Zucchini & Banana Dog Treats Recipe

Zack Keithy, our author, is a certified veterinarian technician (UC Blue Ash) for over 6 years (contact him here). The articles written here are based on his expertise and experience, combined with a review by our expert vet reviewers including Dr M. Tarantino. Learn more about us here.

If you’re looking for a tasty, healthy, and simple dog treat recipe, these Zucchini & Banana Dog Treats are a fantastic option!

With just a couple of nutritious ingredients, you can create homemade treats that are sure to make your dog’s tail wag with excitement.

Packed with potassium, fiber, and vitamins, these treats are a win-win for both you and your furry friend.

Not only are these treats healthy, but they are also super easy to make, which makes them great for anyone—even beginners in the kitchen.

Let’s get into this simple, yet delightful recipe that will give your dog the perfect snack to enjoy!

Why Zucchini & Banana?

Zucchini is an amazing vegetable for dogs.

It’s low in calories and high in vitamins A and C, as well as potassium, which supports healthy muscle function.

Plus, zucchini has plenty of fiber to help with digestion, making it a great addition to your dog’s diet.

Bananas are another powerhouse ingredient for your dog’s health.

They’re rich in potassium, which can help maintain heart health and muscle function.

Bananas also contain vitamin B6 and fiber, which promote a healthy digestive system.

And let’s face it—dogs love the sweet, soft texture of bananas!

Combining zucchini and banana in one treat is a delicious way to offer your dog a variety of nutrients, while still giving them something they’ll enjoy eating.

Let’s get baking!

The Recipe: Zucchini & Banana Dog Treats

Ingredients:

• 1 small zucchini, finely shredded
• 1 ripe banana, mashed
• 1 egg
• 1 cup oat flour
• 1/2 cup rolled oats

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is the ideal temperature to bake your dog treats without overcooking them or making them too crunchy.
2. Prepare the zucchini: Start by grating the zucchini using a fine grater. You don’t need to squeeze out the moisture; just toss the shredded zucchini directly into your mixing bowl. This will add a healthy dose of fiber and hydration to the treats.
3. Mash the banana: In a separate bowl, mash the ripe banana with a fork until it’s smooth. Bananas should be ripe because they are easier to mash and naturally sweeter. This sweetness will make the treats more appealing to your dog.
4. Combine the ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the mashed banana, shredded zucchini, and the egg. Stir everything together until the mixture is smooth and well-combined.
5. Add the dry ingredients: Slowly incorporate the oat flour and rolled oats into the wet mixture. Stir until a dough forms. The dough should be thick enough to roll out, but not too sticky. If it feels too wet, add a little more oat flour.
6. Roll and cut the dough: Once the dough is ready, roll it out on a lightly floured surface to about 1/4 inch thickness. You can use cookie cutters to cut the dough into fun shapes—bones, hearts, or anything your dog might love!
7. Bake the treats: Place the cut-out treats onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. Bake for 15-18 minutes or until the treats are golden brown around the edges.
8. Cool and serve: Allow the treats to cool completely before giving them to your dog. This ensures that the treats harden properly and that they’re safe to eat.

Why Make Your Own Dog Treats?

There are plenty of reasons to bake homemade dog treats, and this Zucchini & Banana Dog Treats recipe is a great place to start:

• Healthier: When you bake your own treats, you get to choose every ingredient. No artificial preservatives, colors, or additives—just wholesome, nutritious ingredients your dog will love.
• Cost-Effective: Homemade treats are much more affordable than store-bought ones, especially when you make a big batch that lasts for weeks.
• Customizable: Dogs are individuals, and you can easily adjust this recipe to meet your dog’s dietary needs or preferences. Whether you need to switch ingredients for allergies or just want to try something new, the possibilities are endless.

Customization Tips

• Banana Substitutes: If your dog isn’t a fan of bananas, you can try replacing them with applesauce (unsweetened) or sweet potato puree for a different flavor. Both alternatives are dog-friendly and provide a healthy boost to your treats.
• Flour Substitutes: If your dog has a sensitivity to oats or grains, you can swap the oat flour for rice flour or coconut flour. You may need to adjust the amount to get the right consistency.
• Add-ins: Want to kick the nutrition up a notch? Try adding a tablespoon of flaxseed or chia seeds to the mix for a healthy dose of omega-3 fatty acids, or add a handful of carrot for some extra crunch and vitamins.

How to Store Zucchini & Banana Dog Treats

Once your treats are baked and cooled, you’ll want to store them properly to keep them fresh. Here’s how:

• Room Temperature: If your dog will consume them within a week, you can store the treats in an airtight container at room temperature. This will keep them fresh for up to 5-7 days.
• Refrigeration: For longer storage, refrigerate the treats. They’ll last for up to 2 weeks when stored in an airtight container.
• Freezing: These treats freeze well too! If you want to keep a stash for later, simply place the treats in a freezer bag or airtight container and freeze them for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to serve, just let them thaw at room temperature.

Nutritional Information

If you’re concerned about the nutritional content of these treats, here’s an approximate breakdown per treat (based on a batch of 20):

• Calories: 35 per treat
• Protein: 1g
• Fat: 1.2g
• Fiber: 0.8g

These treats are a great source of healthy carbs and fiber from the zucchini and banana, and they provide a nice balance of healthy fats and protein from the egg and oats.

Final Thoughts

Making Zucchini & Banana Dog Treats is a fun and rewarding way to spoil your dog with something delicious and nutritious.

These treats are packed with healthy ingredients, are easy to prepare, and are a much more affordable and wholesome option than many store-bought alternatives.

Plus, your dog will love the sweet, savory combination of zucchini and banana in every bite.

So, go ahead and give these treats a try—you’ll be amazed at how much your dog loves them!