When it comes to homemade pet treats, nothing brings a bigger tail wag than these Apple and Banana Dog Treats. This simple recipe blends naturally sweet banana and apple with wholesome oats for a nutritious, delightfully chewy snack your dogs will absolutely love. Completely free of artificial preservatives and loaded with real fruit flavor, these treats are incredibly easy to make, and your pups will be sure to notice the love that goes into every bite of Apple and Banana Dog Treats.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s talk about the magic that happens when a handful of humble ingredients come together. Every single component in these Apple and Banana Dog Treats serves a flavorful purpose, making them both droolworthy and rewarding for your pup. Here’s what you’ll gather—and why each one matters.

Ripe Banana: Adds natural sweetness, binds the dough, and gives the treats their irresistible soft chew.

Unsweetened Applesauce or Finely Grated Apple: Brings subtle apple goodness and keeps the treats moist—just make sure it’s unsweetened for dog-friendliness!
Rolled Oats (quick or regular): Gives the treats their hearty texture and makes them filling, fiber-rich, and easily digestible for pups.

Ground Cinnamon (optional): Adds a warm cozy aroma and gentle spice, but totally optional if your dog prefers simple flavors.

How to Make Apple and Banana Dog Treats

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Tools

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grab a baking sheet and line it with parchment paper to make cleanup a breeze and keep your dog treats from sticking. This quick setup lets you transition from mixing to baking without any hassle.

Step 2: Mash the Banana

In a medium mixing bowl, peel and mash your ripe banana with a fork until it’s mostly smooth, with just a few little lumps. The riper the banana, the sweeter and more fragrant your Apple and Banana Dog Treats will be!

Step 3: Stir in the Apple and Cinnamon

If you’re using applesauce, pour it right in; if you have a fresh apple, grate it (skin and all) and add it to the bowl. Drop in the cinnamon if you’re using it. Stir everything together until nicely combined—the goal is an even fruit mixture to flavor every treat.

Step 4: Add the Oats

Pour in the oats and fold them into the fruit mash. Mix until you get a sticky, thick dough. It might look a bit rustic, but that’s exactly how it should be. The oats soak up the fruit, coming together into a dough that holds its shape.

Step 5: Shape and Arrange the Treats

Using a spoon, scoop out small amounts—about 1 tablespoon—of dough for each treat. Roll them into balls, or gently flatten them with a fork for a classic look. Place each one on the prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space in between.

Step 6: Bake to Golden Goodness

Pop your tray into the oven and bake for 15 to 18 minutes, until the treats look lightly golden on the edges and feel set. Baking time can vary by oven, so keep an eye out at the 15-minute mark. Let them cool completely on the pan before serving to your eager taste testers!

How to Serve Apple and Banana Dog Treats

Garnishes

While these treats are delicious as is, you can roll them in a little extra oat flour or sprinkle with a light dusting of ground cinnamon for a pretty finish. Keep in mind that everything should be dog-friendly; skip sugars and extra toppings for a healthy treat.

Side Dishes

If you’re feeling festive, pair Apple and Banana Dog Treats with a small bowl of plain Greek yogurt for dipping, or offer as a special dessert after your pup’s dinner. Water or pet-safe herbal teas can be a fun addition for an at-home doggie afternoon tea.

Creative Ways to Present

For a cute touch, stack a few treats in a mason jar tied with ribbon when gifting to other dog owners or as party favors at a puppy birthday. Or, use cookie cutters to make shapes before baking if you want to go the extra mile—bone or heart shapes always delight!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place leftover Apple and Banana Dog Treats in an airtight container after they’ve cooled. They’ll keep well at room temperature for up to 3 days, but for longer freshness, pop them in the fridge for up to a week—if your pup doesn’t devour them sooner!

Freezing

These treats freeze wonderfully. Arrange cooled treats in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer them to a zip-top bag or airtight container. They’ll stay fresh for up to 2 months—just grab one straight from the freezer for a chilly snack on hot days!

Reheating

For that just-baked aroma, you can rewarm Apple and Banana Dog Treats in a low oven (about 250°F) for a few minutes. Make sure they’re cool before offering to your dog, as treats can heat quickly on the inside.

FAQs

Can I use steel cut oats instead of rolled oats?

It’s best to stick with rolled oats or quick oats, as steel cut oats won’t soften enough in this recipe and the treats may come out too hard for most pups.

Are these Apple and Banana Dog Treats gluten-free?

Yes, as long as you use oats that are certified gluten-free, these treats are perfect for gluten-sensitive pups.

Can I substitute another fruit for the banana or apple?

You can swap applesauce for pear puree or mashed pumpkin for a twist, but banana is key for sweetness and binding, so best not to skip it completely.

How small should I make the treats for tiny dogs?

If you have a petite pooch, simply pinch off dough to roll smaller balls or use a mini cookie scoop. This way, portion size is perfect and bake time might be 1–2 minutes less.

How many treats can my dog have in a day?

Apple and Banana Dog Treats are healthy, but like all snacks, they should be fed in moderation. One or two per day is a good starting point, depending on your dog’s size and dietary needs.

Final Thoughts

There’s nothing quite as satisfying as baking up a batch of Apple and Banana Dog Treats and watching your dog’s excitement with every bite. It’s a quick, fun way to treat your pup to something special, made with simple ingredients and a whole lot of love. Give these a try—you’ll have a new favorite go-to dog snack in no time!

Apple and Banana Dog Treats Recipe

★★★★★

5 from 10 reviews

Author: Mariam
Total Time: 25 minutes

Yield: Approximately 12 treats 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

These homemade Apple and Banana Dog Treats are a healthy and tasty snack for your furry friend. Easy to make, these treats will have tails wagging in anticipation!

Ingredients

Scale

For the Treats:

1 ripe banana (mashed)
1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce OR 1/2 finely grated apple
1 cup rolled oats (quick or regular)

1/4 tsp ground cinnamon (optional)

Instructions

1. Oven-Baked Method: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C)

Mash the banana in a bowl.

Stir in applesauce and cinnamon.
Add oats and mix until a thick dough forms.

Shape into small balls or flatten with a fork on a baking sheet lined with parchment.
Bake for 15–18 minutes until lightly golden.
Cool completely before serving.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Dog Treats

Method: Baking
Cuisine: Pet Food

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 treat

Calories: Approx. 40 kcal
Sugar: Approx. 2g
Sodium: Approx. 1mg

Fat: Approx. 0.5g
Saturated Fat: 0g
Unsaturated Fat: 0.2g

Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: Approx. 8g
Fiber: Approx. 1g

Protein: Approx. 1g
Cholesterol: 0mg

Keywords: Dog treats, Homemade dog treats, Apple banana treats, DIY dog treats