Can Dogs Eat Bananas? Homemade Banana Dog Treats Recipe

Can dogs eat bananas?

Yes. Ripe bananas are safe for dogs and make a healthy, low-cost treat when fed in moderation. They're rich in potassium, fiber, vitamin B6, vitamin C, and magnesium, but they're also high in natural sugar, so bananas should stay an occasional snack rather than a daily staple. Always peel them first—the peel isn't toxic but it's tough to digest and can cause an upset stomach or blockage.

I'm Preston Smith, co-founder of Bully Sticks Central. Below is the simple 4-ingredient banana dog treat recipe we make in our own kitchen, plus a quick guide to how much banana is actually safe for your dog.

How much banana is safe for a dog?

Treats—bananas included—should make up no more than about 10% of your dog's daily calories. As a rough guide from the American Kennel Club, dogs over 90 lbs can handle up to half a banana, while small dogs under 20 lbs should get just one or two quarter-inch slices. Bananas are high in sugar and fiber, and too much can lead to constipation, so start small—especially with puppies or dogs with sensitive stomachs.

4-ingredient banana dog treat recipe

These bake up firm, freeze well, and use ingredients most people already have. No xylitol, no added salt, no junk.

Ingredients

• 2 ripe bananas — natural sweetness plus potassium and fiber.
• 1½ cups oat flour — a gentle, gluten-free base (blend rolled oats if you don't have flour).
• 2 tablespoons unsalted, xylitol-free peanut butter — always check the label, because xylitol is toxic to dogs.
• 1 egg — binds the dough and adds protein.

Steps

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment.
2. Mash and mix the bananas, then blend in the peanut butter and egg until smooth.
3. Add the oat flour gradually and stir until a soft dough forms.
4. Shape and bake small spoonfuls (or use a cookie cutter) for 15–20 minutes, until golden and firm.
5. Cool completely before serving. Store in the fridge up to a week, or freeze for up to three months.

Easy variations

• Fold in a few blueberries for extra antioxidants.
• Add a pinch of cinnamon (skip nutmeg, which isn't dog-safe).
• Use themed cookie cutters for birthdays and holidays.

Homemade treats vs. single-ingredient chews

Baked banana treats are a fun way to spoil your dog, but they're soft and calorie-dense, so they're best in small amounts. For everyday chewing—the kind that keeps dogs busy and helps scrape away plaque—we point people toward single-ingredient chews. Our bully sticks are 100% natural, 100% real meat, fully digestible, contain no rawhide, and are ethically sourced from grass-fed American and Argentinean farms. If your dog loves the peanut butter in this recipe, they'll likely go for our peanut butter treats too. Everything we sell is 100% high-quality guaranteed.

Frequently asked questions

Can dogs eat banana peels?

No. The peel isn't poisonous, but it's fibrous and hard to digest and can cause vomiting or a blockage. Always peel the banana first.

Are bananas good for a dog's upset stomach?

In small amounts, the fiber in banana can help with mild digestive issues, but too much can cause constipation. If symptoms persist, check with your vet.

Can puppies eat banana treats?

Yes, in tiny portions. Puppies have small stomachs and specific nutritional needs, so keep treats to a minimum and prioritize a complete puppy diet.

This post was last updated at August 6, 2026 23:54