Coconut Oil Dog Treats: 4 Easy Homemade Recipes

Making coconut oil dog treats at home is one of the simplest ways to spoil your dog with something both delicious and nutritious. With just a few store-cupboard ingredients and minimal preparation, you can whip up a batch of treats that most dogs go absolutely mad for.

This page is about the recipes. If what you actually want to know is whether coconut oil is safe for your dog, how much is sensible, or how to use it on skin and paws, read our main guide first: coconut oil for dogs: benefits, safe use and real risks.

Why Use Coconut Oil in Dog Treats?

Coconut oil has become a popular ingredient in homemade dog treats for good reason. It contains medium-chain fatty acids, particularly lauric acid, which veterinary nutritionists suggest may support skin health, coat condition, and digestion.

Beyond the potential health benefits, coconut oil serves a practical purpose in treat-making. It acts as a natural binding agent, holds ingredients together when frozen, and adds a flavour that most dogs find irresistible. It also solidifies at cooler temperatures, making it perfect for no-bake and frozen treat recipes.

That said, coconut oil is calorie-dense, roughly 120 calories per tablespoon. Treats should make up no more than 10% of your dog’s daily calorie intake, so portion control is key. The recipes below are designed with sensible serving sizes in mind.

For more on the dental benefits of coconut oil, have a look at our coconut oil for dogs teeth guide.

Recipe 1: Peanut Butter Coconut Bites

These no-bake bites are the easiest treat you can make. Dogs love them, and they take about five minutes to prepare.

Ingredients:

• 3 tablespoons virgin coconut oil, softened
• 2 tablespoons xylitol-free peanut butter
• 1 tablespoon oat flour (or finely ground oats)

Method:

1. Mix the softened coconut oil and peanut butter together until smooth
2. Stir in the oat flour until the mixture holds together
3. Roll into small balls, about the size of a marble for small dogs, a cherry tomato for larger breeds
4. Place on a lined baking tray and freeze for at least two hours
5. Transfer to a freezer bag or container for storage

Yield: Roughly 15-20 small treats. Serve one to two per day for a medium-sized dog.

Recipe 2: Frozen Coconut and Banana Pops

Perfect for warm days, these frozen treats help keep your dog cool while delivering a dose of potassium from the banana and healthy fats from the coconut oil.

Ingredients:

• 1 ripe banana
• 2 tablespoons virgin coconut oil, melted
• 120ml plain, unsweetened yoghurt (check it’s xylitol-free)

Method:

1. Mash the banana thoroughly in a bowl
2. Mix in the melted coconut oil and yoghurt until well combined
3. Pour into silicone ice cube moulds or a small muffin tin
4. Freeze for at least four hours or overnight
5. Pop out and store in a freezer bag

Yield: 8-12 frozen pops depending on mould size. Serve one per day as a cooling snack.

Recipe 3: Coconut Oil and Sweet Potato Chews

These baked treats have a satisfying chewy texture and combine the benefits of coconut oil with fibre-rich sweet potato.

Ingredients:

• 1 medium sweet potato, cooked and mashed
• 2 tablespoons virgin coconut oil, softened
• 150g wholemeal flour (or oat flour for grain-sensitive dogs)
• 1 egg

Method:

1. Preheat your oven to 170°C (150°C fan)
2. Combine the mashed sweet potato, coconut oil, and egg in a bowl
3. Gradually mix in the flour until you have a firm dough
4. Roll out to about 5mm thickness on a floured surface
5. Cut into strips or use a cookie cutter for fun shapes
6. Place on a lined baking tray and bake for 20-25 minutes until firm
7. Allow to cool completely before serving

Yield: 20-30 treats depending on size. Store in an airtight container for up to two weeks.

Recipe 4: Simple Two-Ingredient Coconut Cups

When you want something truly effortless, these two-ingredient cups are hard to beat.

Ingredients:

• 3 tablespoons virgin coconut oil, melted
• 2 tablespoons xylitol-free peanut butter (or mashed blueberries for variety)

Method:

1. Spoon a thin layer of melted coconut oil into silicone mini muffin moulds
2. Freeze for 15 minutes until set
3. Add a small dollop of peanut butter on top of each
4. Cover with another thin layer of melted coconut oil
5. Freeze for at least two hours

Yield: 8-10 mini cups. Serve one per day.

These layered cups are like a dog-friendly version of a peanut butter cup, and the reaction from most dogs is nothing short of enthusiastic.

Portion Sizes and Storage Tips

Getting the portions right is important, especially since coconut oil is high in fat. Here’s a general guide:

Remember, these amounts cover all coconut oil your dog consumes in a day, including what’s in their food, supplements, and treats combined.

Storage tips:

• Frozen treats: Keep in the freezer for up to three months in a sealed bag or container
• Baked treats: Store at room temperature in an airtight container for up to two weeks, or in the fridge for up to a month
• Label your batches with the date so you know when to use them by
• Thaw frozen treats for a couple of minutes before serving to avoid them being rock-hard

Which Dogs Should Avoid Coconut Oil Treats?

While coconut oil is safe for most dogs, there are a few situations where you should check with your vet first:

• Dogs with pancreatitis: the high fat content can trigger flare-ups
• Overweight dogs: the extra calories may work against weight management goals
• Dogs with sensitive stomachs: introduce very gradually and watch for loose stools
• Dogs on a restricted diet: check with your vet that coconut oil won’t interfere with their dietary plan

If your dog tolerates coconut oil well, these homemade treats are a brilliant way to add variety to their snack routine. They’re cheaper than shop-bought alternatives, free from artificial additives, and you’ll know exactly what’s in every bite.

Curious about other oils in your dog’s diet? Read our guides on soybean oil for dogs and canola oil for dogs to learn which cooking oils are safe to share.