My dog somehow knows when I’m baking just for him. The moment I mash a ripe banana, he appears in the kitchen and waits patiently by my feet, tail thumping against the cabinets, as if he already knows what’s coming.
Homemade treats have become one of my favorite ways to reward him because I know exactly what is going into every biscuit.
No mystery preservatives, no long ingredient lists I can’t pronounce, just simple pantry staples that actually do him good.
These banana and honey dog biscuits are easy to make, naturally sweetened, and perfect for rewarding good behavior without relying on heavily processed store bought snacks.
If you’ve already tried my apple and banana dog treats or the apple carrot chew sticks, this recipe will feel like a natural next step.
In this guide I’ll walk you through exactly how to make them, how to store them properly, and a few simple ways to customize the recipe for your own pup.
Disclaimer
This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases at no additional cost to you. I only recommend dog products and kitchen tools that I genuinely believe make homemade dog treats easier and more enjoyable. The information in this article is for general informational purposes only. Always use dog safe ingredients and consult your veterinarian before introducing new treats to your dog’s diet.
Amazon Shopping List You Need
- Organic Oat Flour or Rolled Oats
A gentle, dog-safe base that’s easy to digest and perfect for homemade biscuits.
BUY NOW ON AMAZON - Ripe Bananas
Naturally sweet and rich in potassium—great for healthy homemade dog treats.
BUY NOW ON AMAZON - Raw, Natural Honey
Adds natural sweetness and helps bind ingredients together.
BUY NOW ON AMAZON - Natural Peanut Butter (Xylitol-Free)
Boosts flavor and healthy fats—dogs love it.
BUY NOW ON AMAZON - Silicone Baking Mat or Parchment Paper
Prevents sticking and makes cleanup easy when baking dog biscuits.
BUY NOW ON AMAZON
Recipe Snapshot
Prep time: 15 minutes Cook time: 25 minutes Total time: 40 minutes Yield: About 24 small biscuits Difficulty: Beginner friendly Suitable for: Adult dogs of all sizes Storage time: Up to 5 days at room temperature, up to 3 months in the freezer
Why Dogs Love These Biscuits
It’s not just that these biscuits taste good to dogs. It’s the whole sensory experience.
The soft banana aroma fills the kitchen while they bake, and most dogs can smell it from another room.
The slight natural sweetness from honey makes the biscuits feel like a genuine treat rather than a chore to chew through.
Once baked, the outside turns lightly crisp while the inside stays a little soft, giving dogs a satisfying texture that is easy on the jaw.
They are also small and firm enough to break into pieces, which makes them ideal for training sessions where you want a lot of quick, low mess rewards.
Is Honey Safe for Dogs?
This is one of the most common questions dog owners ask before baking with honey, and it deserves a clear answer.
Healthy adult dogs can usually enjoy small amounts of honey without any issue.
It should only be given in moderation, though, because it is high in natural sugar and excess amounts can contribute to weight gain or digestive upset.
Honey should be avoided in puppies under one year old, since their immune systems are not fully developed and raw honey can occasionally carry botulism spores that a mature digestive system handles without trouble.
Dogs managing diabetes or a weight condition may need to avoid honey altogether unless their veterinarian says otherwise.
If you are ever unsure whether honey is appropriate for your dog, a quick conversation with your vet is always the safest route.
Health Benefits of Every Ingredient
Banana
Bananas offer a genuinely useful nutritional boost for dogs.
They are rich in potassium, which supports healthy muscle and nerve function, and they contain a good amount of dietary fiber that can help with digestion.
Bananas also provide vitamin B6 and vitamin C, both of which play a role in overall wellness, and they are gentle enough on the stomach that most dogs digest them with no trouble at all.
Honey
In small amounts, honey brings natural sweetness without relying on refined sugar. It contains trace antioxidants and can act as a quick source of energy.
Because of its sugar content, it should always be used sparingly rather than as a main ingredient.
Oats
Oats are gentle on digestion and add fiber that helps a dog feel satisfied after a treat.
They are naturally gluten friendly, which makes this recipe a good option for dogs with mild wheat sensitivities.
Oats also give the dough enough structure to hold its shape once baked.
Egg
Egg adds protein and healthy fats to the biscuits while also acting as a natural binder that helps hold the dough together.
It is one of the simplest ways to boost the nutritional value of a homemade treat without adding anything artificial.
Ingredients You Need
These simple ingredients come together to make healthy, homemade dog biscuits that are easy to prepare and full of natural flavor.
- 1 ripe banana – A ripe banana is easier to mash and naturally sweetens the biscuits without adding refined sugar.
- 1 large egg – Helps bind the dough together while adding protein.
- 1 tablespoon honey – Adds a light touch of natural sweetness.
- 2 cups rolled oats – Use whole rolled oats or blend them into a coarse flour for a smoother dough.
- Optional: 1 tablespoon natural peanut butter – Choose an unsweetened, xylitol free peanut butter to add extra flavor and richness.
Equipment Needed
You do not need any special baking equipment to make these homemade dog biscuits.
Most of the tools are probably already in your kitchen.
- Mixing bowl
- Fork or whisk
- Rolling pin
- Cookie cutter or a small glass for cutting circles
- Baking tray
- Parchment paper
- Cooling rack
Taking a minute to gather everything before you begin will make the baking process much smoother.
It also helps prevent the dough from sitting out for too long, making it easier to roll, cut, and shape the biscuits.
Step by Step Instructions
Step 1: Mash the banana.
Mash it until it reaches a mostly smooth consistency.
A few small lumps are completely fine, but a creamier texture makes the dough easier to mix evenly.
Step 2: Whisk the wet ingredients.
In your mixing bowl, whisk the egg and honey together until fully combined.
This helps distribute the sweetness evenly throughout the dough instead of leaving pockets of honey in one spot.
Step 3: Add the oats gradually.
Stir the oats into the wet mixture a little at a time instead of all at once.
The dough should feel soft and slightly tacky, but not sticky enough to cling heavily to your hands.
If it does feel too sticky, add a small amount of extra oat flour until the texture firms up.
Step 4: Roll the dough.
On a lightly floured surface or a piece of parchment paper, roll the dough to about a quarter of an inch thick.
Rolling it evenly helps the biscuits bake at the same rate.
Step 5: Cut and place the biscuits.
Use your cookie cutter to cut out shapes, then place them on your parchment lined baking tray with a small amount of space between each one so air can circulate while baking.
Step 6: Bake until golden.
Bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about 20 to 25 minutes, or until the biscuits are lightly golden and firm to the touch.
Step 7: Cool completely.
Let the biscuits cool fully on a wire rack before serving or storing them.
Cooling allows the inside to firm up properly, since biscuits that are still warm can feel soft or doughy in the center even if the outside looks done.
Tips for Perfect Dog Biscuits
Follow these simple tips to make sure your homemade treats turn out delicious every time.
- Use ripe bananas – Spotted bananas are sweeter, softer, and much easier to mash into a smooth dough.
- Do not overmix the dough – Mix only until the ingredients are combined to keep the biscuits tender.
- Chill sticky dough – If the dough is difficult to roll, refrigerate it for about 15 minutes before shaping.
- Leave space between the biscuits – Even spacing helps them bake evenly and develop a consistent texture.
- Cool completely before storing – Allow the biscuits to cool on a wire rack so excess moisture can escape.
- Bake a little longer for extra crunch – If your dog prefers crunchy treats, leave the biscuits in the oven for a few additional minutes until they are lightly golden.
Recipe Variations
Once you’ve mastered the basic recipe, you can easily switch things up with a few dog friendly ingredients.
- Pumpkin Banana – Add a couple of tablespoons of plain pumpkin puree for extra fiber and a soft texture.
- Peanut Butter Banana – Mix in a tablespoon of natural, unsweetened, xylitol free peanut butter for a richer flavor many dogs love.
- Blueberry Banana – Fold in a small handful of mashed blueberries to add natural antioxidants.
- Apple Banana – Stir in finely grated apple for a little extra sweetness and texture.
- Carrot Banana – Add finely grated carrot for extra crunch and a boost of beta carotene.
- Sweet Potato Banana – Replace part of the banana with a few tablespoons of mashed cooked sweet potato for a heartier, more filling biscuit.
No matter which variation you choose, introduce new ingredients gradually and make sure they are safe for your dog’s diet.
If your dog enjoys frozen treats as much as baked ones, you might also like my frozen dog treats with banana and yogurt or the two ingredient pupsicles, which make a refreshing warm weather alternative to these biscuits.
Storage Guide
At room temperature, these biscuits stay fresh for 3 to 5 days when kept in an airtight container.
In the refrigerator, they will last about a week, and refrigeration is a good option if you live somewhere warm and humid.
In the freezer, they can be stored for up to 3 months. Lay them flat in a single layer first so they don’t stick together, then transfer them into a freezer safe bag or container once solid.
When you’re ready to serve frozen biscuits, let them thaw naturally at room temperature rather than microwaving them, which can affect both texture and safety.
How Many Can Dogs Eat
Portion size should always scale with your dog’s size. Small dogs generally do well with one small biscuit at a time.
Medium dogs can typically have one to two biscuits. Large dogs can usually enjoy two to three biscuits without issue.
As a general rule, treats of any kind should make up no more than about 10 percent of a dog’s daily calorie intake, with the remaining 90 percent coming from a complete and balanced diet.
If your dog has any underlying health conditions, it’s always worth checking with your veterinarian about appropriate portion sizes.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
A few simple mistakes can affect the texture, flavor, and safety of your homemade dog biscuits.
- Using an unripe banana – Green bananas are harder to mash and are not as naturally sweet as ripe ones.
- Adding too much honey – A small amount is enough. Extra honey only increases the sugar content without improving the recipe.
- Overbaking the biscuits – Baking them too long can make them overly hard, especially for smaller or older dogs.
- Underbaking the biscuits – Soft centers hold more moisture, causing the treats to spoil more quickly.
- Skipping the cooling step – Let the biscuits cool completely before storing them to prevent excess moisture from building up.
- Rolling the dough too thick – Thick biscuits may bake unevenly, leaving the center softer than the edges.
- Using unsafe ingredients – Never add chocolate, xylitol sweetened peanut butter, raisins, grapes, macadamia nuts, or other ingredients that are toxic to dogs.
Nutritional Information
The following values are approximate per biscuit and will vary depending on the specific brands of ingredients used and the size of each biscuit.
| Nutrient | Approximate Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 20 to 25 kcal |
| Protein | 1 gram |
| Fat | 0.5 grams |
| Carbohydrates | 4 grams |
| Fiber | 0.5 grams |
| Sugar | 1 gram |
Serving Ideas
These biscuits work well as more than just a snack. They make excellent training rewards, especially when broken into smaller pieces, and pair nicely with the focus building exercises in my guide on teaching your dog to focus on you outdoors.
They also fit neatly inside puzzle toys or stuffed enrichment feeders for a slower, more engaging snack time. Consider setting a few aside as a special birthday treat, or using one as a reward after a long walk.
Crumbled over regular food occasionally, they can turn an ordinary meal into something a little more exciting.
If your dog also enjoys interactive playtime, these treats double nicely as rewards during the games from my post on fun games to play with your dog, and if you’re working through any training or behavior goals, they can be a helpful tool alongside the strategies in solving dog behavior problems.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can dogs eat bananas every day? In small amounts, most healthy dogs can have banana regularly as an occasional treat, but it should never replace a balanced main diet.
Is honey safe for dogs? Small amounts are generally safe for healthy adult dogs, but it should be avoided in puppies under one year old and used cautiously with dogs managing diabetes or weight issues.
Can I use whole wheat flour instead of oats? Yes, whole wheat flour can be substituted, though oats are often gentler for dogs with sensitive stomachs.
Can I freeze homemade dog biscuits? Yes, they freeze well for up to 3 months when stored properly in an airtight, freezer safe container.
How long do homemade dog treats last? Around 3 to 5 days at room temperature, about a week refrigerated, and up to 3 months frozen.
Can puppies eat these biscuits? Puppies under one year old should avoid honey, so it’s best to leave it out or wait until your puppy is older before offering this exact recipe.
Can I make these without eggs? Yes, a small spoonful of plain pumpkin puree or unsweetened applesauce can work as an egg substitute, though the texture may vary slightly.
Why are my biscuits soft instead of crisp? This usually happens when the dough is rolled too thick or the biscuits are underbaked. Rolling thinner and baking a few extra minutes should help.
Why did my dough become sticky? Overripe bananas or too much honey can make the dough wetter than expected. Adding a bit more oat flour usually solves this.
Can humans eat these biscuits? They are made from human safe ingredients, so a bite here and there won’t hurt, though they are formulated specifically with a dog’s nutritional needs in mind rather than a person’s.
Final Thoughts
Baking treats at home is one of the simplest ways to bond with your dog while knowing exactly what goes into every bite.
These banana and honey biscuits are affordable, easy for beginners, and flexible enough to adapt to whatever ingredients you already have on hand.
If you’re looking to expand your homemade treat rotation even further, my roundup of vet approved homemade dog foods and the healthiest homemade dog foods are great places to continue exploring.
Feel free to experiment with the variations above, keep portions in moderation, and enjoy watching your dog wait patiently by the oven door the next time you bake a batch.
