A Naturally Sweet, Dog-Safe Treat for Any Day of the Week. Looking for a homemade dog treat that’s naturally sweet, easy to make, and full of healthy ingredients? These No-Bake Banana, Carob & Coconut Bites check every box. They’re soft, chewy, and packed with flavor—perfect for a mid-day snack, training reward, or even a special dessert your dog will adore.
Made with ripe banana, unsweetened carob powder (the safe alternative to chocolate), and shredded coconut, these little bites are loaded with fiber, healthy fats, and antioxidants. Banana provides potassium, vitamin C, and natural sweetness, while carob gives a rich, cocoa-like flavor dogs love—without any of the harmful compounds found in chocolate.
Add in coconut for texture and energy-boosting fats, and you have a wholesome treat you can feel great about serving. These no-bake bites come together in just a few minutes with no cooking, no oven, and no mess.
They’re ideal for busy pet parents who want to skip store-bought treats with preservatives and questionable ingredients.
Plus, this dough is forgiving and flexible—great for rolling into balls, pressing into silicone molds, or even cutting into cute shapes once chilled.
What You’ll Need
- 1 ripe banana (mashed)
- 2 tablespoons unsweetened carob powder
- 1 ½ cups rolled oats (ground into flour or left whole for texture)
- ¼ cup unsweetened shredded coconut (plus more for rolling)
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil (melted)
- 1–2 tablespoons water (as needed for consistency)
Pro Tips
- Use very ripe bananas—the more brown spots, the sweeter and easier to mash.
- Always use unsweetened carob powder, not cocoa or chocolate, which are toxic to dogs.
- Grind oats into flour for a smoother dough, or leave them whole for a chunkier texture.
- Chill the dough for 20 minutes before rolling if it feels too sticky.
- Roll in coconut to add a little crunch and keep the treats from sticking to your hands.
Tools Required
- Mixing bowl
- Fork or potato masher (for banana)
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Food processor (optional, for grinding oats)
- Spoon or scoop for portioning
- Airtight container for storage
Substitutions and Variations
- Oats: Use oat flour or whole wheat flour instead of rolled oats.
- Carob: You can leave this out if your dog doesn’t enjoy the flavor or substitute with a spoonful of plain peanut butter.
- Add-ins: Try a spoonful of flaxseed, chia seed, or plain pumpkin for added fiber.
- Roll-in options: Use crushed dog biscuits or chopped unsalted peanuts instead of coconut.
- For picky eaters: Add a little bit of plain yogurt or a drizzle of honey (in very small amounts) for extra appeal.
Make Ahead Tips
This dough stores well in the refrigerator for 2–3 days before shaping. Once the bites are formed, they can be stored in the fridge or freezer for longer shelf life. Make a double batch and freeze half for up to 3 months—just thaw a few as needed.
Instructions
1. Mash the banana
In a medium mixing bowl, mash the ripe banana with a fork until smooth and lump-free.
2. Add dry ingredients
Stir in the carob powder, oats, and shredded coconut. Mix until the dry ingredients are fully incorporated.
3. Mix in coconut oil and water
Add melted coconut oil and 1 tablespoon of water. Mix until a thick dough forms. If the mixture is too dry, add an extra tablespoon of water. If too wet, add a little more oats.
4. Roll into bites
Scoop and roll the dough into small balls, about 1 inch in diameter. Roll in additional shredded coconut if desired for a textured coating.
5. Chill and store
Place the bites on a tray and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to firm up. Once set, transfer to an airtight container.
Leftovers and Storage
Store the treats in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 7 days. For longer storage, freeze the bites and thaw as needed. These treats are soft and thaw quickly—perfect for a quick reward or enrichment toy stuffing.
Conclusion
These No-Bake Banana, Carob & Coconut Bites are a perfect example of how easy and rewarding homemade dog treats can be. They’re soft, chewy, naturally sweet, and filled with ingredients that support your dog’s overall health. With zero artificial flavors, no added sugar, and no baking involved, they’re a go-to recipe for dog parents who want to keep things simple and wholesome.
Whether you’re new to making treats at home or just looking to add a fresh snack to your rotation, this recipe is a great place to start. It’s versatile, easy to adapt to your dog’s tastes, and requires minimal tools and time. You can get the whole family involved—kids will love rolling the dough and watching the dog enjoy the final product.
Have you tried this recipe yet? I’d love to hear how your pup liked it! Share your variations, tips, or a quick review in the comments. Let’s keep our furry friends happy and healthy—one homemade treat at a time.
