When the weather turns wet here in the Trossachs, I often find myself looking for small ways to make a dog’s day brighter. These banana honey dog biscuits are the sort of simple kitchen project I like: no fuss, no fancy equipment, just a sensible homemade treat for Skye and Tam when they have earned something special.
I always keep homemade biscuits in the treat category rather than treating them as food replacements. A dog’s main diet still needs to do the nutritional heavy lifting, and treats are best kept modest. I learned that lesson years ago in veterinary practice, although I have been out of clinical work since 2016, so I still point owners back to their own vet for anything diet-related or specific to their dog’s health.
Homemade Banana Honey Dog Biscuits Recipe
I like recipes that fit around real life, especially when there is mud on the boots and a Border Collie waiting impatiently by the kitchen door. These homemade dog biscuits use familiar ingredients such as ripe banana, oats, flour and a small amount of honey for flavour. Similar banana and oat dog treat recipes commonly use mashed banana and simple pantry ingredients before baking into small biscuits.
My usual batch makes small biscuits because Skye is twelve now and I am more careful about portions than I was years ago. I cut them into manageable pieces rather than making enormous shapes that look impressive but are far too much for a small dog.
Recipe at a glance
- Ripe banana for natural sweetness
- A little honey for flavour
- Oats and flour for the biscuit base
- Small portions for occasional treats
Healthy Ingredients for Banana Honey Dog Biscuits
The best thing about making treats at home is knowing exactly what has gone into them. I prefer simple dog-safe ingredients and avoid anything that belongs in the human biscuit tin rather than the dog treat jar.
Banana and honey can be suitable ingredients for many dogs when offered in moderation, but honey is still sugary and calorie dense, so I would not turn these into an everyday free-for-all. Dogs with medical conditions, weight concerns or special diets need advice from their own vet before adding new treats.
- Banana: Adds flavour and moisture to the dough.
- Honey: Use a small amount because it adds extra sugar.
- Oats: A common base for homemade dog biscuits.
- Flour: Helps create a workable biscuit dough.
Ingredients I leave out
I never use xylitol or birch sugar in anything made for dogs. It can be dangerous, and ingredient labels deserve a proper read.
Step-by-Step Preparation of Banana Honey Dog Biscuits
I have made plenty of treats over the years, both at home and during my boarding days, and the recipes that last are always the straightforward ones. This one is a good example of easy biscuit preparation without a mountain of washing up afterwards.
I mash the banana first, mix the wet ingredients, then gradually bring everything together into a dough. Similar baked dog treat recipes often use this method before rolling and cutting shapes.
- Mash. Mash a ripe banana until smooth.
- Mix. Add honey and other wet ingredients, then combine well.
- Combine. Stir in oats and flour until a firm dough forms.
- Shape. Roll and cut small biscuits suitable for your dog.
- Prepare. Place on a lined tray ready for baking.
My practical tip
Make the biscuits smaller than you think you need. Dogs are very good at convincing us they need another one.
Baking and Storing Banana Honey Dog Biscuits
I bake these until they are firm enough to handle, then let them cool completely before offering one to the dogs. Cooling matters because warm biscuits can soften in storage and make it harder to judge their texture. Homemade treats generally need more careful storage than commercial biscuits because they do not have the same preservatives.
For my own kitchen, I keep a small batch rather than filling a huge jar. Freshness matters, and I would rather bake again than discover forgotten biscuits hiding behind the tea towels.
| Storage method | My approach |
|---|---|
| Airtight container | Use for short-term storage in a cool place. |
| Fridge | Useful when a recipe needs extra care because of moisture. |
| Freezer | Helpful for keeping spare batches longer. |
- Cool biscuits fully before storing.
- Check for changes in smell or appearance.
- Label batches if freezing.
Serving Banana Honey Dog Biscuits to Your Dog
The final part is the easiest: watching a dog realise there is a biscuit involved. Tam still has the enthusiasm of a youngster, while Skye takes a more considered approach these days, especially since her arthritis means I keep her weight steady.
I treat these as occasional rewards, not additions to every meal. A commonly used guideline is that treats should make up no more than around 10% of a dog’s daily calories, although individual needs vary.
Why I like them
- Simple ingredients
- Easy to portion
- A nice homemade alternative
Things to remember
- Not a complete diet
- Too many treats add calories
- New foods may not suit every dog
A sensible first taste
If your dog has never tried these ingredients before, start with a small amount and watch how they cope. If you have any concerns, your own vet is the right person to ask.
