For most dogs, the way to their heart is through their stomachs. So, treat your pup with cookies baked just for them! These homemade banana + yogurt dog treats are easy to make and are a fun way to spoil your favorite canine.
Many commercial dog treats contain additives you may want to avoid, like artificial colorants, preservatives, and flavorings. Fortunately, baking your own dog treats is an easy alternative.
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Ingredients for Banana + Yogurt Dog Treats
Bananas and yogurt are nutritious additions to these treats. Bananas are rich in vitamins and minerals, including vitamins B6 and C, potassium, magnesium, and biotin. They also contain dietary fiber.
Yogurt is also a source of protein and minerals like calcium. It is important, however, to use only plain, unsweetened yogurt. Artificial sweeteners, especially xylitol, are toxic to dogs and can cause serious illness or death.
Lard is a source of healthy fats that give dogs energy and may help to improve their coat. Additionally, it is a natural source of vitamin D, which supports bone health and immune function. Lard also enhances the flavor of these homemade dog treats, making them even more enticing for your pup.
An Important Note About Homemade Dog Treats
These dog treats are not intended to replace meals or be fed in large quantities. Give them as an occasional treat and in moderation. Veterinarians typically recommend that treats make up no more than 10% of a dog’s daily calorie intake.
While bananas contain nutrients that can be beneficial for dogs, they are also relatively high in natural sugars and should be given in moderation.
Fats are an important part of a dog’s diet, but too much dietary fat can contribute to excess calorie intake and obesity.
As with any treat, these homemade dog cookies are best enjoyed as an occasional addition to a balanced diet. If your dog has any health conditions, talk to your veterinarian before introducing new foods, since this may mean that your dog has special dietary needs.
How to Make Banana + Yogurt Dog Treats
These treats are easy to make with dog-safe ingredients, many of which you may already have on hand.
To make them you will need:
- 1 very ripe banana
- 1/2 cup plain, unsweetened Greek yogurt
- 1/4 cup lard
- 1/2 cup oats
- 1/4 tsp baking soda
- 1 1/2 cups whole wheat flour
- Dog bone cookie cutter (or another cookie cutter of your choosing)
Directions:
Place the bananas in a large bowl and mash until smooth. Add the yogurt, lard, and baking soda and mix well.
Stir in the oats. Add the flour, a half cup at a time, until the dough is too stiff to stir. Then knead in the remaining flour.
Next, roll the dough out about a centimeter thick on a flat surface, lightly coated in flour. Use a cookie cutter to cut out treats the shape and size you desire.
Spritz a cookie sheet with oil and lay your treats out on it. Bake at 350°F until the edges turn golden brown, about 12-20 minutes.
This recipe makes about 12 fairly large dog biscuits.
How to Store Homemade Dog Treats
Since these treats are made with natural ingredients and contain no preservatives, they have a shorter shelf life than many commercial dog treats. For best freshness, store the biscuits in a clean, airtight container in the refrigerator. They should keep well for about a week when refrigerated.
You can also freeze the treats for longer-term storage. Place them in a freezer-safe container or bag and thaw individual biscuits as needed.
Using Dog Treats for Training
Many dogs are highly motivated by food, making treats a useful tool for positive-reinforcement training. I first made this recipe a few years ago when we were fostering a young dog who had been rescued from the streets and needed a little help getting used to life as a house pet.
Break these biscuits into small pieces and use them to reward your dog when teaching new commands or reinforcing behaviors you want to encourage. Using smaller pieces also means you can offer multiple rewards without giving your dog a large amount of food.
Homemade Treats for Your Pup
Making banana + yogurt dog treats is an easy way to do something special for your pet. And because you made them yourself, you know exactly what goes into them and can feel good about what you’re giving them. Your pup is sure to appreciate the extra effort!
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Place the bananas in a large bowl and mash until smooth. Add the yogurt, lard, and baking soda and mix well.
- Stir in the oats. Add the flour, a half cup at a time, until the dough is too stiff to stir. Then knead in the remaining flour.
- Next, roll the dough out about a centimeter thick on a flat surface, lightly coated in flour. Use a cookie cutter to cut out treats the shape and size you desire.
- Spritz a cookie sheet with oil and lay your treats out on it. Bake at 350°F until the edges turn golden brown, about 12-20 minutes.
Notes
References:
Arnold, V. (2026). Can Dogs Eat Bananas? PetMD. https://www.petmd.com/dog/nutrition/can-dogs-eat-bananas.
Coates, J. (2022). Fats for Dogs. PetMD. https://www.petmd.com/dog/nutrition/fats-for-dogs
Kleszynski, B. (2025). Can Dogs Eat Yogurt? PetMD. https://www.petmd.com/dog/nutrition/can-dogs-eat-yogurt
