Author: Easy Homemade Dog Treats are made with just 3 ingredients! All it takes is banana, peanut butter, and oats and you can make these cute cookies for your pup, or for a doggy friend of yours. Not only are these easy to make, but they are so much more affordable than store-bought treats and dogs LOVE them!
FEATURED COMMENT:
I made these for Lilly, my Goldendoodle, and she loves them! She would eat all of them at one time if I let her. Thank you for the recipe! - Stephanie ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Every now and then on this blog I like to share a doggy treat recipe that my rescue pup Chickpea loves. Over the years, these recipes have actually become some of my most popular recipes of all time! Clearly, Chickpea is a very good recipe critic.
I came up with this recipe when I wanted to make Chickpea her favorite pumpkin treats, but I didn't have any canned pumpkin in my cupboard. What I did have on hand were two bananas that were getting a bit too spotty. Chickpea also loves bananas and they are very for healthy dogs so I tried the swap and it worked beautifully! In fact, I think Chickpea likes them even more than the pumpkin treats. Just look how happy she is!!
Not only are these homemade dog treats super easy to make but you likely already have the ingredients on hand, and it's a great way to use up old bananas. (Other than making my favorite banana bread recipe, or chocolate chip banana squares recipe).
Feel free to half this homemade dog treats recipe recipe if you only have one banana on hand (or if you want to do a trial run). You can also double or triple this recipe if your dog loves them as much as Chickpea does. I have a huge bag of them in the freezer so I can give one to her whenever she deserves a little cookie. Now she always gets super excited when I open to the freezer... and super disappointed when she discovers that I was just reaching for the coffee beans. Haha. Oh alright, you can have on more...
Ingredients needed:
To make these dog treats for your favorite pet, all you need are these three ingredients- peanut butter, banana, and oats!
- Peanut Butter: make sure that the peanut butter you use is natural peanut butter. The only ingredient should be peanuts. Do not use processed peanut butter that contains added oils, sugars, and salt. That stuff is basically frosting and is bad for our pups. Peanut butter is a great source of protein and healthy fats for our dogs as well as vitamins B and E, and niacin.
- Banana: this is the perfect recipe to use up those bananas that are getting a bit old. Bananas have potassium, vitamin C, vitamin B6, fiber, and magnesium which are all healthy nutrients for dogs.
- Oats: you can use whole oats, 1- minute oats, or instant oats, as long as there aren't any added sugars or other ingredients. In this recipe, I grind the oats into a powder to make homemade oat flour. If you have a food processor or blender, this takes just a few seconds to do and is usually more affordable than buying premade oat flour. I also always have oats on hand so it's nice that I don't have to go out to get anything special. Oats are very healthy for our pooches as they are high in fiber, contain vitamin B, and omega-6 fatty acid among other good nutrients.
How to make dog treats:
Preheat your oven to 300F (150C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Add the oats to a food processor and grind until they reach a fine powder. (If you do not have a food processor, see the recipe notes for other options).
Add the bananas and peanut butter and blend until a sticky dough is formed.
Remove the mixture from the food processor and use a rolling pin to roll out on a lightly floured surface. (Use whole wheat flour, more ground oats, or another dog-safe flour that you have on hand). I used a heart cookie cutter to cut out the treats but you could use a bone cookie cutter, or any shape cookie cutter, or just cut them into squares with a knife or pizza cutter.
Lay the treats on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, until the treats are puffed up a bit, dry and dark golden brown on the bottoms, (they will still feel soft when first removed from the oven).
These homemade dog biscuits will get a bit more firm once they are cool but will still be a slightly softer dog treat. Let cool before giving one to your pup.
Store them in an air-tight container at room temperature for up to 1 week, in the fridge for up to 2 weeks, or I like to store them in my freezer which makes them firmer and makes them stay fresh a long time.
These easy homemade dog treats are:
- Easy to make
- Use 3 ingredients you likely already have on hand
- Super affordable
- Always a hit with dogs- they love them!
More dog treat recipes:
- Easy DIY Sweet Potato Chews
- Pumpkin & Peanut Butter Dog Treats
- Healthy Dog Treats
- Apple Pie Dog Treats
- Peanut Butter & Carrot Dog Treats
If you try this recipe let us know by leaving a comment, rating it, and don't forget to tag @itdoesnttastelikechicken on Instagram.
Bon appetegan!
Sam Turnbull.
(click stars to vote)
Easy Homemade Dog Treats!
Servings: (Makes about 40 treats depending on the cookie cutter size))
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Ingredients
- 2 cups oats (old fashioned, 1-minute oats, or instant), plus more if needed- see step 3
- 2 medium ripe bananas
- ½ cup natural peanut butter, (see note)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 300F (150C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Add the oats to a food processor and grind until they reach a fine powder. (If you do not have a food processor, see the recipe notes for other options). Add the bananas and peanut butter and blend until a sticky dough is formed.
- Remove from the food processor and roll out on a lightly floured surface. (Use whole wheat flour, more ground oats, or another dog-safe flour that you have on hand to stop the dough from being too sticky, adding more as needed). I used a heart cookie cutter to cut out the treats but you could use any cookie cutter, or just cut them into squares with a knife or pizza cutter.
- Lay the treats on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, until the treats are puffed up a bit, dry and dark brown on the bottoms, (they will still feel soft when first removed from the oven). The treats will get a bit more firm once they are cool but will still be a slightly softer dog treat. Let cool before giving one to your pup. Store in an air-tight container at room temperature for up to 1 week, in the fridge for up to 2 weeks, or I like to store them in my freezer which makes them firmer and makes them stay fresh a long time.
Jeannie says
I made these and they were very easy but I didn't have a food processor and the blender worked fine for the oats but I had to put it into a mixing bowl and blend with a mixer. At first my dog didn't like them much but now he loves them. I will be making them again and I read you could add a little honey but I don't think I need to.
Sam Turnbull @ It Doesn't Taste Like Chicken says
So happy you're pooch loved them on second try! And glad the blender method worked for you Jeannie 🙂
Lisa Jowett says
There's no way you made these with these proportions. WAY too much banana. It was so wet, I had to add a TON of extra oat flour. What a mess. I'll try this with one banana next time. My bananas were regular-ish size, you must have been using some sort of mini banana jeez
Sam Turnbull @ It Doesn't Taste Like Chicken says
Hi Lisa, the proportions are correct as written (the recipe has been tested many times, and lots of readers have had great results). I typically use medium bananas (about 7–8 inches long). If yours were on the larger side or very ripe, they can add quite a bit of extra moisture, which might explain why your dough felt too wet. Adding a little more oat flour, as you did, is the perfect adjustment. Next time you might find using one smaller banana works well too. I hope you’ll give it another go—your pup will love them! 🐾
Frances Louarduzzi says
So easy to make and the dogs love them !
Sam Turnbull @ It Doesn't Taste Like Chicken says
Yay! So happy they were a hit, Frances! Thanks for the review 🙂
Muriele says
Very easy to make. The man was eager to lick the bowl as usual when I bake.
Sam Turnbull @ It Doesn't Taste Like Chicken says
Haha so cute! Thank you for your review Muriele 🙂
Dot Richards says
This recipe looks yummy, I'm going to try this because my grand dog has allergy's.
Sam Turnbull @ It Doesn't Taste Like Chicken says
Wonderful, I hope you enjoy it Dot!
Sonia says
I made these for my dogs and they were a hit! My yorkie who is SO picky and won’t eat treats unless they have meat in them gobbles them up! I’ve given them away to so many friends and I haven’t met a single dog who doesn’t love them! Thank you thank you!
Sam Turnbull @ It Doesn't Taste Like Chicken says
Oh yay! That makes me so happy!! Thrilled they are such a hit! My picky dog loved them too, I guess she is a good taste tester 😉
Susan says
My dog loves them. But the dough was hard to work with. Dry and crumbly. I wet my hands, formed balls, flattened them on the tray to bake. I couldn’t have rolled them out and used cookie cutters. My dog will be happy to finish them off, though.
Sam Turnbull @ It Doesn't Taste Like Chicken says
Hi Susan, next time just try adding either a bit more peanut butter or a bit more banana, or even a tiny splash of water to moisten the dough a bit more, until you reach an easy work with texture and so you can roll them out. I hope that helps!
Sonia says
Mine was the opposite. Too wet. I think you added too much oat flour. Try it again. I PROMISE they are worth the effort
Sam Turnbull @ It Doesn't Taste Like Chicken says
Hi Sonia, if you find yours too wet just add a bit more oat flour/ oats. 🙂
Anthony Scudder says
I put unsalted peanuts in the food processor first instead of peanut butter. My 4 love them too. Actually, we like them too 😁.
Sam Turnbull @ It Doesn't Taste Like Chicken says
Haha wonderful!! Thank you for the review Anthony!
Jazzy says
hello like the unsalted peanuts opinion better same measures thank you 😊?
Sam Turnbull @ It Doesn't Taste Like Chicken says
Hi Jazzy! Yes, you can use the same amount of unsalted peanuts as the peanut butter (½ cup). Just blend them first into a smooth nut butter before adding the bananas and oats so the dough comes together properly. Your pup will love them!
Joy Jones says
Made my second batch tonight. My dogs love these! We were tired of spending so much money on store bought treats with a ton of questionable ingredients. These are perfect and we feel good about feeding to our babies. Thank you!
Sam Turnbull @ It Doesn't Taste Like Chicken says
Yay! That makes me so happy! So thrilled you love them Joy!
Barbara says
My dog loves these and my daughter’s dog sulks if I visit him without them
Jess @ It Doesn't Taste Like Chicken says
Awwww! So cute!
Linda Tonya says
My 4 mo old Cockapoo loves these. Recipe made about 75 1-1/2 “ dog bone shaped cookies. Had to push dough out of cutter using a chopstick, so I think I’ll use a heart shape next time. Love that they are all natural and tasty for my pup 💕 Thanks much for posting recipe on your blog 🙂
Sam Turnbull @ It Doesn't Taste Like Chicken says
Aww that's so sweet! So thrilled they were such a hit Linda 🙂
Henri says
Really easy and fun to make!
Jess @ It Doesn't Taste Like Chicken says
Thanks for your review, Henri!
Blakie says
Amazing my dog loves them
Sam Turnbull @ It Doesn't Taste Like Chicken says
Yay! So happy to hear that! 🙂
Angus Orchard says
really good made them for school sold in a day
Sam Turnbull @ It Doesn't Taste Like Chicken says
Oh that's so fun! Great idea Angus!
Audrey Butler says
I just made these (they are in the oven) and they were to wet to roll out. I made them more like drop biscuits. Too much banana?? Thoughts?
Sam Turnbull @ It Doesn't Taste Like Chicken says
I am sure they will still be loved by the dogs! Yes it's possible your bananas were just a bit bigger than mine which adds extra moisture. Try adding extra oat flour or regular flour next time or using a smaller banana. 🙂
Suzi says
I put my dough in the frig, then rolled it. Worked great.
Sam Turnbull @ It Doesn't Taste Like Chicken says
So happy to hear that!
noreen says
I would be using Kirkland peanut butter, ingredients are organic peanuts and sea salt. Would that work?
Jess @ It Doesn't Taste Like Chicken says
That should work great!
Audrey says
Easy but mine were more like drop cookies. What did I do wrong? I’m sure they will like them. They are in the oven right now. 🙂
Sam Turnbull @ It Doesn't Taste Like Chicken says
I just sounds like the dough was a little wet, try adding extra oat flour or regular flour next time. 🙂
gold cheta says
so simple i love it.
Sam Turnbull @ It Doesn't Taste Like Chicken says
Yay! That makes me so happy 🙂
Dale Rolston says
my neighbour gave these to my dog on her birthday and my dog loved them. A real treat (in more ways than one and pun intended!).
Jess @ It Doesn't Taste Like Chicken says
Aww that's so sweet!
Regina says
Heute habe ich diese einfachen und tollen Hundekekse gemacht.
Lecker - Hund mag sie und ich probierte auch einen. Werde sie im Kühlschrank aufbewahren!
Jess @ It Doesn't Taste Like Chicken says
Wunderbar!
Cheryl says
Do these need to be cooked? Or what do you suggest for baketime so they are very soft. I have a senior pup that I want to make these for.
Jess @ It Doesn't Taste Like Chicken says
Yes, they are baked at a low temp for 30 minutes but if you need them softer for a senior dog you may wish to decrease the time to find the best texture.