If your dog follows you into the kitchen every single time you open a banana… we need to talk.
Because the moment I discovered how powerful banana + coconut oil is as a treat combo, my dog basically started supervising my baking.
These Banana & Coconut Oil Dog Treats are:
- Soft
- Naturally sweet
- Made with only a few simple ingredients
- And secretly amazing for your dog’s skin and coat**
Plus, they’re beginner-proof. If you can mash a banana, you can make this recipe.
And if you’ve ever thought,
“Why are dog treats so expensive when the ingredients are this simple?”
Exactly.
Why I Love This Recipe
I created this recipe on a day when:
- I had 2 overripe bananas
- A jar of coconut oil staring at me
- And a dog staring at both of us
So I experimented.
The result? A soft, slightly chewy treat that my dog now expects weekly.
What makes this recipe special?
✔ Naturally sweet (no added sugar)
✔ Healthy fats from coconut oil
✔ Easy to digest
✔ Budget-friendly
✔ Puppy & senior friendly
And best of all? It only takes about 25 minutes from start to finish.
Are Bananas and Coconut Oil Safe for Dogs?
Short answer: Yes.
Long answer: Yes… but portion control matters.
🍌 Bananas for Dogs
Bananas are:
- Rich in potassium
- Good for digestion
- Naturally sweet
Important: Use ripe bananas only. The kind with brown spots. Those are sweeter and easier to mash.
🥥 Coconut Oil for Dogs
Coconut oil can:
- Support skin health
- Add shine to coat
- Provide healthy fats
- Help with digestion
But here’s the key:
👉 Use small amounts.
Too much coconut oil can cause loose stools. And nobody wants that surprise.
Moderation is everything.
Who Are These Treats Best For?
These treats are perfect if you have:
- A dog with dry skin
- A pup with dull coat
- A senior dog who needs softer treats
- A training puppy
- A picky dog who turns their nose up at plain biscuits
They’re soft enough to break into tiny pieces, which makes them ideal for training sessions.
And yes… they make you look like a dog chef genius.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple. Clean. No weird stuff.
🧺 Ingredients
- 1 large ripe banana, mashed
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil, melted
- 1 cup rolled oats (or oat flour)
- 1–3 tablespoons water (if needed)
Optional:
- 1 tablespoon natural peanut butter (xylitol-free)
- A pinch of cinnamon (very small amount)
That’s it. Four base ingredients.
No eggs.
No flour.
No drama.
Step-by-Step: How I Make Banana & Coconut Oil Treats
Let’s walk through this together.
Step 1: Mash the Banana
Use a fork and mash until smooth.
You want:
- No large chunks
- Creamy consistency
- Slightly glossy texture
The riper the banana, the better the flavor.
Step 2: Melt the Coconut Oil
If your coconut oil is solid, gently melt it.
Do NOT overheat.
You just want it liquid not lava.
Let it cool slightly before mixing.
Step 3: Mix Banana + Coconut Oil
Pour the melted coconut oil into the mashed banana and stir well.
At this point, the mixture smells tropical.
Your dog will appear. Trust me.
Step 4: Add Oats Gradually
Add oats little by little and mix.
If the dough feels:
- Too sticky → add more oats
- Too dry → add 1 tablespoon water at a time
You’re aiming for a soft, slightly sticky dough that holds shape when rolled.
Step 5: Shape the Treats
Line a baking tray with parchment paper.
You can:
- Roll into small balls
- Flatten with a fork
- Shape into mini squares
Keep them small especially for training use.
Step 6: Bake Low & Gentle
Bake at 170°C (340°F) for 18–20 minutes.
You want:
- Firm edges
- Soft center
- Light golden bottom
If you bake too long, they turn crunchy.
Remember, this is a soft treat recipe.
Step 7: Cool Completely
Let them cool fully before serving.
This helps:
- Firm the texture
- Prevent breakage
- Avoid burnt tongues (for dogs and humans)
Texture Check Trick
Here’s my simple test:
Press gently between your fingers.
If it:
✔ Feels soft
✔ Compresses slightly
✔ Doesn’t crumble
You nailed it.
Storage Tips
Because homemade treats don’t have preservatives.
Fridge: 5 days in airtight container
Freezer: Up to 2 months
I freeze half the batch every time.
Future me is always grateful.
How Many Can My Dog Have?
This depends on size.
General guide:
- Small dogs → 1–2 daily
- Medium dogs → 2–3 daily
- Large dogs → 3–4 daily
Treats should stay under 10% of daily calorie intake.
Yes, even if they act like you’ve never fed them in their life.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Let me save you some trouble.
❌ Using unripe banana
❌ Adding too much coconut oil
❌ Using sweetened coconut oil
❌ Overbaking
❌ Making giant treat balls
Small. Soft. Balanced.
That’s the goal.
Fun Variations
Once you try this base recipe, you’ll want to experiment.
Banana Coconut Peanut Butter Bites
Add 1 tablespoon peanut butter for richer flavor.
Banana Coconut Blueberry Boost
Mix in mashed blueberries for antioxidants.
Banana Coconut Pumpkin
Replace half banana with pumpkin puree.
Each variation keeps the texture soft and delicious.
Why I Prefer Homemade Treats
Let me be honest.
When I started reading ingredient labels on store-bought treats, I got confused fast.
Words I couldn’t pronounce.
Preservatives I didn’t recognize.
Artificial colors for what? My dog doesn’t care about color.
When I make treats at home, I know exactly what goes in.
And that peace of mind? Worth it.
My Personal Experience
The first time I made these, my dog didn’t even wait for the “sit” command.
He was already sitting.
Now whenever I open the coconut oil jar, he shows up like a tiny supervisor.
And I love that this recipe supports his coat and skin naturally.
No complicated supplements.
Just real ingredients.
