Let me tell you, nothing makes my heart melt faster than when Mocha sits at my feet while I’m prepping her treats in the kitchen. That tail thump-thump-thumping against the floor is the ultimate sign of approval!
After discovering how much she loves the banana-carrot combo, I’ve perfected three versions of these easy homemade dog treats to suit every situation—for the park or just her being a good girl—well, she is basically always that.
Classic Baked Banana & Carrot Dog Treats
These little crunchy bites are Mocha’s absolute favorite after a long walk. When she hears the treat jar being opened, she practically does her happy dance!
Ingredients:
- 1 ripe banana (mashed)
- 1/2 cup finely grated carrot
- 1 1/2 cups oat flour (or whole wheat flour)
- 1 egg
- 1–2 tablespoons water (only if dough is too dry)
Optional add-ins:
- 1 tablespoon natural peanut butter (no xylitol!)
- A dash of cinnamon (optional but dog-safe in small amounts)
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, mash banana together with carrot gratings, egg, and peanut butter (if using).
- Gradually add the flour, stirring until you’ve got a nice dough forming. If it seems too dry, add a little water, one tablespoon at a time.
- Roll out the dough on a floured surface to about 1/4 inch thickness and cut using cookie cutters (I use bone-shaped ones because I’m that dog mom) or just slice into bite-sized squares.
- Arrange for your treats on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes until golden and slightly firm to the touch.
- Let them cool completely before serving to your eager pup!
Storage: Keep them in airtight containers for a week or freeze any extras for up to 2 months. And Mocha doesn’t mind them straight from the freezer on hot days!
No-Bake Banana & Carrot Dog Bites
Perfect for those days when it’s too hot to turn on the oven or when Mocha is looking at me like “I want a treat NOW”.
Ingredients:
- 1 ripe banana (mashed)
- 1/2 cup grated carrot
- 1 cup rolled oats (or quick oats)
- 2 tablespoons unsweetened peanut butter (no xylitol)
- Optional: 1 tablespoon plain yogurt
Instructions:
- Thoroughly mash the banana in a medium bowl.
- Add the grated carrot, oats, peanut butter, and yogurt if using, and mix everything very well.
- Put the mixture in the fridge for about 10–15 minutes so that it becomes harder.
- Using slightly damp hands (prevents sticking!), scoop small amounts and roll into balls.
- Chill for about 1-2 hours until they are nicely set.
Storage: These need to be kept in an airtight container in the refrigerator and will last about a week. You could freeze them for a longer storage, but remember to thaw for a few minutes before serving.
Soft-Baked Banana & Carrot Treats for Senior Dogs
Sometimes, Mocha’s older cousin Max comes to visit, and with these sensitive teeth, a gentler treat is needed. These soft homemade dog treats are just the right thing for senior dogs or pups with dental issues.
Ingredients:
- 1 ripe banana (mashed)
- 1/2 cup finely grated carrot
- 1 egg
- 1/2 cup oat flour (or rice flour for extra softness)
- 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce or plain Greek yogurt
- Optional: pinch of turmeric (for those older joints, it’s fabulous!)
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to a low 325°F (165°C).
- Into a large bowl, mix banana, carrot, egg, and applesauce or yogurt until thoroughly combined.
- Slowly add flour to the mix, stirring until you have a sticky-smooth dough.
- Either spoon the mixture into mini muffin tins or drop spoonfuls onto a lined baking tray.
- Bake for 18–22 minutes. They should be set but still soft and tender.
- Cool down before serving.
Storage: Because these are softer treats, they’ll need to be kept in a fridge and will last for about 5-7 days. I prefer putting them in the freezer in small batches and taking what I want to defrost as needed so that they’re always fresh
Just a reminder! These kinds of homemade dog treats should not exceed 10% of your dog’s daily caloric intake, but that look of pure bliss when they receive a special homemade treat? Totally priceless! Mocha is wagging her tail in approval!
For more easy homemade dog treats recipes, explore these posts:
- No-Bake Dog Snacks with Banana, Oats and Peanut Butter
- Healthy Homemade Blueberry Snacks for Your Pup
- Homemade Pumpkin & Peanut Butter Dog Treats
- Easy Homemade Dog Training Treats Your Pup Will Love
Save or pin this chart for quick reference next time you’re baking for your pup!
