Bananas might be a go-to snack for humans, but turns out, pups are huge fans too. Instead of tossing them scraps and hoping for the best, there’s a better way to spoil them—crunchy, homemade banana chip dog treats. They’re ridiculously simple to make, totally dog-safe, and honestly, kind of fun to whip up.
This isn’t one of those long, complicated recipes with 17 obscure ingredients. Just two ingredients (maybe even one), a little oven time, and done. Perfect for pet owners who want clean treats, and perfect for dogs who act like they’ve never been fed when a banana hits the counter.
Heads up: these treats smell amazing when they bake, but resist the urge to snack on them. They’re for the dog. (Unless that coconut oil takes things too far.)
What You’ll Need
- 1 to 2 firm bananas (just-ripe or slightly green works best)
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil (optional, but helpful for crisping)
Pro Tips
- Go green(ish) – Overripe bananas make floppy treats. Slightly green bananas hold their shape and crisp up better in the oven.
- Uniform thickness matters – Slices should be about 1/8 to 1/4 inch thick. Too thin and they burn, too thick and they stay mushy.
- Optional oil for crunch – Coconut oil gives that extra snap, but skip it if low-fat is the goal.
- Let them fully cool – The chips keep crisping up after baking. Patience equals crunch.
- Great project for kids – Safe and easy enough for little hands to help (as long as an adult handles the knife).
Tools Needed
- Sharp knife or mandoline slicer
- Cutting board
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper or silicone baking mat
- Oven or food dehydrator
- Airtight container for storage
Substitutions and Variations
- Sweet potato swap – Same method, different flavor. Sweet potatoes dehydrate beautifully and are packed with nutrients.
- Peanut butter brushed – Add a thin coat of dog-safe peanut butter before baking for an extra treat.
- Dust with cinnamon – Just a light sprinkle. Avoid if the dog has any sensitivity to spice.
- Skip the oil – Works just fine without it. Just less crispy.
Make Ahead Tips
Once completely cool, banana chips store well in an airtight container. Great for making a batch on Sunday and having grab-and-go treats all week. Shelf life improves in the fridge, and even more in the freezer.
How to Make It
- Preheat oven to 225°F.
- Line baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
- Slice bananas evenly into 1/8 to 1/4-inch thick rounds.
- Brush with coconut oil on both sides (optional).
- Arrange slices in a single layer on the baking sheet with a little space between each.
- Bake for 1.5 to 2 hours, flipping halfway through.
- Remove when dry to the touch and starting to crisp.
- Let cool completely before serving or storing.
Extra Details That Help
Nutrition Per Chip (approximate):
- Calories: 21
- Protein: 0.3g
- Fat: 0.1g
- Carbs: 5g
- Sugar: 3g
- Potassium: 84mg
For diet-focused pups Skip the coconut oil for a fat-free version. Use sweet potato for lower sugar. Stick with plain banana if the dog has allergies or a sensitive tummy.
Serving suggestions Break into small bits for training rewards, crumble over food for enrichment, or serve solo for snack time.
Time-saving tips Double up trays in the oven for bigger batches. Use a mandoline to slice everything in seconds. Don’t overcrowd the tray—moisture is the enemy of crisp.
Leftovers and Storage
- Store in an airtight container at room temp for up to a week
- Fridge life: 2 weeks
- Freeze for long-term storage and pull out as needed
- Always cool completely before storing—warm chips = soggy chips
FAQ
Can overripe bananas be used? Technically yes, but they’ll turn out soft and chewy instead of crisp. Slightly underripe bananas are better.
How do you know when they’re done? They’ll be dry to the touch and just starting to crisp. They firm up more as they cool.
Is coconut oil safe for dogs? Yes, in moderation. Always check with a vet if there’s concern.
Can these be made in a dehydrator? Absolutely. Set to 135°F and dry for 6 to 8 hours or until desired texture is reached.
Wrap Up
Homemade banana chip dog treats are one of the easiest wins for pet owners. They’re cheap, clean, and made with ingredients already sitting in the kitchen. Perfect for dogs who deserve a little extra love without the mystery ingredients.
If this recipe was a hit with the pup, post a comment and share what worked—or what didn’t. Every dog’s a little different, and every tweak helps someone else out. Got a question? Drop it below and get help from others making their own dog-friendly snacks.
