The Easiest 2-Ingredient Dog Treats: Banana & Oats

Honestly, there’s no companion quite like a dog. I’ve had moments when I was stressed, sad, or just binge-watching my favorite shows in pajamas, and my dog was right there beside me, wagging their tail like nothing else mattered. They don’t judge, they don’t complain, and they genuinely celebrate the little things in life with you. That kind of loyalty deserves a little extra love, don’t you think?

So why not spoil them with a homemade treat that’s simple, healthy, and totally drool-worthy?

I’ve tried buying fancy treats from the store before, but there’s something special about making them yourself. When you see that excited sparkle in your dog’s eyes as they sniff the bowl and wag their tail impatiently, it’s worth every minute in the kitchen. And the best part? You don’t need a professional chef’s skills or a ton of ingredients to make something they’ll love.

We’re talking about banana and oat dog treats.

Let me tell you, I was amazed the first time I made these. Just two ingredients—bananas and oats—can turn into treats that my dog absolutely went crazy for. No complicated steps, no fancy kitchen gadgets, just pure, simple goodness. Even if you’re someone like me who can sometimes burn toast, these treats are almost foolproof.

Why DIY?

Here’s why I always prefer making treats at home:

• No preservatives or additives: I’ve checked countless store-bought treats, and half the time I couldn’t even pronounce the ingredients. Making your own means you know exactly what’s going into your dog’s mouth.
  
• Customizable and allergy-friendly: My dog has a sensitive stomach, so I love that I can tweak recipes without worrying about reactions.
  
• Bonding time: Honestly, kneading and shaping the treats feels rewarding in a way I didn’t expect—it’s like I’m crafting something special just for my furry best friend.
  
• Super cheap: We always have bananas and oats at home, so it’s a low-cost way to show love without breaking the bank.
  

Ingredients (Yes, Just Two)

All you really need is one ripe banana—the riper, the better—and a cup of oats. I’ve used both old-fashioned and quick oats, and honestly, either works fine. That’s it! No eggs, no flour, no complicated nonsense. If you feel fancy, you can add extras later, but even the basic recipe is a winner.

How to Make These Treats (Even If You Burn Toast on the Regular)

1. Preheat Your Oven to 350°F (175°C) – Trust me, I’ve forgotten this step a few times, and it’s okay. Just get it preheated before you start mixing.
   
2. Mash the Banana Like Your Life Depends on It – I like to get it really smooth, almost like baby food. My dog doesn’t mind a few lumps, but it makes mixing easier if it’s fully mashed.
   
3. Mix the Oats and Banana – The mixture will be sticky, kind of like cookie dough. If it feels too wet, just add a little more oats.
   
4. Shape into Treats – Scoop small portions and roll them into balls or flatten them into discs. I even use cookie cutters sometimes—it’s fun, and my dog seems to appreciate the effort!
   
5. Bake for 15–20 Minutes – I usually check at 15 minutes for soft treats or leave them a little longer for crunchier ones. It’s all about personal preference and your dog’s taste.
   
6. Let Them Cool – This is crucial. I’ve learned the hard way that giving them warm treats can result in very confused, tongue-wagging dogs. Let them cool completely.
   

Optional Add-Ins (Because Sometimes You’re Feeling Fancy)

If you want to spice things up a bit, you can add safe extras like peanut butter (without xylitol, of course), pumpkin purée for fiber, a pinch of cinnamon, or even shredded carrots. Personally, I like adding a tiny bit of peanut butter—my dog goes wild for it—but even without extras, the treats are already fantastic.

How to Store These Treats

• Room Temperature: I usually keep them in an airtight container for up to three days.
  
• Fridge: They can last about a week, perfect if I want a few ready for later in the week.
  
• Freezer: If I make a big batch, I freeze some, and they’re good for up to three months. Just thaw them before serving. Honestly, though, in my house, they rarely last long enough to freeze!
  

FAQs (Because I Know You’ve Got Questions)

1. Are these treats safe for all dogs? – Yes! Unless your dog has a specific allergy to bananas or oats, they should be fine. I always start with a small portion the first time.
   
2. Can I use instant oats instead of rolled oats? – Absolutely! I’ve done it, and the texture is slightly different but my dog doesn’t care.
   
3. What if my dough is too sticky to shape? – Just mix in a bit more oats until it’s manageable. I’ve had this happen plenty of times.
   
4. Can I eat these myself? – Technically yes—they’re made from human-grade ingredients—but they are pretty plain unless you add something sweet.
   

Final Thoughts of 2-Ingredient Dog Treats: Banana & Oats

Honestly, these banana and oat treats have become a staple in my house. They’re simple, healthy, affordable, and my dog absolutely loves them. There’s no guilt, no preservatives, just pure happiness in every bite. Making these treats is one of those small joys that makes being a dog owner even more rewarding. Your pup will definitely appreciate your effort—and you might even get a few extra tail wags just for you.