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.
Shelly S says
Hello! Can I add blueberries without changing anything in original recipe? Thanks!
Sam Turnbull @ It Doesn't Taste Like Chicken says
Hi Shelly! Blueberries add a lot of moisture, so you can’t add them to this recipe without adjusting it. This dough is meant to be fairly stiff so the treats bake up dry and crunchy. If you want to experiment, I’d recommend using dried blueberries instead, or baking the treats longer at a low temperature to fully dry them out. I haven’t tested a fresh blueberry version, so I can’t guarantee results. 😊
Todd says
Wow, super easy and Buddy, my 15 year old black lab rescue loves them!
First thing I’ve actually ‘baked’ in decade's, great way to ease back in to it,
They actually taste pretty good too! Yup, I ate one 😆
Sam Turnbull @ It Doesn't Taste Like Chicken says
This made me smile, Todd 😂 So glad Buddy loved them—and no judgment at all for taste-testing! Thanks so much for sharing.
. Anna says
'I thought this recipe was for humans. But it tastes good!!
Sam Turnbull @ It Doesn't Taste Like Chicken says
Haha, I love that 😄 Glad you enjoyed them!
Sabrina says
PURE EXCELLENCE!! I have tried so many dog treat recipes for my dog and he will eat just about anything even if it's not super tasty but I could tell he actually REALLY loves these because he cries when he smells them, it's hard to limit them he wish he could have them as a meal!!!
Sam Turnbull @ It Doesn't Taste Like Chicken says
Aww that is so cute, so happy your pup enjoys them Sabrina!
Elle Eldridge says
I love your dog cookie recipe. Sometimes I put full fat yogurt on top or a layer of light extra virgin coconut oil for extra health benefits
Sam Turnbull @ It Doesn't Taste Like Chicken says
That sounds like a lucky pup 🐶💕 I’m so glad your dogs are enjoying them!
Jill says
I LOVE this recipe! Making these in triple batches and freezing. I’ve shared it with all my friends with pups. My poodles love them and I’m saving money. The only problem is that I can’t help but eat them, too. “One for you… and one for me 😂”
Sam Turnbull @ It Doesn't Taste Like Chicken says
Hi Jill! 😂 That cracked me up. So glad your pups love them, and honestly, you’re not alone sneaking a bite!
Cheley says
I HAVE FOUR Doggies .We are having to change their food intake due to yeast allergies.. .. to be continued
Sam Turnbull @ It Doesn't Taste Like Chicken says
Hi Cheley! I’m sorry to hear about the yeast allergy issues. I hope these treats end up being a good option for your doggies 💛
GG says
I make several of these varieties when ever I am able. Our dogs and (cats) love them. I taste the dough as mixing them. Kitchen smells wonderful as they bake
Sam Turnbull @ It Doesn't Taste Like Chicken says
That’s adorable 🐾 I love that even the cats are fans! Thanks so much for sharing.
Tina says
My pups LOVED them. They get excited now when they see me bake 🙂
Sam Turnbull @ It Doesn't Taste Like Chicken says
Hi Tina! Aww that makes me so happy 🥹💕
Ed209 says
I’ve made these peanut butter banana treats 3or 4 times. Today, I added a teaspoon of ground flaxseed to the mix. My fur baby, Koco, has not left the kitchen. Thank you for a really awesome recipe.
Sam Turnbull @ It Doesn't Taste Like Chicken says
Aww, that’s adorable! Hi Koco 🐶💛
Bill says
Our Golden Retriever stands politely when she knows a treat is coming. With these treats, she sits without being told and stares us down (that means she loves them and is being extra good to be sure to get a couple). Easy to make AND WFPB - whole food plant based - I could eat them!
Sam Turnbull @ It Doesn't Taste Like Chicken says
Hi Bill, this is the cutest visual ever 😂 So happy she loves them, and I won’t judge if you “taste test” one too 😉 Thanks for the review!
Lynn Bethle says
Very easy to make! I used a 1” snowflake cookie cutter, rolled the dough to 1/4” thickness, baked at 300•F for 24 minutes and this recipe made 190 treats! I baked the first batch for 25 minutes, but they came out a little bit too dark for my liking. Of course, everyone’s oven can differ. 😉
Thank you for sharing!
Sam Turnbull @ It Doesn't Taste Like Chicken says
Hi Lynn, wow—190 treats!! That’s amazing 😄 Thank you so much for sharing your bake times and tips, super helpful for others!
Lynn Bethle says
Is there an option to upload a photo?
Sam Turnbull @ It Doesn't Taste Like Chicken says
Hi Lynn! At the moment there isn’t a way to upload photos directly in the comments, but I love seeing them if you share on social and tag me 😊
CHERYL CAREL says
Please send some materials to my email address.
Sam Turnbull @ It Doesn't Taste Like Chicken says
Hi Cheryl! I’m not able to send materials by email from blog comments, but you can find everything directly on the recipe page. If you sign up for my emails, you’ll also get free recipes and updates sent straight to your inbox 😊
Clarissa says
Made these to give to all my clients that I pet sit for and they're a hit with the pups!
Sam Turnbull @ It Doesn't Taste Like Chicken says
Clarissa, that’s so awesome!! I love that you made them for your clients and I’m thrilled the pups loved them 🐶💚
Linda Chapell says
what amount of each of the three ingredients?
Sam Turnbull @ It Doesn't Taste Like Chicken says
Linda, the ingredient amounts are listed in the recipe card. Scroll down to see the full measurements. 🙂
Dar says
What are the quantities of the 3 ingredients
Dar says
What are the quantities of the 3 ingredients Where is the recipe card
Sam Turnbull @ It Doesn't Taste Like Chicken says
Hi Dar! The full recipe card with exact measurements is just above the comments, scroll up a bit and you’ll see it 😊
Lee says
Every doggy I make them for absolutely love them!
Sam Turnbull @ It Doesn't Taste Like Chicken says
That makes me so happy to hear, Lee! Doggy-approved treats are the best 🐾
Laura says
Can you substitute oat flour with wheat flour? Has anyone tried?
Sam Turnbull @ It Doesn't Taste Like Chicken says
Yes, wheat flour should work just fine! The dough may feel a touch firmer, so you might need a splash of water 😊
Claire says
Brilliant, thank you
Jess @ It Doesn't Taste Like Chicken says
We hope your furry friends love them!
Patty says
My dogs love these. I roll them into balls on a cookie sheet and criss-cross press them with a fork like you do for regular peanut butter cookies. then they are stored in an air tight container with parchment paper in between the layers of cookies so they dont stick to each other
Sam Turnbull @ It Doesn't Taste Like Chicken says
That’s adorable, Patty! Love the fork-pressed cookie idea, and it sounds like your pups are very lucky 🐶
Agnes says
I have made these for dogs over and over and they are well loved. So easy, I make drop cookies and keep them frozen. We don't even have a dog! We take them to friends. my daughter lets me know when her requests more!
Sam Turnbull @ It Doesn't Taste Like Chicken says
This is adorable! I love that you make them for friends’ dogs too 🐶
Reece says
just checking that no water is required to bind together ??
Sam Turnbull @ It Doesn't Taste Like Chicken says
Great question, Reece! No extra water is needed. The moisture from the other ingredients is enough to bind everything together.
Gail McDonnell says
Recipe doesn’t say how thin to roll the cookies but just adjust the time in the oven to their thicknesses..
Sam Turnbull @ It Doesn't Taste Like Chicken says
Hi Gail, you can roll them about 1/4" thick. Enjoy!