I used to think bananas were just my go-to smoothie filler—until I caught my beagle trying to swipe one straight off the counter.
Turns out, most dogs love the sweet smell and soft bite of bananas, and—good news for us pup-parents—they’re naturally packed with fiber, potassium, and vitamins that support a healthy gut and shiny coat.
If you’re tired of shelling out cash for pricey store-bought treats that come with mystery ingredients and questionable preservatives, I’ve got your back.
Homemade banana treats are budget-friendly, super easy to whip up, and let you control exactly what’s going into your pup’s belly.
Plus, making dog treats at home is way more fun than you’d expect. (Seriously—rolling tiny cookie dough balls feels oddly therapeutic.) Ready to spoil your furry friend with some tail-wag-worthy snacks? Let’s get to the good stuff.
Table of Contents
Why Banana Treats Are a Pup-Parent’s Best Friend
Nutritional Benefits of Bananas for Dogs
Bananas aren’t just for breakfast smoothies; they’re little yellow packages of natural goodness:
- Fiber: Helps keep your dog’s digestion on track.
- Potassium: Supports muscle health and nerve function.
- Vitamin C & B6: Boosts immunity and promotes healthy skin and coat.
- Natural Sweetness: Adds flavor without added sugar or artificial junk.
Ever notice how some dogs act like bananas are gourmet dessert? That’s the natural sugars doing their job—no need to add extra sweeteners.
Vet-Approved Portions & Safety Notes
Here’s the deal: bananas are healthy in moderation. Too much of a good thing can still upset your pup’s tummy.
- Small dogs (under 20 lbs): A few thin slices per day is plenty.
- Medium dogs (20-50 lbs): Half a banana as an occasional treat.
- Large dogs (50+ lbs): Up to a whole banana spread out over the day.
And FYI: skip the peels—those are fibrous and not fun for digestion.
Why Homemade Beats Store-Bought
- Control the Ingredients: No fillers, no weird preservatives you can’t pronounce.
- Save Money: Bananas and oats cost way less than boutique dog treats.
- Customize Textures: Make them soft for senior dogs or crunchy for snack-loving chewers.
Honestly, once you bake your first batch of chewy banana bites, you’ll wonder why you ever bought treats in a plastic pouch.
Kitchen Tips Before You Start Mixing
Before we unleash your inner dog-treat chef, let’s talk prep:
- Pick Ripe Bananas: Those spotty bananas that nobody in your house wants to eat? Perfect for baking.
- Use Dog-Safe Peanut Butter: Make sure it’s unsalted and xylitol-free—xylitol is toxic to dogs.
- Choose the Right Flour: Oat flour or whole-wheat flour are great; avoid all-purpose if your dog’s tummy is sensitive.
- Grab the Essentials:
- Mixing bowls
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Silicone baking mats or parchment paper
- Cookie cutters or silicone molds for fun shapes
- Mixing bowls
Pro tip: silicone molds make adorable bone-shaped treats and save you from scrubbing sticky pans later.
7 Homemade Banana Dog Treat Recipes for Happy Pups
Here’s the part your pup’s been drooling for.
1. Classic Banana-Oat Cookies
Soft, chewy, and loaded with wholesome oats—this one’s a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients:
- 2 ripe bananas, mashed
- 1 ½ cups rolled oats
- 1 egg
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Mash bananas until smooth.
- Stir in oats and egg until you get a sticky dough.
- Drop spoonfuls on a lined baking sheet.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes until firm but soft inside.
Cool completely before serving—unless your dog’s into lava-hot snacks (mine definitely isn’t).
2. Frozen Banana-Peanut Butter Pops
Perfect for hot days or teething pups who need something to gnaw on.
Ingredients:
- 2 ripe bananas
- ½ cup unsweetened peanut butter
- ½ cup plain unsweetened yogurt
Instructions:
- Blend all ingredients until smooth.
- Pour into ice cube trays or silicone molds.
- Freeze for at least 3 hours.
These are lifesavers when your dog’s panting like crazy in the summer.
3. Banana-Carrot Soft Bites
Ideal for smaller breeds or senior pups with sensitive teeth.
Ingredients:
- 1 ripe banana
- ½ cup grated carrot
- 1 cup oat flour
Instructions:
- Mash banana and mix with carrots.
- Stir in oat flour until dough forms.
- Roll into small balls and flatten slightly.
- Bake at 325°F (160°C) for 15 minutes.
Soft, sweet, and gentle on older pups’ gums.
4. Crunchy Banana-Coconut Biscuits
For pups that prefer their snacks with a crunch.
Ingredients:
- 1 ripe banana
- 1 cup oat flour
- ¼ cup unsweetened shredded coconut
- 1 egg
Instructions:
- Mash banana, stir in egg, flour, and coconut.
- Roll dough to ¼-inch thickness, cut into shapes.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 18-20 minutes until crisp.
Bonus: your kitchen will smell like a tropical vacation.
5. Banana-Pumpkin Training Treats
Great for short, focused training sessions—tiny but packed with flavor.
Ingredients:
- 1 ripe banana
- ½ cup pumpkin puree (unsweetened)
- 1 cup oat flour
Instructions:
- Mix banana and pumpkin until smooth.
- Add flour to make a thick dough.
- Roll and cut into bite-sized pieces.
- Bake at 325°F (160°C) for 12 minutes.
Your pup will happily “sit” and “stay” for these little gems.
6. Two-Ingredient Banana-Yogurt Drops
For when you need treats fast—and with minimal dishes to wash.
Ingredients:
- 2 ripe bananas
- 1 cup plain unsweetened yogurt
Instructions:
- Mash bananas and fold in yogurt.
- Spoon small drops onto a parchment-lined tray.
- Freeze for 2-3 hours.
Done. That’s it. You can literally make these during your lunch break.
7. Dehydrated Banana Chips with Honey Glaze
Long-lasting chewy treats that double as travel snacks.
Ingredients:
- 3 ripe bananas, sliced thinly
- 1 tbsp honey (optional)
Instructions:
- Lightly brush banana slices with honey.
- Arrange on a dehydrator tray or a baking sheet.
- Dehydrate at 135°F (57°C) for 6-8 hours, or bake at lowest oven temp for 3-4 hours.
These store well for weeks if kept in an airtight jar.
Storage, Shelf Life & Treat Safety
Pantry vs. Fridge vs. Freezer
- Pantry: Crunchy biscuits can last up to 5-7 days in an airtight jar.
- Fridge: Soft or yogurt-based treats stay fresh for 4-5 days.
- Freezer: Frozen pops and drops can keep for up to 2 months.
Shelf-Life Tips
Watch for changes in smell, texture, or mold—that’s your sign to toss the batch.
Portion Control & Training Rewards
Treats should make up no more than 10% of your dog’s daily calories. Break large cookies into smaller bites if needed—your pup won’t know the difference.
Pro Tips for Fuss-Free Baking & Cleanup
- Pre-measure dry ingredients and store in jars—makes future baking quicker.
- Use parchment or silicone mats to keep trays spotless.
- Let treats cool fully before storing to avoid condensation and sogginess.
- Keep a damp cloth nearby to wipe sticky dough off your hands mid-bake (trust me, you’ll thank yourself later).
Conclusion
Who knew a few spotty bananas could lead to so many tail-wagging recipes? With just a handful of ingredients and a little weekend kitchen time, you can make healthier, fresher, and way cheaper snacks than anything sitting on a store shelf.
Banana treats are a win-win: your pup gets the flavor and nutrition, you get the peace of mind knowing exactly what’s inside. Plus, baking for your dog feels surprisingly rewarding—like you’re part of a secret club of DIY dog-parents.
So grab those bananas hiding in the fruit bowl and get baking. Your furry best friend will go absolutely bananas for every single bite.
I am Pallab Kishore, owner of Little Pets Realm. I share important tips, advice and answer all the queries to solve various problems about small pets such as guinea pigs and hamsters on this website.