Want to make your own homemade dog treats with just a few ingredients? These simple and healthy treat recipes use banana, peanut butter, and rolled oats—all things dogs love! They’re easy to make and a great alternative to store-bought treats. Your pup will go crazy for these tasty, healthy dog snacks!
Why Make Homemade Dog Treats?
If you care about what goes into your dog’s belly like I do, then making homemade dog treats just makes sense.
A few years ago, I started looking at the ingredients in commercial treats and honestly, I was shocked. So many of them were packed with preservatives, artificial flavors, and fillers I couldn’t even pronounce.
I thought—why am I feeding my dog something I wouldn’t eat myself?
That’s when I started making healthy dog treats at home, using ingredients I already had in my kitchen like bananas, peanut butter, oats, and pumpkin. Not only was it easy, but it gave me peace of mind knowing exactly what I was giving Shadow.
Homemade Means Healthier—and More Affordable
When you bake your own homemade dog treats, you also get full control over the ingredients. You can skip the sugar, salt, and mystery meat and stick to simple, wholesome foods you trust.
I always make sure everything is dog-safe and vet-approved, so I feel good about what I’m giving Shadow.
And the bonus? It saves money! Some of those tiny store-bought treat bags—especially the “organic” or “grain-free” ones—can be pricey. But with a few pantry staples, you can make a whole batch at home for less.
How to Make Simple Dog Treats at Home
This homemade dog treat recipe is super simple and uses just three healthy ingredients—all things you probably already have at home. No need for fancy tools or hard-to-find items. Just mix, shape, and bake!
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 large ripe banana – Soft bananas work best because they mash easily and add natural sweetness.
1/2 cup natural peanut butter – Make sure it’s xylitol-free, as xylitol is toxic to dogs. Stick to plain, unsweetened peanut butter.
1 cup rolled oats – These add texture and fiber to the dog treats. You can use them whole for a chunkier bite or lightly grind them in a blender for a smoother dough.
Optional add-ins: You can add a sprinkle of cinnamon (which is safe in small amounts) or a spoonful of pumpkin puree if you want to switch it up. Just be sure to avoid added sugar or spices that aren’t dog-friendly.
Instructions:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This will make cleanup easy and help your homemade dog treats bake evenly.
Mash the banana in a medium bowl using a fork until smooth. Bananas add a natural sweetness that’s perfect for healthy dog treat recipes.
Then, Add the peanut butter and stir it into the mashed banana until well combined.
Mix in the rolled oats and stir until the dough comes together. It should be a little sticky but easy to handle. If it feels too wet, add a bit more oats. If it’s too dry, mash in a little extra banana.
Scoop and shape the dough into small balls or flatten slightly to form little cookies. You can also use dog-themed cookie cutters to make fun shapes your pup will love.
Place your shaped treats on the baking sheet, spaced a little apart so they bake evenly.
Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until they’re slightly golden and firm to the touch.
Cool completely before giving one to your dog. Store the rest in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week, or freeze them to keep your homemade dog treats fresh even longer.
Peanut Butter Banana Treats Every Dog Loves
I don’t just make these homemade dog treats for Shadow—I often whip up a batch when I’m pet sitting too. Whether I’m caring for a young pup or a senior dog, these treats are always a hit.
Dogs seem to love the smell of peanut butter and banana baking in the oven, and their tails start wagging the moment I pull them out!
Since these are made with simple, dog-safe ingredients, I feel confident offering them as healthy dog treats to any furry friend in my care.
It’s such a fun way to bond with them, and pet parents always appreciate knowing their pups are getting a wholesome snack made with love.
A Treat Worth Making
Making your own homemade dog treats is such a simple way to care for your furry friend. With just a few clean ingredients and a little love, you’ll have healthy dog treats your pup will look forward to every time. Trust me—once you try it, you may never go back to store-bought again!
