ByCoconut is one of those foods that’s fine for dogs in small amounts, but the details matter. According to the ASPCA, small amounts of coconut aren’t likely to cause serious harm, but the oils in coconut flesh may cause an upset stomach, loose stools, or diarrhea. So with these treats, I keep the coconut to a sprinkle, not a pile.
These 3 ingredient coconut dog treats are little dog-friendly “macaroons.” You mash 1 ripe banana, stir in ½ cup unsweetened shredded coconut and ¾ cup oat flour, scoop small mounds, and bake for about 20 minutes. They’re chewy in the middle, toasty on the edges, and smell like a beach vacation.
I made the first batch for my Westie, Daisy, for a summer picnic. My friends kept reaching for them, thinking they were for us. (They’re safe for people too, just very plain!)
Recipe Snapshot
| Prep | 10 minutes |
| Bake | 18 to 22 minutes at 325°F |
| Makes | About 24 small mounds |
| Calories | About 28 each |
| Free of | Peanut butter, dairy, added sugar |
| Keeps | 5 days in the fridge, 2 months frozen |
Which Coconut Should I Buy?
This is where most people go wrong. The bag of sweet, shiny coconut flakes in the baking aisle is made for cakes, not dogs. Here’s my quick guide.
| Coconut product | Use for dogs? | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Unsweetened shredded or desiccated coconut | Yes, small amounts | The AKC says flakes are safe if unsweetened and fed in small amounts |
| Sweetened coconut flakes | No | Added sugar, and some products may use sweeteners |
| Coconut oil | Only a little | The AKC says up to about a teaspoon for a large dog; large amounts can cause diarrhea |
| Coconut water | Occasional treat | High in potassium; the AKC urges caution for dogs with kidney disease |
| Coconut husk or shell | Never | The AKC warns it can cause an intestinal blockage |
I use the fine, unsweetened kind for this recipe. It blends into the dough better, and there are no long strands for a small dog to choke on.
Ingredients
- 1 large ripe banana (spots are good)
- ½ cup unsweetened shredded coconut, fine or desiccated
- ¾ cup oat flour
Dog-Safe Ingredient Check
- Coconut: The AKC says unsweetened coconut flesh, flakes, and chips are safe in small amounts. Read the label for added sugar and xylitol.
- Banana: The AKC notes bananas are high in natural sugar, so they’re an occasional treat. No peels.
- Oat flour: Plain, with no added sugar.
- Never add: Chocolate, raisins, or macadamia nuts, which often show up in human macaroons. The ASPCA lists all three as harmful to pets.
How Do You Make 3 Ingredient Coconut Dog Treats?
Step 1. Heat the oven to 325°F (165°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment.
Step 2. Mash the banana in a bowl until it’s almost smooth.
Step 3. Stir in the coconut, then the oat flour. Mix with a wooden spoon until it forms a thick, sticky dough.
Step 4. Use a small cookie scoop or two teaspoons to drop mounds about the size of a large marble. Space them 1 inch apart.
Step 5. Bake for 18 to 22 minutes, until the edges and tops are golden.
Step 6. Let them cool on the pan for 10 minutes. They firm up as they cool.
Pro Tip: Wet the scoop between mounds so the sticky dough slides right out. And watch the last few minutes. Coconut goes from golden to dark brown fast.
How Many Can My Dog Have?
These are richer than my fruit-only treats because of the coconut fat. Using USDA FoodData Central, a large banana is about 121 calories, ½ cup unsweetened shredded coconut about 265, and ¾ cup oat flour about 290. That’s about 676 for the batch, or 28 per mound.
VCA Animal Hospitals says treats should be under 10% of daily calories. Daisy is about 18 pounds, so she gets one a day. For toy breeds, I break them in half.
If your dog is on a diet, there are lighter choices. My 3 ingredient strawberry dog treats are only about 5 calories each. You might also like my guide on how many calories a dog should eat to lose weight.
Vet Tip: The AKC quotes a vet who says coconut is “not a cure-all supplement.” Some websites claim it fixes skin, digestion, and more. If your dog has itchy skin or tummy problems, see your vet instead of adding more coconut. And if your dog has had pancreatitis or needs a low-fat diet, ask before giving coconut treats at all.
What Can I Swap?
- Pumpkin for banana: Use ½ cup plain canned pumpkin, and add 2 more tablespoons of flour.
- Rolled oats for oat flour: Blend them fine first.
- Less coconut: Use ¼ cup coconut for a lighter treat. It still tastes great.
- No coconut at all? Make my pumpkin banana dog pancakes instead.
- Want more coconut recipes? See my easy coconut dog treats and healthy coconut dog treats.
What Mistakes Should I Avoid?
- Using sweetened coconut. I can’t say it enough. Check the label. It should say “unsweetened” and list only coconut.
- Adding more coconut for flavor. More coconut means more fat. Stick with ½ cup or less.
- Making big cookies. Big mounds stay gooey in the middle and pack more calories. Keep them marble-size.
- Giving the coconut shell as a toy. It looks like a fun chew, but the AKC warns it can cause a blockage.
Why Macaroons?
Most coconut dog treats I see online use coconut oil, coconut flour, and a lot of extra ingredients. I wanted 3 ingredient coconut dog treats that kept the coconut light and let the banana do the sweet work. The “macaroon” shape is just a fun bonus. They look like something from a bakery, but take 30 minutes and cost very little.
They’re also a nice change of pace if your dog gets bored with the same biscuit every day. Daisy perks right up when she smells them baking.
How Do I Store Them?
Because of the banana, these are moist inside. Keep them in a sealed container in the fridge for up to 5 days. For longer, freeze them in a bag for up to 2 months. Daisy likes them straight from the freezer on hot days.
When we go on picnics, I pack a few in a small container along with plenty of water. A pet water fountain at home keeps her drinking well, and a portable bowl does the job outside.
Fun Ways to Serve Them
- Picnic snack: One mound in a small container for a day at the park.
- Frozen bite: Straight from the freezer on a hot day. They stay chewy.
- Birthday “cake”: Stack three with a dab of plain pumpkin between them and top with a blueberry.
- Puzzle toy: Break one into pieces and hide them in a snuffle mat.
Whatever you do, keep it to one a day. They’re a special treat, not a daily snack bowl.
Love a short ingredient list? See all my three-ingredient treat recipes.
FAQ
Can dogs eat coconut every day?
A small amount is fine for most healthy dogs. One treat a day is plenty. Too much can cause loose stools.
Can I add coconut oil to the dough?
I don’t. The coconut flakes already have fat. Extra oil adds calories and can upset your dog’s stomach.
Are these safe for puppies?
Most puppies can have half of one once they’re on solid food. Check with your vet first.
My treats spread flat. Why?
The banana was very large or very ripe. Add 2 to 3 tablespoons more oat flour next time.
Daisy gives these two enthusiastic paws up. If you want to keep tabs on your dog’s weight and activity while adding new treats, a dog health tracker is handy. And for a balanced mix at mealtime, look at this dog meal variety plan.
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