Pumpkin Banana Dog Treats
These treats came about the same way a lot of my recipes do, with half a ripe banana sitting on the counter and a can of pumpkin already open from another batch of treats.
Pumpkin and banana turned out to be a natural pairing, both naturally sweet enough that this recipe doesn’t need any added sugar, and both ingredients most dogs already love on their own.
This is one of the simplest recipes I make, with no peanut butter, no eggs, and no fuss.
It’s a good one to keep in your back pocket for days when you want to bake something quick using whatever’s already in the kitchen.
Why You’ll Love These Pumpkin Banana Dog Treats
A few reasons these are worth baking on repeat.
Naturally sweet. Between the pumpkin and banana, there’s no need for any added sugar or honey.
Short ingredient list. Just a handful of basics, no specialty items required.
Egg free option. This recipe skips eggs entirely, which makes it a good choice for dogs with an egg sensitivity.
Great way to use ripe bananas. A perfect use for that overripe banana sitting on the counter.
Freezer friendly. A batch keeps well, so you can bake once and have treats ready for weeks.
Gentle on digestion. Both pumpkin and banana are easy on most dogs’ stomachs, making this a good option for sensitive pups.
Are Pumpkin and Banana Safe for Dogs?
Both of these ingredients are well tolerated by most dogs, though a couple of details are worth knowing.
Pumpkin should be plain canned pumpkin puree rather than pumpkin pie filling, which contains added sugar and spices not meant for dogs.
Banana is safe for dogs in moderation, and it’s actually a good source of potassium and fiber. Because banana is higher in natural sugar than many other fruits, it’s best used in reasonable amounts rather than as a daily staple, especially for dogs managing their weight.
Beyond those points, both ingredients are commonly used in homemade dog treat recipes and are generally considered safe additions to a dog’s diet in moderation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s what goes into this simple dough.
Plain pumpkin puree adds moisture, fiber, and a mild flavor that forms the base of the dough.
A ripe banana, mashed, adds natural sweetness and helps bind the dough together without needing an egg.
Oat flour or whole wheat flour provides the structure needed to shape and bake the treats.
A small amount of coconut oil, optional, helps keep the dough from drying out and gives the finished treats a slightly tender bite.
Ingredient List
- 1 cup plain canned pumpkin puree
- 1 ripe banana, mashed
- 1 3/4 cups oat flour or whole wheat flour
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil, melted, optional
How to Make Pumpkin Banana Dog Treats
- Preheat your oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, combine the pumpkin puree and mashed banana, stirring until smooth.
- Stir in the coconut oil, if using.
- Add the flour a half cup at a time, mixing until a soft dough forms.
- Once the dough holds together and isn’t too sticky to handle, turn it out onto a lightly floured surface.
- Knead gently for about a minute, adding a bit more flour if the dough feels sticky.
- Roll the dough out to about a quarter inch thickness.
- Cut into shapes using a cookie cutter or a knife, then place the treats on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for 20 to 22 minutes, until the treats feel firm and the edges look lightly golden.
- Let the treats cool completely on a wire rack before serving or storing.
Getting the Right Texture
Since both pumpkin and banana add moisture, a few notes on consistency are helpful.
If the dough feels too sticky to roll, add flour a tablespoon at a time until it becomes workable.
If the dough feels dry and crumbly, add a small splash of water or an extra spoonful of mashed banana.
For a firmer, crunchier treat, roll the dough slightly thinner and let the treats cool completely before storing, since they firm up noticeably as they cool.
Recipe Variations
Once you’ve made the base recipe, these variations are worth trying.
Peanut butter pumpkin banana treats. Stir in two tablespoons of natural peanut butter for extra flavor and protein.
Cinnamon pumpkin banana treats. Add a small pinch of cinnamon to the dough for a warmer flavor.
Mini training treats. Roll the dough thinner and cut smaller shapes for bite sized training rewards.
Oat flour version. Use oat flour in place of wheat flour for a gentler option for dogs with wheat sensitivities.
Stick with confirmed dog safe ingredients when experimenting, and keep any added extras in modest amounts.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Using an underripe banana. A ripe, spotty banana mashes more smoothly and adds better flavor than one that’s still firm.
Using pumpkin pie filling instead of plain pumpkin. Stick to plain canned pumpkin for this recipe.
Adding too much flour at once. This can lead to a dry, crumbly dough that’s hard to work with. Add it gradually instead.
Rolling the dough too thick. Thicker treats take longer to bake through and may stay soft in the center.
Storing them before fully cooled. Warm treats sealed in a container can trap moisture and soften the texture faster than expected.
How Many Treats Can a Dog Have?
Because banana adds natural sugar to this recipe, these treats are best given in moderation, generally staying under about ten percent of your dog’s daily caloric intake overall.
A small dog will need fewer treats than a larger, more active dog. If your dog is managing their weight or has diabetes, check with your veterinarian before adding these to their routine, given the natural sugar content of banana.
How to Store Pumpkin Banana Dog Treats
Room temperature. Once fully cooled, store the treats in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days.
Refrigerator. For a bit of extra freshness, keep them in the fridge for up to two weeks.
Freezer. For longer storage, freeze the treats in a sealed bag or container for up to three months.
Always check treats before serving, and discard any that show signs of mold or an unusual smell.
Can You Freeze These Treats?
Yes, and freezing is a great way to keep a larger batch on hand.
- Let the treats cool completely before freezing.
- Arrange them in a single layer in a freezer safe container or bag.
- Separate layers with parchment paper if stacking.
- Label the container with the date.
- Thaw a few at room temperature for about fifteen minutes before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can dogs eat banana? Yes, banana is safe for dogs in moderation and offers a good source of potassium and fiber, though it should be given in reasonable amounts due to its natural sugar content.
Do these treats need eggs? No, this recipe is egg free, making it a good option for dogs with an egg sensitivity.
Can I use a frozen banana? Yes, just thaw it first and drain any excess liquid before mashing it into the dough.
Why is my dough too sticky? This usually happens when the banana or pumpkin adds more moisture than expected. Add flour gradually until the dough becomes workable.
How long do these treats last? About five days at room temperature, up to two weeks in the fridge, and up to three months in the freezer when stored properly.
Can puppies have these treats? In small amounts, most puppies can enjoy pumpkin and banana, but check with your veterinarian first, especially for very young puppies.
Can diabetic dogs have these treats? Because banana adds natural sugar, it’s best to check with your veterinarian before giving these to a dog managing diabetes or blood sugar concerns.
Recipe Card
Recipe name: Pumpkin Banana Dog Treats
Summary: Simple, naturally sweet dog treats made with pumpkin and banana, no eggs required.
Servings: About 20 treats, depending on size
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 21 minutes
Total time: 36 minutes, plus cooling time
Estimated cost: Budget friendly
Course: Dog treat
Cuisine: Homemade pet food
Keywords: pumpkin banana dog treats, homemade dog treats, egg free dog treats, pumpkin dog treats, banana dog treats
Equipment: Mixing bowl, rolling pin, baking sheet, parchment paper
Ingredients:
- 1 cup plain canned pumpkin puree
- 1 ripe banana, mashed
- 1 3/4 cups oat flour or whole wheat flour
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil, melted, optional
Instructions:
- Combine pumpkin and mashed banana.
- Stir in coconut oil, if using.
- Add flour gradually until a dough forms.
- Knead briefly, then roll out and cut into shapes.
- Bake 20 to 22 minutes until golden.
- Cool completely before serving.
A Final Note on Baking These Treats
These have become the recipe I turn to whenever I have a ripe banana that needs using up, and there’s something satisfying about a treat that comes together from ingredients I already had on hand.
Simple as they are, they disappear from the treat jar just as fast as any of the fancier recipes I make.
More Homemade Treat Ideas
If your dog enjoyed these, these recipes are worth trying next.
- Homemade Banana Dog Treat Recipes
- Pumpkin Peanut Butter Pretzel Dog Treats
- Homemade Peanut Butter Pumpkin Soft Dog Treats
- Homemade Peanut Butter Banana Gummies for Dogs
- Oat and Apple Pretzel Dog Treats
For more ideas on feeding your dog well beyond treats, check out 7 Healthiest Homemade Dog Foods.
