Did you know it’s simple to make your own dog treats at home? These vegan dog biscuits use pantry staples and a ripe banana. With a few kitchen basics you can bake wholesome snacks your dog will love—and they make excellent training rewards.
Since I started baking dog biscuits, my dogs get excited when they smell banana or cinnamon in the oven. The aroma brings them running every time.
Making these vegan dog biscuits is much like baking cookies for people: combine quality ingredients, shape the dough, and bake. The cookies are intentionally drier than human cookies so they keep longer—your pup won’t mind the texture.
My dogs love banana and cinnamon, and I use whole wheat flour, ground flaxseed, rolled oats, and coconut oil in this recipe. As the cookies bake the kitchen fills with a warm, inviting scent and the dogs circle the oven hoping some treats are for them.
Are there vegan dog treats?
Yes—there are many vegan dog treats on the market, but read labels carefully. Look for simple, healthy ingredients and avoid unnecessary additives. If your dog has allergies, checking ingredients can prevent costly trips to the vet later.
The simplest store-bought vegan treats are single-ingredient items like dried sweet potatoes, which are dehydrated slices that make a chewy, nutritious snack.
There are also commercially made vegan treats from brands that focus on plant-based recipes; some are even run by vegans and use organic ingredients. Always choose trusted brands and read ingredient lists to match your dog’s needs.
Why do dogs like treats so much?
Dogs enjoy tasty food, and treats often have strong aromas and flavors that appeal to them. Treats also play a role in training: dogs learn that treats signal a reward, which reinforces the desired behavior.
Do dog biscuits taste good?
Taste is subjective. Homemade dog biscuits usually taste fresher and contain higher-quality ingredients than many mass-produced treats. Some dogs are picky and will show preferences, but most respond enthusiastically to home-baked treats. If you’re sharing with two- and four-legged family members, you can easily adapt the recipe for milder sweetness or added flavor for human palates.
What’s in banana flax vegan dog biscuits?
These biscuits use simple, nutritious ingredients:
- Ground flaxseed — a vegan egg replacer that supports coat and skin health
- Rolled oats — provide texture and nutrients that support skin health
- Whole wheat flour — a whole-grain option with more nutrients than refined flour
- Cinnamon — adds a warm aroma and mild sweetness
- Salt — enhances flavor in small amounts
- Coconut oil — helps with coat condition and adds texture
- Banana — natural sweetness and moisture
How do you make plant-based dog biscuits?
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and line or grease a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a mixing bowl or stand mixer, combine 2 tablespoons ground flaxseed, 1 cup rolled oats, 1 cup whole wheat flour, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Mix until well blended.
3. Stir in 1/3 cup melted coconut oil and 1 large mashed banana until evenly combined. Add 1/4 cup water and mix again. The dough will be thick; a mixer helps. If mixing by hand, add a bit more water if needed to bring the dough together.
4. Drop 1 tablespoon portions of dough onto the prepared baking sheet and flatten each with the back of a spoon or scoop.
5. Bake for 20 minutes at 350°F. Allow to cool completely before serving.
Max, our white polka-dotted dog, is a hound-pit mix who loves sweaters, blankets, and cuddling. He’s obsessed with his toy monkey and always hopes to catch the mailman.
Brenna, who is described here with fond memories, was a mellow older dog with a beautiful reverse brindle coat. She loved tug, rolling on her back in the grass, and sneaking food from plates. Dogs like Max and Brenna often respond the same way to fresh-baked treats—curious, eager, and grateful.
Despite different personalities, both dogs loved these biscuits. While photographing them, one watched through the glass as the other enjoyed a treat—proof dogs appreciate homemade snacks.
Are flax seeds good for dogs?
Yes. Flaxseed contains alpha-linolenic acid and both omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, which can support a glossy coat and healthier skin. These nutrients also have anti-inflammatory benefits that can support overall health.
Is flaxseed good for constipation?
Flaxseed is high in soluble and insoluble fiber, which may help with constipation. A tablespoon provides a notable amount of fiber. For occasional mild constipation, canned pumpkin is another safe, fiber-rich option to consider.
Are flax seeds gluten-free?
Flax seeds are naturally gluten-free. Like oats, they can be subject to cross-contamination during processing, so look for a gluten-free label if your dog has a gluten sensitivity.
Are rolled oats good for dogs?
Rolled oats are a nutritious grain that supports skin and coat health. They can be added to treats, mixed into wet food, or combined with cooked grains and sweet potatoes for variety.
Can rolled oats be eaten raw?
Rolled oats are steamed during processing, so they’re safe to eat without further cooking, though many prefer them cooked as oatmeal. Dogs can have them plain or as part of baked treats.
Can rolled oats be frozen?
Opened oats keep well in an airtight container at room temperature. To extend shelf life, store oats in a freezer-safe bag for up to a year—this applies to many grains and nuts as well.
Are bananas safe for dogs?
Yes, bananas are safe for most dogs in moderation and are a tasty source of potassium and natural sugars. As with any human food, introduce new items gradually and check with your veterinarian if you have concerns about specific foods.
More vegan dog biscuit recipes to try
If you don’t have a banana, try pumpkin-based alternatives like pumpkin cranberry dog cookies, made with gluten-free brown rice flour for pups with allergies. For dogs (and owners) who want fresher breath, peppermint puppy cookies are an easy option that helps freshen breath while being tasty.
Make Your Own Banana Flax Vegan Dog Biscuits
24 small cookies
15 minutes
20 minutes
35 minutes
These quick dog cookies use whole food ingredients that are good for your pup and cost far less than some specialty store-bought treats.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons ground flax seed
- 1 cup rolled oats or Irish oats
- 1 cup whole wheat flour
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/3 cup melted coconut oil
- 1 large banana, mashed
- 1/4 cup water
Instructions
Oil a large cookie sheet or line with parchment and preheat the oven to 350°F.
Add the flax seed, oats, flour, cinnamon, and salt to a mixing bowl and combine.
Stir in the melted coconut oil and mashed banana, then add 1/4 cup water and mix until incorporated. The dough will be thick; a mixer makes this easier. If mixing by hand, add a bit more water if needed.
Measure 1 tablespoon portions of dough, place them on the prepared baking sheet, and flatten each with the back of a spoon.
Bake for 20 minutes, then cool completely before serving.
Nutrition Information
Yield 24
Serving Size 1
Amount Per Serving
Calories 71Total Fat 4gSaturated Fat 3gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 1gCholesterol 0mgSodium 23mgCarbohydrates 9gFiber 1gSugar 1gProtein 1g
Nutrition information is an estimate. For specific health concerns, enter your exact ingredients into a nutrition calculator recommended by your veterinarian or doctor.
Did you make this recipe?
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