Bananas are good dog treats! These healthy and nutritious fruits are packed with essential nutrients such as vitamin C, potassium, and manganese, and their high fiber content promotes better gut health in dogs.
If you’re looking for a tasty and healthy treat for your pup, consider making some homemade bananas dog treats. In this article, we’ve put together 4 easy and delicious recipes that both you and your pup can enjoy.
Dog-Friendly Banana Split
Put together a tasty banana split you can safely share with your canine friend.
What you need:
- 1 tablespoon toasted coconut flakes
- 1 tablespoon frozen plain Greek yogurt
- 1 teaspoon crushed almonds
- 2 tablespoons melted carob chips
- ¼ cup mixed berries of your choice
- 1 large banana
How to make this banana dog treat:
- Peel off the banana’s skin and slice the fruit in half lengthwise.
- Place each banana slice side by side on a plate, but leave an inch of space between them.
- Scoop a tablespoon of frozen Greek yogurt and put it at the center of the banana slices.
- Arrange the berries on the banana split the way you prefer them to be.
- Sprinkle this homemade dog treat with coconut flakes and crushed almonds.
- Drizzle the melted carob on the banana split and let your dog enjoy the snack.
Note for this banana dog treat:
- Bananas brown quickly if left exposed to air for long periods. So make sure to have all your ingredients prepared ahead of time before slicing the fruit.
This way, you can quickly assemble and serve this banana dog treat to your canine friend.
Oatmeal Banana Porridge
This homemade snack is ideal for canines with sensitive tummies and pooches with upset stomachs.
What you need:
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon chia seeds
- ½ cup rolled oats or quick-cooking oats
- 2 cups water
- 1 large banana
How to make this banana dog treat:
- Mash the banana using a potato masher or a fork.
- Soak the chia seeds in water for 10 to 20 minutes to let them expand.
- In a large saucepan, add all of the ingredients. Bring them to a light boil on medium heat while continuously stirring.
- Turn the heat to low and let the oatmeal banana porridge simmer in the saucepan uncovered.
- Allow it to cook for 1 to 2 minutes until the oats are tender and the water is absorbed.
- Sprinkle the porridge with cinnamon, then drizzle it with honey.
- Let this homemade dog treat cool before feeding it to your dog.
Notes for this banana dog treat:
- Make frozen small oatmeal banana dog treats from leftover porridge. All you have to do is pour the food into a silicone mold or a muffin tin. Place it in the fridge for 2 to 3 hours until cold.
- If you do not want to skip using added sugars like honey, use an overripe banana since it tastes sweeter than regular bananas.
Peanut Butter-Covered Banana Chips
Create easy homemade treats dogs love by using only 3 simple ingredients.
What you need:
- 2 medium bananas
- 1 tablespoon flaxseed oil
- ½ cup all-natural unsweetened peanut butter
How to make these banana dog treats:
- Preheat the oven to 200 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Use parchment paper to line 2 baking sheets.
- Slice the bananas into half-inch thick round segments.
- Arrange them in a single layer on the lined baking sheet. Leave at least a half inch of space between each slice so all of them will get cooked properly.
- Brush the banana slices with flaxseed oil.
- Bake these homemade dog treats for 2 to 3 hours until they are thoroughly dried. Flip them once halfway through the cooking time to ensure that both sides are baked well.
- Let the banana chips cool to room temperature for 30 minutes to an hour.
- While waiting, melt the all-natural peanut butter in the microwave in 30-second bursts. Allow it to cool down.
- Dip each of the banana chips in melted peanut butter using a fork.
- Place these peanut butter banana dog treats on the unused lined baking sheet.
- Refrigerate them for 2 to 3 hours until the peanut butter coating hardens.
Notes for these banana dog treats:
- Before using peanut butter, double-check if it is xylitol-free. Xylitol is a sugar substitute with a high toxicity risk to dogs. Keep in mind that this ingredient goes by other names, such as birch sugar, sucre de bouleau, or E967.
- Place leftovers of these frozen banana dog treats in a ziplock bag. They can be refrigerated for up to 3 weeks.
Mini Banana Pancakes
Let your dog enjoy snacking on pancakes without overeating by making a bite-size version of this human food.
What you need:
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon ginger
- 2 tablespoons safflower oil
- 1 cup wheat flour
- 1 cup almond milk
- 2 medium bananas
How to make these banana dog treats:
- Slice bananas into half-inch thick slices and set aside.
- Combine baking powder, cinnamon, ginger, and wheat flour in a large bowl.
- Make a well at the center and pour in the almond milk. Mix until a smooth and thick pancake batter is formed. Allow it to rest for 5 to 10 minutes.
- Heat a large frying pan over medium heat. Once hot, lightly grease it with a teaspoon of safflower oil.
- Use a fork to gently dunk in and lift out the banana slices from the pancake batter.
- Place them in the oil skillet, putting an inch of space between each banana slice.
- Cook these homemade banana dog treats for 2 to 3 minutes or until golden brown on each side.
- Repeat the process until you have cooked all the banana slices.
- Allow the mini banana pancakes to cool down before letting your dog feast on them.
Notes for these banana dog treats:
- Store homemade dog treats in an airtight container. Refrigeration will make them last for around 1 to 2 days, while freezing prevents spoilage for up to 3 months.
A Frequently Asked Question About Banana Dog Treats
Can banana treats make dogs itch?
While bananas are not common allergens in dogs, it’s possible for them to develop allergies to certain foods at any point in their life. If your dog has a food allergy, inspect the ingredients list of store-bought banana dog treats or make your own with the homemade dog treat recipes.
If your pup experiences itchiness, get them checked by a veterinarian for an accurate diagnosis as the root cause might be other ingredients in the treats.