Banana & Pumpkin Treats Recipe for Dogs: A Nutritious & Delicious Snack

There’s nothing quite like the joy of watching your pup’s tail wag with excitement when they know a homemade treat is coming their way. If you love spoiling your furry friend with wholesome, nutritious goodies, then these Banana & Pumpkin Dog Treats are a must-try!

Not only are they easy to make, but they’re also packed with dog-friendly superfoods—pumpkin, banana, and oats—that support digestion, immunity, and overall health. Plus, they’re naturally sweet, which makes them irresistible to pups of all sizes!

This recipe has quickly become a favorite in my household. My dog, Buddy, absolutely adores the soft, chewy texture and the rich, comforting flavors. I love making them because they’re free from artificial preservatives and filled with ingredients I can trust. Let’s dive into why these treats are great for dogs and how you can make them at home!

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Why Pumpkin & Banana Are Perfect for Dog Treats

Before we get into the recipe, let’s talk about why pumpkin and banana make such a fantastic combination for dog treats.

1. Pumpkin – A Canine Superfood

Pumpkin is often called a doggy superfood because of its many health benefits:

• Aids digestion – The natural fiber in pumpkin helps regulate bowel movements and soothes upset stomachs.
• Supports a healthy coat – Pumpkin is full of vitamin A and zinc, which contribute to soft, shiny fur.
• Boosts the immune system – With antioxidants like beta-carotene, pumpkin helps keep your pup’s immune system strong.

2. Bananas – A Natural Sweetener Packed with Nutrients

Bananas are a fantastic ingredient for homemade dog treats because they:

• Provide natural sweetness – No need for added sugars!
• Support muscle function – The high potassium content is great for muscle health.
• Contain fiber and vitamin C – These help support digestion and overall immunity.

By combining these two powerhouse ingredients, we create a delicious, nutritious treat that your pup will love and that you’ll feel good about feeding them!

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Homemade Banana & Pumpkin Dog Treats Recipe

Ingredients You'll Need:

• 1 cup pure pumpkin puree (Make sure it’s unsweetened and NOT pumpkin pie filling.)
• 1 ripe banana, mashed
• 1 ½ cups rolled oats (You can blend them into oat flour for a smoother texture.)
• ½ cup peanut butter (Use an all-natural, xylitol-free peanut butter safe for dogs.)
• 1 egg (Optional, but helps with binding.)
• ½ teaspoon cinnamon (Optional, but adds a warm, dog-friendly flavor.)

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
• In a mixing bowl, mash the banana until smooth. If your banana isn’t soft enough, you can microwave it for 10-15 seconds to make it easier to mash.

Step 2: Mix the Dough

• Add the pumpkin puree, peanut butter, and egg to the mashed banana and stir until combined.
• Gradually add the rolled oats and cinnamon, mixing well until a dough forms. If the mixture is too sticky, you can add a bit more oats.

Step 3: Shape the Treats

• Roll the dough out on a floured surface to about ¼ inch thick.
• Use cookie cutters to create fun shapes, or simply cut the dough into small squares for easy bite-sized treats.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

• Place the treats on the lined baking sheet, leaving a little space between each.
• Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges start to turn golden brown.

Step 5: Cool & Serve

• Let the treats cool completely before serving them to your pup.
• Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, or in the fridge for two weeks.

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Making No-Bake Banana & Pumpkin Treats

If you don’t want to bake these treats, you can easily make a no-bake version by skipping the egg and simply rolling the mixture into small balls. Then, refrigerate or freeze them for a cool, refreshing snack—perfect for summer days!

For another great frozen treat option, check out these Pumpkin Pupsicles for Dogs!

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Why Your Dog Will Love These Treats

I’ll never forget the first time I made these for Buddy. The moment I pulled them out of the oven, he was already sitting by the counter, sniffing the air in anticipation. By the time they cooled, he was practically dancing with excitement!

What I love most is that these treats are:
✔ Soft & Chewy – Perfect for dogs of all ages, including senior pups.
✔ All-Natural & Healthy – No preservatives or artificial additives.
✔ Easy to Digest – Thanks to the fiber-rich pumpkin and oats.
✔ Super Tasty – The peanut butter and banana combo makes them extra irresistible!

If your pup enjoys these, they might also love these Banana and Honey Biscuits, another homemade favorite!

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Customization & Variations

One of the best things about this recipe is how versatile it is! Here are some ways to switch things up:

• For extra crunch: Add ¼ cup of crushed peanuts or chia seeds for texture and added nutrition.
• To make them grain-free: Swap oats for coconut flour or almond flour (adjusting liquid as needed).
• For a protein boost: Add a tablespoon of Greek yogurt or ground flaxseed to the mix.

No matter how you tweak them, these treats will still be nutrient-packed and delicious for your furry friend!

Troubleshooting Common Issues in Homemade Dog Treats

Even though this recipe is simple, sometimes little things can go wrong. Here are a few common issues and how to fix them!

1. Dough Too Sticky?

• If your dough is too sticky to roll out, add a little more oat flour or a sprinkle of coconut flour until it reaches a manageable consistency.
• Chilling the dough in the refrigerator for 10-15 minutes can also help make it easier to work with.

2. Dough Too Dry & Crumbly?

• If the dough isn’t holding together, mix in a bit more mashed banana or pumpkin puree until it becomes softer.
• A teaspoon of water or a drizzle of honey can also help bring the mixture together.

3. Treats Too Soft?

• If the treats turn out too soft and you’d prefer a crunchier texture, simply bake them for an extra 5-10 minutes at a lower temperature (around 300°F) to dry them out more.
• Letting them sit in a turned-off oven for an hour after baking can also make them crunchier.

4. Treats Too Hard?

• If your pup prefers softer treats (especially senior dogs or puppies), you can slightly reduce baking time and store them in an airtight container to retain moisture.

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Storage & Shelf Life: Keeping Your Treats Fresh

Since these are homemade and preservative-free, they won’t last as long as store-bought treats—but that’s a good thing! Here’s how to keep them fresh:

Short-Term Storage:

• Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
• For extra freshness, keep them in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.

Long-Term Storage:

• Freeze for up to 3 months in a sealed freezer bag or container.
• To serve, just thaw at room temperature or pop them in the microwave for a few seconds.

If you love making dog treats in bulk, freezing is the best option! They’ll stay fresh, and you can take out a few at a time when needed.

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Using These Treats for Training & Special Occasions

Training Treats:

• If you want to use these for training, cut them into smaller pieces before baking for quick rewards.
• Since they’re soft, they’re easy for dogs to chew quickly—making them perfect for obedience training!

Holiday & Birthday Treats:

• Use fun cookie cutter shapes to make special holiday-themed treats!
• For birthdays, you can spread a thin layer of peanut butter on top like frosting.

Buddy’s birthday is in the fall, so I always make a fresh batch of these Banana & Pumpkin Treats for his special day. He gets so excited that I swear he knows they’re just for him!

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Other Delicious Homemade Treats to Try

If your pup loves these pumpkin-banana treats, here are some other homemade recipes they’ll enjoy:

Homemade Peanut Butter for Dogs – A perfect addition to these treats or as a standalone snack.

Oatmeal Cookies for Dogs – Another fiber-rich, tasty option.

Banana & Honey Biscuits – A naturally sweet treat packed with nutrients.

Pumpkin Pupsicles – A cool, refreshing snack for warm days!

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Final Thoughts: A Treat You & Your Pup Will Love

Making homemade dog treats isn’t just about feeding your pup healthy snacks—it’s about creating special moments with them. The excitement they show when they see you baking, the anticipation as they wait, and the pure joy when they finally get to taste them make the whole process so rewarding.

These Banana & Pumpkin Treats are a simple, wholesome, and nutritious way to show your dog just how much you love them. Give them a try, and I guarantee your pup will be wagging their tail for more!

If you make these, let me know how your dog likes them! And for even more fun recipes, follow along on Pinterest for more homemade dog treat ideas!

Happy baking!

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