If you’ve ever looked at your dog while they stare at you eating a banana like you owe them money, this recipe is for you.
I started making Banana Apple Soft Chews because I wanted something:
- Homemade
- Gentle on the tummy
- Soft enough for puppies and senior dogs
- And honestly… cheap and easy, because store-bought treats add up fast
Plus, bananas were ripening faster than my patience.
So today, I’m sharing my tried-and-tested Banana Apple Soft Chews recipe the one my dog now recognizes by smell alone. These treats are naturally sweet, soft, chewy, and made with ingredients you probably already have at home.
And yes… I eat the ingredients too. The final treats? Not so much. I have standards.
Why I Love These Banana Apple Soft Chews
Before we jump into mixing bowls and sticky fingers, let me tell you why this recipe works so well.
These chews are:
- Soft and easy to chew (perfect for puppies & senior dogs)
- Made with real fruit
- Free from preservatives and mystery ingredients
- Low-cost and beginner-friendly
- Customizable (because every dog is dramatic in their own way)
And most importantly…
Dogs go absolutely feral for them.
Ever watched your dog sit extra straight when they know something good is coming? Yeah. That.
Are Bananas and Apples Safe for Dogs?
Short answer: YES.
Long answer: YES, but let’s be smart about it.
🍌 Bananas for Dogs
Bananas are:
- Rich in potassium
- Easy to digest
- Naturally sweet (no added sugar needed)
Key point: Use ripe bananas only. Green bananas = tummy drama.
🍎 Apples for Dogs
Apples provide:
- Fiber for digestion
- Vitamins A and C
- A mild sweetness dogs love
Important:
✔ Remove seeds
✔ Remove the core
✖ Never use apple seeds (they contain cyanide)
If you do those two things, apples are totally safe and fantastic for dog treats.
Who Are These Soft Chews Perfect For?
Let me paint a picture.
- Got a teething puppy?
- A senior dog with sensitive teeth?
- A picky eater who sniffs everything like it personally offended them?
- A dog with a sensitive stomach?
These chews are your new best friend.
They’re also amazing as:
- Training treats
- Reward bites
- Post-walk snacks
- “I love you” snacks (very important category)
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple. Honest. No weird stuff.
🧺 Ingredients List
- 1 ripe banana, mashed
- 1 medium apple, peeled, cored, and cooked
- 1 cup rolled oats (or oat flour)
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil (optional but recommended)
- 2–4 tablespoons water (as needed)
That’s it.
No eggs. No dairy. No flour. No stress.
Why I Cook the Apple First (Don’t Skip This)
I learned this the hard way.
Raw apples can be harder for dogs to digest, especially when baked into treats. Cooking them:
- Softens the fiber
- Enhances natural sweetness
- Makes blending easier
- Helps create that perfect soft chew texture
Trust me this step matters.
Step-by-Step: How I Make Banana Apple Soft Chews
Let’s do this together.
Step 1: Cook the Apple
Peel, core, and chop the apple into small chunks.
Add them to a small pot with a splash of water.
Simmer for 10–15 minutes until soft enough to mash with a fork.
Let it cool slightly. (Yes, waiting is annoying. No, burning your fingers is not worth it.)
Step 2: Mash the Banana Like You Mean It
Use a ripe banana. The kind that looks a little embarrassing.
Mash until smooth. No big chunks. Your dog wants consistency, not surprises.
Step 3: Combine Banana + Apple
Mash the cooked apple and banana together until you get a thick, smooth mixture.
At this point, it already smells suspiciously good.
This is where humans start asking questions they shouldn’t.
Step 4: Add Oats
Add rolled oats gradually and mix.
If the mixture feels:
- Too wet → add more oats
- Too dry → add water 1 tablespoon at a time
You’re looking for a soft, sticky dough not crumbly, not runny.
Step 5: Coconut Oil Magic
Add coconut oil and mix well.
Why coconut oil?
- Helps bind the mixture
- Adds healthy fats
- Makes the chews softer
- Supports skin and coat health
Optional, but honestly… worth it.
Step 6: Shape the Chews
Line a baking tray with parchment paper.
You can:
- Spoon small dollops
- Roll into mini logs
- Flatten into soft squares
Keep them small these are treats, not full meals.
Step 7: Bake Low and Slow
Bake at 170°C / 340°F for 18–22 minutes.
You want them:
- Set on the outside
- Soft in the center
- Slightly chewy, not crunchy
Overbaking turns them into cookies.
And that’s not today’s mission.
Step 8: Cool Completely
Let them cool fully before serving.
Yes, your dog will stare at you.
No, guilt should not rush this step.
Texture Test (My Favorite Trick)
Here’s how I check softness:
Press one chew between your fingers.
If it:
- Compresses easily
- Springs back slightly
- Doesn’t crack
👉 Perfect soft chew achieved.
Storage Tips (So They Stay Fresh)
Because no one likes sad, stale treats.
Storage Options
- Fridge: Up to 5 days
- Freezer: Up to 2 months
I usually freeze half the batch and thaw as needed.
Future me is always grateful.
How Many Can My Dog Have?
I get this question every time.
General rule:
- Small dogs → 1–2 per day
- Medium dogs → 2–3 per day
- Large dogs → 3–4 per day
Treats should make up less than 10% of daily calories.
Yes, even when they give you that face.
Common Mistakes to Avoid (Learn From Me)
Let’s save you the trouble.
Avoid these:
- ❌ Using apple seeds
- ❌ Overbaking
- ❌ Adding sugar or honey
- ❌ Using instant flavored oats
- ❌ Making them too big
Your dog deserves better. And so does your oven.
Fun Variations You Can Try
Once you make these once, you’ll want to experiment. I promise.
Banana Apple Blueberry Chews
Add a tablespoon of mashed blueberries for antioxidants.
Banana Apple Pumpkin Chews
Replace half the apple with pumpkin puree for digestion support.
Banana Apple Peanut Butter Chews
Add 1 teaspoon xylitol-free peanut butter for extra flavor.
Dogs. Lose. Their. Minds.
My Personal Experience (Dog Tested, Human Approved)
The first time I made these, I honestly didn’t expect much.
But the moment my dog sat down unprompted and waited like a tiny professional… I knew.
Now every time I open a banana:
- He appears.
- He stares.
- He judges my speed.
These treats became part of our routine. Training got easier. Rewards felt more meaningful. And I felt good knowing exactly what he was eating.
Homemade doesn’t have to be complicated. It just has to be real.
Final Thoughts (From One Dog Parent to Another)
If you’ve ever wondered:
- “Is this actually good for my dog?”
- “Can I trust what’s in store-bought treats?”
- “Why does my dog act like I’m a Michelin chef now?”
This recipe answers all of that.
