There’s just something about a seasonal recipe that feels special, especially when it’s created with love for a four-legged friend. And while Halloween usually brings thoughts of candy, costumes, and trick-or-treating, it can also be a time to include dogs in the fun — just without the chocolate, of course.
These homemade banana ghost dog treats are the perfect way to keep things festive without sacrificing nutrition or safety. With just a few simple ingredients and a little bit of prep, these frozen snacks come together in no time — and they’re pretty adorable too.
This is one of those recipes that’s easy enough for kids to help out with, fun enough to get into the Halloween spirit, and healthy enough that pet owners can feel good about serving them. Whether prepping for a Halloween dog party or just wanting to make a seasonal surprise, these little banana ghosts check every box.
What You’ll Need
Ingredients:
- 4 ripe bananas
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt (make sure it’s xylitol-free)
- 1 tablespoon natural peanut butter (also xylitol-free)
- About 24 fresh blueberries (for the ghost eyes)
Pro Tips
- Use spotty bananas for better sweetness Bananas that are heavily speckled or even borderline too soft work best here. Not only do they blend easier, but they also provide natural sweetness that dogs love.
- Check the peanut butter label This is a must. Always double-check the ingredient list to ensure it doesn’t contain xylitol — even in the “natural” kinds. It’s a common sugar substitute that’s toxic to dogs.
- Let the kids help decorate Turning bananas into little ghost faces with blueberries makes this a perfect family activity. Children can help with “design” and assembly, making it a cute and collaborative kitchen moment.
- Line trays for easy freezing Parchment paper or wax paper on the baking sheet helps prevent sticking. That way, once the treats are frozen, they’ll pop right off without tearing or leaving behind any yogurt mess.
- Great for warm days or after a walk Because these treats are frozen, they make an ideal cool-down snack after a play session or a walk — especially for long-haired or heat-sensitive breeds.
Tools Needed
- A sharp knife
- Medium-sized mixing bowl
- Spoon or spatula for stirring
- Baking sheet or large tray
- Parchment or wax paper
- Freezer with flat shelf space
Substitutions and Variations
- Lactose-free version: For dogs that are sensitive to dairy, substitute with plain lactose-free yogurt or unsweetened coconut yogurt.
- Fruit eyes: Blueberries work great, but small slices of strawberries or blackberries can also be used if blueberries aren’t on hand. Just avoid grapes — they’re toxic to dogs.
- No peanut butter? Try pumpkin: If peanut allergies are a concern in the house, canned pure pumpkin (not the pie filling) can be used in place of peanut butter. Still rich, creamy, and dog-safe.
- Mini ghosts: Instead of halving the bananas, they can be cut into thirds or even quarters for small-breed dogs or puppies. Adjust blueberry size accordingly.
- Festive sprinkles (dog-safe only): For an extra spooky touch, a sprinkle of crushed freeze-dried liver or shredded coconut on top can make them look even more ghostly. Just make sure it’s all dog-approved.
Make-Ahead Tips
These ghost dog treats can be made in large batches and frozen ahead of time — perfect for planning Halloween week or stocking up for regular treat time. Once frozen solid, they can be transferred to a freezer-safe zip-top bag or airtight container for easy access.
Label the container with the date. While they’ll stay good in the freezer for up to 3 months, fresher is always better when it comes to homemade snacks.
How to Make Homemade Banana Ghost Dog Treats
- Prep the bananas Peel each banana and slice it cleanly in half across the center (not lengthwise). Each half becomes one ghost, so this will make eight in total.
- Mix the coating In a medium bowl, combine the plain Greek yogurt and peanut butter. Stir until the texture is smooth and creamy. It should be thick enough to coat a banana without sliding off but not too stiff to spread.
- Coat the bananas Use a spoon to gently spread the yogurt mixture over each banana half. Coat completely, covering all sides evenly. If the coating is too thick, it can be thinned slightly with a teaspoon of water or coconut milk.
- Add the eyes Gently press two blueberries onto each banana to act as “ghost eyes.” Try placing them a little uneven for an even cuter, more expressive look.
- Freeze on tray Place each finished banana ghost on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Leave enough space between them so they don’t stick together.
- Freeze until solid Transfer the tray to the freezer and let the ghosts freeze completely — at least 1–2 hours. Once they’re firm, they’re ready to serve.
- Store properly Move the frozen treats into an airtight freezer-safe container to store long-term. This also helps keep them fresh and prevents freezer odors.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Treat – Approximate)
- Calories: 65–75
- Protein: 2g
- Fat: 2.5g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Sugar (natural): 7g
- Fiber: 1g
Note: Values can vary depending on the exact banana size and yogurt brand used. Always adjust quantities if making for very small or very large dogs.
Leftovers and Storage Tips
These treats are best stored in the freezer. They’ll hold up for up to 3 months when sealed in a good container. For single servings, parchment can be placed between layers to keep them from sticking.
When ready to serve, let the treat thaw for a few minutes at room temperature for a softer texture, especially for older dogs or those with dental sensitivities.
Avoid leaving them out too long — they’ll begin to melt and lose their fun ghostly shape.
FAQs
Are these safe for puppies? Yes — as long as the puppy is old enough to eat solid foods and the treat is cut into smaller pieces. Just skip or modify the blueberries for very small pups.
Can human yogurt be used for dogs? Absolutely — as long as it’s plain, unsweetened, and free of xylitol or artificial sweeteners. Greek yogurt is usually best because of its thicker texture and higher protein.
Do these treats need to be frozen? Yes. While technically edible right after making, freezing helps them hold their shape and makes them more refreshing for dogs.
What if my dog doesn’t like bananas? Bananas are pretty mild, but not every dog is a fan. Try using apple slices or sweet potato as a base instead. Just adjust freezing time and texture expectations accordingly.
Can these be served indoors? They can, but it helps to serve them on a washable surface or outdoors. Since they’re frozen, a little melt is expected — especially with excited eaters.
Final Thoughts
These banana ghost dog treats are proof that healthy snacks can also be festive and fun. Made with just a few wholesome ingredients, they’re a great way to include furry friends in seasonal celebrations while staying mindful of their health.
They also make an adorable addition to Halloween pet parties, fall-themed photos, or even just a cozy afternoon in.
So whether serving up a spooky snack after a walk, prepping a Halloween treat bag for the neighborhood dogs, or just looking for a reason to make something cute and creative — this recipe is a go-to.
Once they’re made, don’t forget to share how it went in the comments. Any fun variations, clever decorations, or even costume pairings with the treats are welcome — and questions are too.
