Let’s be honest, our dogs deserve the best. And if you’ve ever caught your pup side-eyeing you while you eat a muffin, then this recipe is gonna make their whole day. These banana muffin dog treats are so easy to make, and they’re full of wholesome ingredients your pup will actually love.
I made these on a whim one afternoon with some bananas that were about to go bad, and now it’s a go-to treat in our house. My dog was literally doing zoomies before they even cooled.
So whether it’s your pup’s birthday, a “just because” day, or you’re just looking for a simple homemade treat to avoid all the extra junk in store-bought ones, these little muffins are gonna be a win.
Let’s get into it.
What You’ll Need
Here’s a quick list of what you’ll need to make these:
- 2 ripe bananas (mashed)
- 2 cups water
- 1 egg (lightly beaten)
- 2 tablespoons peanut butter (just make sure it doesn’t have xylitol)
- 3 cups oats
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
Pro Tips
Here are a few helpful tips from making these a lot more times than I’d like to admit:
- The riper the bananas, the better – You want those soft, spotty bananas. They’re sweeter and mash up way easier.
- Always check the peanut butter – Look for “xylitol-free” on the label. It’s super important because xylitol is really toxic to dogs.
- Use a mini muffin tin – Perfect size for little dog treats and makes it way easier to portion.
- Let the kids help – This is a fun baking activity the whole family can join in on. Plus, the kids love giving the treats to the dog after.
- Freeze the extras – These freeze so well. Just pop ‘em out and let them thaw before serving.
Tools You’ll Need
Nothing fancy here—just the basics:
- Mixing bowls
- Measuring cups + spoons
- Fork or masher
- Blender or food processor (for the oats)
- Mini muffin tin
- Non-stick spray or muffin liners
- Oven
Substitutions + Variations
Want to switch it up a bit? You totally can.
- Grain-free? Try coconut flour or almond flour instead of oats.
- Add-ins: Mix in some shredded carrots or blueberries if your dog likes them.
- Flavor option: A pinch of cinnamon is okay too (as long as your dog’s not sensitive to it).
Make Ahead Tips
- You can mix the dry stuff (oats + baking powder) and store it in a jar. That way, you only have to add the wet ingredients when you’re ready to bake.
- These are great for batch-making and freezing. You’ll thank yourself later.
How to Make Them
Alright, here’s how to actually make the treats:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Spray your muffin tin or line with muffin liners.
- In a big bowl, mash up the bananas.
- Stir in the water, egg, and peanut butter. Mix it all together.
- In a blender or food processor, pulse your oats with the baking powder until you get a flour-like texture.
- Add your dry ingredients to the banana mix and stir until combined.
- Scoop the batter into your muffin tin. Fill each one about ¾ full.
- Bake for 18–20 minutes (until a toothpick comes out clean).
- Let them cool completely before giving one to your dog.
Nutrition Info (Per Mini Muffin)
If you’re curious about what’s going into your pup:
- Calories: ~60
- Protein: 2g
- Fat: 2g
- Carbs: 9g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 1g
(This is just an estimate, but it gives you a general idea.)
Leftovers + Storage Tips
- Keep them in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Or toss them in the freezer for up to 3 months. Just let one thaw out when your pup wants a snack.
FAQs
Can I use regular flour instead of oats?
Yep, you can use whole wheat flour if your dog’s good with grains. But oats are usually a little easier on their tummy.
How many can I give my dog?
Start with one and see how they do. These are treats, not meals. You know your dog best!
Can puppies have these too?
Definitely. Just give a smaller portion and always keep an eye out for any sensitivities.
Can I add honey for sweetness?
Totally optional. The bananas already add some sweetness, but if you do use honey, just a small drizzle is enough.
Give It a Try
These banana muffin dog treats are honestly one of the easiest homemade dog treats I’ve ever made, and my dog goes nuts for them every single time.
Give them a try and see how your pup likes them! And if you end up making them, let me know in the comments. I’d love to hear how it went, what your dog thought, or any fun twists you added to the recipe.
