These homemade zucchini dog treats are crunchy, wholesome, and tail-waggingly good! Made with simple ingredients like banana, peanut butter, and oat flour, they’re an easy way to spoil your pup with something special. Whether you’re working through a bumper crop of garden zucchini or just want to bake a batch of nutritious treats, this recipe’s got you (and your pup) covered.
FYI – This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
There’s something so satisfying about making homemade treats, especially when your dog devours them with that happy little tail wag. These zucchini treats are bound to become a fast favorite, and here’s why:
Wholesome Ingredients – No mystery fillers or hard-to-pronounce additives here. Just real, recognizable ingredients that you can feel good about feeding your dog.
Easy to Make – If you’ve made cookies before, you’ve got this! Mix, roll, cut, and bake. It’s that simple.
Simple to Customize – Got a picky pup or a dog with dietary restrictions? You can easily swap out ingredients to suit their taste and needs.
Crunchy – These treats bake up with a satisfying crunch that dogs go nuts for.
Economical – Making your own dog treats is a great way to save money, especially compared to buying fancy store-bought ones.
Great Use for Zucchini – Whether your garden is overflowing or your neighbors keep gifting you zucchini, this is a tasty way to use it up.
Ingredients and What They Bring to the Treats
These treats are made with simple ingredients that each add a little something special to the mix:
- Zucchini – The star of the treats! Adds nutrients and fiber.
- Banana – Naturally sweet and rich in potassium.
- Peanut Butter – Adds protein, healthy fats, and a flavor dogs love.
- Egg – Helps bind everything together.
- Oat Flour – A great alternative to wheat flour and easy on doggy tummies.
- Cinnamon – A little spice that’s safe for dogs and adds a cozy, warm flavor.
Ingredient Notes and Substitutions
When making these treats, there are a few important things to keep in mind and some simple swaps you can make:
- Peanut Butter – Always check the label to make sure it doesn’t contain xylitol, which is toxic to dogs.
- Peanut Butter Substitutes – You can use almond butter or sunflower seed butter (just make sure they’re unsweetened and xylitol-free).
- Banana Substitution – You can swap the banana for ½ cup of pumpkin puree or mashed sweet potato.
- Making Oat Flour – Just blend rolled oats in a blender or food processor until fine. 1 cup of oats makes about ¾ cup of flour.
- Flour Substitutes – All-purpose flour or a half-and-half mix of all-purpose and whole wheat flour can be used. Avoid using only whole wheat flour because it’s a bit too dense for this recipe.
Equipment Needed
Chances are that you already have everything you need. A mixing bowl, spoon, rolling pin, baking sheet, and cookie cutters will do the trick. You can use any shape you like, but bone-shaped cookie cutters make them extra cute.
How to Make Zucchini Dog Treats
Here’s how to make a batch of these crunchy dog treats:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
- Grate the zucchini and mash the banana.
- In a medium bowl, stir together the egg, peanut butter, zucchini, and banana until combined.
- In a separate bowl, mix the oat flour and cinnamon.
- Add the dry ingredients to the wet and stir until a dough forms.
- Roll the dough out on a floured surface.
- Use cookie cutters to cut out shapes and place them on the prepared baking sheet. Gather and reroll scraps until you’ve used all the dough.
- Bake for 15–18 minutes, then let them cool completely before serving.
Recipe Tip for Success
Zucchini can pack a lot of moisture, which can make your dough a little sticky. A quick fix? Lay your grated zucchini on paper towels or a clean kitchen towel, then press or squeeze out the excess moisture. If your dough is still sticky, just sprinkle in a little more flour until it’s easy to handle.
How to Store the Treats and How Long They Last
Store the treats in an airtight container at room temperature. They will last up to 1 week.
For longer storage, you can freeze the treats in a freezer-safe container or plastic freezer bag for up to 3 months.
Can people eat these treats?
Yep, they sure can! All the ingredients are safe for humans. They’re not super sweet, but if you’re curious, go ahead and try one.
More Homemade Dog Treats
Keep on spoiling your dog with yummy homemade treats! Try these recipes:
- Apple Carrot Dog Treats
- Banana Pumpkin Dog Treats
- Beet Dog Treats
- Broccoli Dog Treats
- Chia Seed Dog Treats
- Cranberry Dog Treats
- Duck Dog Treats
Find lots of easy recipes for baked dog treats right here on Spoiled Hounds!
Zucchini Dog Treats
Ingredients
- 1 cup Grated Zucchini
- 1 Banana
- 1 Egg
- ¼ cup Creamy Natural Peanut Butter
- 2 cups Oat Flour
- ¼ teaspoon Ground Cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a baking sheet with a silicone baking mat or parchment paper.
- Grate zucchini. Mash the banana.
- Place egg, peanut butter, 1 cup grated zucchini, and mashed banana in a medium bowl and stir to combine well.
- In a separate bowl combine oat flour and cinnamon. Add the flour mixture to the wet mixture and stir until well combined and a dough forms.
- Place the dough on a lightly floured surface and roll out the dough.
- Use your favorite cookie cutter to cut shapes and place the cutouts on the prepared baking sheet. Gather scraps, reroll, and cut with the remaining dough.
- Bake for 15-18 minutes. Allow the baked treats to cool completely.
Notes
Nutrition
Serving Amount
Treats like these should make up no more than 10% of your dog’s daily calories. If you’re unsure about serving size, check with your vet.
If your dog hasn’t had one of the ingredients before, start with a small amount to make sure they don’t have a reaction.
Do you peel the zuchini?
No. You do not have to peel the zucchini.
Can you omit the banana?
You can’t omit the banana but you can substitute it with 1/2 cup of unsweetened applesauce, plain pumpkin puree, or plain yogurt.