I’m so happy to share these Banana Oat Cookies with you, because they are simple, homemade treats that use just a few wholesome ingredients. They are naturally sweet from ripe bananas and gentle on your dog’s tummy, with oats providing a healthy base. You can make them soft for a tender bite or crunchy for longer-lasting snacks, depending on what your dog enjoys. No artificial flavors, preservatives, or added sugar make these treats easy to feel good about. They are quick to prepare, and your dog will love watching the baking magic unfold. These cookies are a fun and safe way to spoil your pup at home.
The first time I made these cookies, I mashed the bananas and mixed in the oats while my dog watched eagerly, tail wagging at every step. The kitchen smelled warm and comforting, like banana bread, and the excitement was contagious. These treats are special because they are so easy to make, yet dogs seem to love the flavor and texture every time. You can choose to make them soft for a gentle chew or crunchy for a longer-lasting treat.
Some key benefits:
- Simple pantry ingredients
- No added sugar, salt, or artificial flavors
- Easy to make and store
- Flexible texture, soft or crunchy
Please talk to your vet about what is safe and appropriate for your dog, especially if they have allergies or special health needs.
How to Make Banana Oat Cookies
- Mash the bananas in a large bowl.
- Grind part of the oats into a flour-like texture and mix with the bananas.
- Stir in the remaining oats, cinnamon, and any optional seeds to form a dough.
- Preheat the oven and prepare a baking sheet with parchment or a silicone mat.
- Roll out the dough to the desired thickness.
- Cut the dough into shapes with cookie cutters and place on the baking sheet.
- Bake until set, then let them dry longer in the oven if you want crunchy cookies.
- Cool completely before serving.
Ingredients
- 3 1/2 cups oats
- 3 medium bananas (ripe, peeled)
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon flax seed or chia seeds (optional, safe fiber boost)
Optional add ins (choose 1–2):
- A small drizzle of plain, unsweetened peanut butter (check xylitol free)
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat.
- Mash the bananas in a large mixing bowl until smooth.
- Place 2 1/2 cups of the oats in a food processor and grind until it looks like thick flour. Add this to the mashed bananas.
- Add the remaining 1 cup of oats, cinnamon, and optional seeds. Stir until the mixture forms a dough that sticks together but is not too wet. Add a little extra oats if too wet or a small bit of banana if too dry.
- Lightly dust your rolling surface with flour or ground oats. Roll the dough to about 1/4 inch thick.
- Use cookie cutters to cut out shapes and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for 15 minutes. For crunchy cookies, turn off the oven and leave them inside for about 2 hours. For soft cookies, remove after 15 minutes to cool at room temperature.
- Allow the cookies to cool completely before giving them to your dog.
Process Details
- The dough should hold together without sticking too much to your hands. Add a little more oats if sticky.
- Thicker cookies take longer to dry and may stay softer in the center.
- Use a rolling pin lightly dusted with oats to prevent sticking.
- Small cookies are good for training; larger cookies are a satisfying snack.
Tips for Success
- Always check ingredients for safety, especially peanut butter (xylitol free).
- For dogs with grain sensitivities, use gluten free oats.
- Adjust cookie size for your dog’s breed and chewing ability.
- Treats are extras, not full meals. Feed in moderation.
- For softer cookies, bake less time; for crunchier cookies, let them dry longer in the oven.
Serving Ideas
- Small pieces as training treats
- Crumbled over dog food as a topper
- Stuffed into puzzle toys or slow feeders
- Occasional treats for birthdays or special days
- Rewards after walks or grooming sessions
- Adjusted portion size based on the dog’s size and daily food intake
Storage & Freezing
- Soft treats: store in an airtight container in the fridge up to 2 weeks.
- Hard treats: keep in a sealed container at room temperature up to 3 weeks.
- Freeze extra treats in a freezer-safe container for up to 6 months.
- Thaw in the fridge or at room temperature before serving.
- Discard treats that smell off, have mold, or feel very sticky.
These Banana Oat Cookies are easy to make, delicious, and a safe way to show your dog you care. Homemade treats like these bring joy to both you and your pup.
- Try changing cookie shapes for variety.
- Swap in flax or chia seeds for extra fiber.
- Share with friends’ dogs if their vet approves.
- Watch your dog the first time they try a new treat.
Making these cookies is a simple way to create happy moments and strengthen the bond with your dog. Enjoy the tail wags and smiles that come with every cookie!
