How to Make Dog Treats With Bananas (3 Easy Recipes)
Short answer: Yes, dogs can safely eat bananas in moderation, and they make a great base for homemade treats. Bananas are low in sodium and cholesterol but rich in potassium, vitamin B6, vitamin C, and fiber. Below are three simple banana dog treat recipes you can make at home in a few minutes, plus a quick word on how much is safe to feed.
I'm Preston Smith, co-founder of Bully Sticks Central. We built our business on single-ingredient, 100% natural chews, so I'm a big believer in keeping what your dog eats simple and clean. Homemade banana treats fit that philosophy perfectly: a handful of real ingredients, no fillers, no mystery.
Are Bananas Safe for Dogs?
In moderation, yes. According to the American Kennel Club, bananas are high in potassium, vitamin B6, vitamin C, magnesium, and fiber, all of which support your dog's overall health. Because bananas are also naturally high in sugar, they should be an occasional treat rather than a daily staple. A good rule of thumb is that treats of any kind should make up no more than about 10% of your dog's daily calories.
A few safety notes before you start: skip the banana peel (it isn't toxic but is hard to digest and can cause a blockage), always use xylitol-free peanut butter since xylitol is toxic to dogs, and check with your vet first if your dog is diabetic or overweight. Hill's Pet has a helpful overview if you want to read more on feeding fruit to dogs.
Recipe 1: Banana & Peanut Butter Pupcakes
These soft, bite-sized pupcakes are a crowd favorite and use pantry staples.
Ingredients
- 1 ripe banana, mashed
- 1/3 cup smooth natural peanut butter (xylitol-free)
- 1 egg
- 1/2 cup whole wheat flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, mix the banana, peanut butter, and egg until smooth.
- Add the flour and baking soda, mixing until just combined.
- Spoon the batter into a greased mini muffin pan, filling each cup about two-thirds full.
- Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Let cool completely before serving.
Love the peanut butter angle? We have a whole guide to peanut butter dog treats worth a look.
Recipe 2: Frozen Banana Yogurt Bites
No baking required. These are perfect for hot afternoons.
Ingredients
- 2 ripe bananas, mashed
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt (unsweetened)
- 2 tablespoons honey (optional)
Instructions
- Mix the mashed bananas with the Greek yogurt and honey in a bowl.
- Pour the mixture into silicone ice cube trays or small molds.
- Freeze until solid, then pop out and store in a freezer bag.
Recipe 3: Banana Peanut Crunch Balls
No-bake and easy for kids to help roll.
Ingredients
- 1 ripe banana, mashed
- 1 cup oatmeal
- 1/2 cup natural peanut butter (xylitol-free)
- 1/4 cup crushed unsalted peanuts
Instructions
- Mix the mashed banana, oatmeal, and peanut butter in a bowl until well combined.
- Form the mixture into small balls, then roll each ball in the crushed peanuts to coat.
- Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet and refrigerate until firm.
How Much Banana Treat Can My Dog Have?
Keep portions small. For most dogs, a couple of small treats a day is plenty, and smaller dogs need less. Store baked and no-bake treats in the fridge for up to a week, or freeze them for longer. If you notice any stomach upset, cut back on the amount or the frequency.
Rounding Out Treat Time
Homemade banana treats are a fun, wholesome way to mix things up, but they're best paired with a chew that gives your dog a real job to do. That's where our single-ingredient chews come in: 100% real meat, fully digestible, no rawhide, and ethically sourced from grass-fed American and Argentinean farms. Rotating between soft homemade treats and a long-lasting natural chew keeps treat time exciting and your dog engaged.
The Bottom Line
Bananas are a healthy, dog-safe fruit when fed in moderation, and they make an easy base for homemade treats. Start with one of the three recipes above, keep portions modest, and always use xylitol-free peanut butter. Simple, real ingredients are the whole idea, the same standard we hold ourselves to at Bully Sticks Central.
This post was last updated at August 7, 2026 02:14
