage, you can reheat them in the oven at 300°F for 5–7 minutes to crisp them back up.
Nutrition & Benefits
These homemade treats are made from ingredients you can feel good about. Bananas are high in potassium, fiber, and vitamin C, which support digestion and energy. Peanut butter provides healthy fats and protein to keep your pup satisfied and strong. Whole wheat flour and oats add fiber and essential B vitamins for a healthy coat and sustained energy.
With no added sugar, salt, or preservatives, these treats are a nourishing choice you can serve regularly or as a fun surprise.
Recipe FAQ
Q: Can I use crunchy peanut butter?
A: Yes! It adds texture your dog might enjoy—just make sure it’s xylitol-free.
Q: How long do these last?
A: Up to 7 days at room temp, 2 weeks in the fridge, or 3 months in the freezer.
Q: Can I make these smaller for training?
A: Absolutely—use mini cutters or slice into tiny squares before baking.
Q: My dough is too sticky—what should I do?
A: Chill it for 10 minutes in the fridge or add a tablespoon of extra flour.
Q: Are these okay for puppies?
A: Yes! Just break them into smaller pieces for easier chewing.
Recipe Wrap-Up
These Peanut Butter Banana Dog Treats are soft, nutritious, and easy to make with just a few ingredients. Whether you’re rewarding good behavior, celebrating a special occasion, or simply want to spoil your dog with something homemade, these treats hit all the right notes. Tail-wagging guaranteed!