Gentle on sensitive stomachs - perfect for senior pets or those with digestive sensitivities
Perfect for: Senior pets, dogs with sensitive stomachs, or those recovering from digestive issues. Oats and bananas are both gentle and easily digestible. See our Essential Ingredients Guide for more information.
Use ripe bananas (yellow with brown spots) for the best flavor and natural sweetness. Mash them thoroughly with a fork until smooth, with no large chunks remaining.
Ripe bananas are easier to mash and provide more natural sweetness. The bananas act as both a flavoring agent and a binding agent in this recipe, reducing the need for additional eggs or oil.
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Gather all ingredients and have them ready.
This recipe is particularly gentle because both oats and bananas are known for their digestive benefits. Oats provide soluble fiber, while bananas offer potassium and natural prebiotics.
In a large bowl, mix the mashed bananas, egg, and olive oil until well combined. The mixture should be smooth and uniform.
In a separate bowl, combine the rolled oats and whole wheat flour. Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring until a soft, slightly sticky dough forms.
Roll dough into small balls (about 1 inch) and place on prepared baking sheet. Flatten slightly with your palm or the back of a spoon. Leave about 1 inch between cookies.
The dough will be slightly sticky due to the banana content - this is normal. You can wet your hands slightly to prevent sticking while shaping. For softer cookies, make them slightly thicker.
Bake for 18-22 minutes, or until cookies are firm and edges are slightly golden. The cookies should be soft but not doughy in the center.
These cookies tend to be softer than other biscuit recipes due to the moisture from bananas. They should be firm enough to hold together but still have some give. For more on texture control, see our Baking Techniques guide.
Remove from oven and allow cookies to cool completely on the baking sheet. They will continue to firm up as they cool.
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to 4 weeks or freeze for up to 3 months. Due to the banana content, they may become slightly softer over time. Learn more about proper storage methods.
These cookies are particularly beneficial for dogs with sensitive digestive systems or senior pets who may have difficulty with harder treats. The combination of oats and bananas is known for being gentle and easily digestible. Learn more about nutritional considerations for special needs pets.
For softer cookies (ideal for senior pets or those with dental issues), reduce baking time by 3-5 minutes. For slightly firmer cookies, bake 3-5 minutes longer. The banana keeps these naturally moist.
Use very ripe bananas (lots of brown spots) for maximum sweetness and easier mashing. Overripe bananas work perfectly and are often discarded, making this a great way to reduce food waste.
You can use quick oats or old-fashioned rolled oats. Quick oats will create a smoother texture, while rolled oats add more texture. Both work well - choose based on your pet's preference.
For grain-free version, omit whole wheat flour and use only oats (if your pet tolerates them) or substitute with coconut flour. Use 1/3 cup coconut flour for 1/2 cup wheat flour and adjust liquid. See our ingredients guide for more substitutions.