Dehydrated Bananas

If you’re looking for a healthy, budget-friendly dog treat you can make at home, dehydrated bananas are a perfect choice. They’re naturally sweet, packed with vitamins, easy to digest, and require just one ingredient. Even better? When sliced thin and baked low and slow, they turn into a crunchy dog treat your pup will love.

This recipe is great whether you cook for your dog regularly or just want a simple homemade snack to replace processed store-bought treats. I started making these banana treats when I needed a quick, healthy snack my dog would actually get excited about.

Why Bananas Are a Great Treat for Dogs

Bananas are one of the safest and most nutritious fruits you can feed your dog.

They’re naturally rich in:

• Potassium
• Fiber
• Vitamin B6
• Vitamin C
• Magnesium

These nutrients support digestion, muscle function, and overall wellness. Bananas are also low in fat, making them a great option for dogs who need lean treats or have protein-based allergies.

Are Bananas Safe for Dogs?

Yes—bananas are safe for most dogs in moderation. They offer:

• Gentle digestion support
• Naturally sweet flavor without additives
• A quick energy boost
• A soft texture when fresh and a crunchy texture when dehydrated

Because bananas contain natural sugars, dehydrated banana treats should be served as snacks—not as a full meal replacement. But as far as healthy homemade dog treats go, these are one of the easiest and safest options.

Benefits of Single-Ingredient Dog Treats

Many dogs react to fillers, preservatives, and artificial flavors found in commercial treats. Using a single, whole-food ingredient avoids that completely.

Single-ingredient treats are:

• Allergy-friendly
• Easy on the stomach
• Budget-friendly
• Shelf-stable when dehydrated properly
• Simple to customize for any dog size

Bananas, sweet potatoes, apples, and eggs all make great single-ingredient treat options—starting with today’s recipe.

Why Dehydrated Bananas Make the Perfect Crunchy Dog Snack

Most dogs love crunchy textures, and dehydrated bananas offer a completely different bite than soft fresh fruit.

Crunchy banana treats are:

• Easy to break into training pieces
• Lightweight for travel
• Long-lasting when stored properly
• Great for dogs who love crispy snacks

These also crumble beautifully, making them a great meal topper for picky eaters.

How to Make Crunchy Dehydrated Banana Dog Treats

Ingredients

• Bananas (as many as you want to make)



Instructions

1. Slice the bananas thinly
Cut bananas into ⅛-inch strips for long pieces or round coins for small dogs.
Slicing on an angle helps create long, even strips that dry more consistently.

2. Arrange slices on a baking tray
Make sure pieces do not touch, which allows even airflow and drying.

3. Bake low and slow
Place trays in a preheated 175°F oven for 4–6 hours until dry and crisp.

4. Test for doneness
Let a piece fully cool, then try to snap it in half:

• If it snaps easily → it’s fully dehydrated.
• If it bends or feels rubbery → there’s still moisture. Continue dehydrating.

Removing all moisture ensures a longer shelf life and prevents mold. I always cool a test piece and try snapping it in half — if it bends, I know it needs more time.

Tips for Best Results

• Slice bananas evenly for consistent drying
• Rotate trays halfway through if your oven has hotspots
• Bananas brown as they dry—this is normal
• If using a dehydrator, settings of 135°F for 6–10 hours work well
• In my experience, slicing on a slight angle makes the longest, most even strips — and those are always my dog’s favorites.
• I tested thicker slices too, but they never turned fully crunchy. The 1/8" slices come out perfect every time.
• I find it best to use just ripe bananas, ones that still have a slight green color. This makes it easier to slice. If I use ripe bananas I will partially freeze them to make them firmer so that it is easier to slice.

How to Store Homemade Banana Dog Treats

Proper dehydration means your treats will stay crunchy for weeks.

• Room temperature: 1–2 weeks in an airtight container
• Refrigerator: 2–3 weeks
• Freezer: Up to 3 months

Store only once fully cooled to prevent trapped moisture.

I usually make a double batch and freeze half. They are a great quick grab-and-go treat.

Final Thoughts

Dehydrated banana dog treats are one of the easiest healthy dog snacks you can make. They’re affordable, allergen-friendly, and made with just one ingredient. Whether you feed homemade meals or simply like offering real-food treats, these crunchy banana chips are a fun way to add variety and nutrition to your dog’s routine. If you’re new to making dog treats, this is such a simple recipe to start with — and your dog will absolutely thank you.