ByHealthy banana dog treats are soft baked cookies made with ripe banana, oat flour, ground flaxseed, and one egg. They take about 10 minutes to mix and 18 to 22 minutes to bake. The #1 safety rule is to use ground flaxseed and xylitol-free peanut butter if you add any.
I bake these when my bananas get brown spots. The riper the banana, the sweeter the treat, so nothing goes to waste. My dog thinks spotty bananas are the best news of the week.
Recipe Snapshot
- Prep time: 10 minutes
- Cook time: 18 to 22 minutes
- Total time: about 35 minutes (plus cooling)
- Yield: about 26 small cookies (1 tablespoon each)
- Difficulty: Easy
- Storage life: 5 days in the fridge, up to 3 months in the freezer
Key Takeaway: Mash ripe bananas, stir in oat flour, ground flaxseed, and an egg, then scoop and bake. Peel the banana, skip sugar and salt, and keep portions small because bananas are naturally sweet.
Are Banana Dog Treats Healthy?
Yes, in small amounts. Bananas bring vitamins and fiber, and flaxseed adds a plant omega-3.
The American Kennel Club says bananas are high in potassium, vitamin B6, and vitamin C. They also contain fiber and magnesium. The AKC adds that some vets suggest bananas as a better choice than treats high in fat or salt.
There is one catch. The AKC also says bananas are high in natural sugar, so they are best as an occasional treat. Spreading two bananas over a whole tray of cookies keeps each bite light.
Flaxseed is the bonus. VCA Animal Hospitals explains that flaxseed is high in alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), an omega-3 fatty acid. VCA adds that ground flaxseed also has dietary fiber, which can help intestinal health.
Want the full banana basics? See can dogs eat banana.
Healthy Banana and Flaxseed Dog Treats Recipe
This is a one-bowl, scoop-and-press recipe. No cutters needed.
Ingredients
- 2 ripe bananas, peeled (about 1 cup mashed)
- 2 cups oat flour (blend about 2 ¼ cups plain rolled oats)
- 2 tablespoons ground flaxseed (flax meal)
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon natural peanut butter, xylitol-free (optional)
- 1 to 2 tablespoons water, only if needed
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Heat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Line a baking sheet with a silicone mat or parchment paper.
- Peel the bananas and drop them into a large bowl.
- Mash the bananas with a fork until smooth.
- Crack in the egg and add the peanut butter.
- Whisk until the mix looks creamy.
- Stir in the ground flaxseed.
- Add the oat flour half a cup at a time, stirring after each add.
- Stop when you have a soft, thick dough that holds its shape.
- Add water one tablespoon at a time only if it is too dry.
- Scoop level tablespoons of dough onto the tray, 1 inch apart.
- Press each one flat with the back of a damp spoon.
- Bake for 18 to 22 minutes, until the edges turn golden.
- Cool on the tray for 5 minutes.
- Move to a wire rack and cool fully before serving.
Dog-Safe Ingredient Check
- Peanut butter must be xylitol-free. VCA lists peanut butter as one place xylitol can hide. It may also be called birch sugar.
- Use ground flaxseed. VCA points to ground flaxseed for the fiber benefit, and it mixes evenly into dough.
- No banana peels. The AKC says peels are hard to digest and could cause a blockage.
- No chocolate chips or raisins. Banana bread add-ins are not dog-safe. The ASPCA lists chocolate, grapes, and raisins as foods to avoid.
- No sugar, salt, or nutmeg. The bananas are sweet enough.
Pro Tip: Let the dough rest for 5 minutes before scooping. The flaxseed soaks up moisture and the dough gets easier to shape.
How Many Banana Treats Can My Dog Eat a Day?
One to three small cookies a day is plenty for most dogs. Toy breeds should stick to one.
VCA Animal Hospitals recommends that 90% of daily calories come from complete and balanced food and no more than 10% from treats and snacks. Because bananas are sweet, I lean toward the low end.
For more on daily limits, read how many treats a dog should have a day. Wondering if homemade really beats store-bought? I compare them in are homemade dog treats healthier than your usual brand.
Vet Tip: VCA lists mild gas and soft stools as possible side effects of flaxseed oil. Start with one cookie and watch for tummy changes. If your dog has a health condition or eats a special diet, VCA advises checking with your vet before adding treats.
Can Puppies Have Banana and Flaxseed Treats?
Yes, most puppies can have a small piece once they eat solid food. Break each cookie into tiny bits.
Start with one piece and watch for loose stool the next day. Soft cookies like these are easy for small teeth to chew.
Are These Good Training Treats?
They work as a mid-value reward. For a big-value reward, most dogs want something meatier.
See what counts as a top reward in what are some good high-value dog treats. For fun brain games that use small treats, check out Brain Training for Dogs.
Substitutions and Variations
This recipe bends easily for allergies and dog size. Here are my go-to swaps.
Allergy Swaps
- Egg-free: Make a “flax egg.” Mix 1 extra tablespoon ground flaxseed with 3 tablespoons water, wait 5 minutes, and use it instead of the egg.
- Peanut-free: Leave out the peanut butter. The cookies still taste great.
- Flour swap: Use brown rice flour for half the oat flour.
Grain-Free Option
Use 1 ½ cups chickpea flour instead of oat flour. Add water slowly, since it absorbs differently.
Scaling for Dog Size
- Small dogs: Scoop 1 teaspoon per cookie.
- Medium dogs: Scoop 1 tablespoon, like the recipe.
- Large dogs: Scoop 2 tablespoons, and give fewer.
More Banana Ideas
Love banana treats? Try my simple banana oat dog treats, these pumpkin and banana dog treats, or classic peanut butter oat dog treats.
Want more omega support than a treat can give? Ask your vet about a dog supplement for meals.
How Do I Store Banana Dog Treats?
Keep them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. Freeze extras for up to 3 months.
These are soft and moist, so they spoil faster than dry biscuits. I freeze most of the batch and thaw a few at a time. Short on time? Ready-made fresh dog treats are a good backup.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can dogs eat bananas every day?
A: The AKC suggests bananas as an occasional treat because they are high in natural sugar. A small piece now and then is best.
Q: Is flaxseed safe for dogs?
A: Ground flaxseed in small amounts is used for many dogs. Start low, and stop if you see gas or soft stools.
Q: Whole or ground flaxseed?
A: Ground. It blends right into the dough, and it’s the form VCA mentions for fiber.
Q: Can I use frozen bananas?
A: Yes. Thaw them fully and drain extra liquid before mashing.
Q: Why are my cookies too soft?
A: Very ripe bananas add a lot of moisture. Add 2 more tablespoons of oat flour or bake 3 to 4 minutes longer.
Q: Can I add cinnamon?
A: I leave spices out to keep it simple and gentle. Never use nutmeg or “banana bread” spice blends.
Final Thoughts
These healthy banana dog treats are a great way to use up spotty bananas. Peel the fruit, use ground flaxseed, and check your peanut butter for xylitol. Keep the count low and enjoy the happy face. If you want to see how active your dog is on treat days, a dog health tracker makes it easy.
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