Banana Dog Treats
Not every banana treat needs to go in the oven, and these frozen banana coins are about as simple as it gets, just sliced banana, frozen until firm, for a cool, naturally sweet snack.
They’ve become my go to on hot afternoons when I want to give my dog something refreshing without turning on the oven at all.
If you’re looking for a baked biscuit instead, our Homemade Banana Dog Treat Recipes post covers that version. This one is for the days when frozen and effortless is exactly what you’re after.
Why You’ll Love These Banana Dog Treats
A few reasons this frozen version is worth trying.
Only one ingredient. Just banana, so there’s no guesswork involved.
No baking required. Slice, freeze, and you’re done.
Naturally sweet. Ripe banana provides plenty of flavor with no added sugar.
Great for hot days. A cool, frozen treat is a welcome relief after time outside in the heat.
Quick to prepare. Just a few minutes of hands on time.
Is Banana Safe for Dogs?
Banana is a popular, well tolerated treat for most dogs, but a couple of points are worth knowing.
Banana is safe for dogs in moderation, and it’s a good source of potassium and fiber. Because banana is higher in natural sugar than many other fruits, it’s best offered in reasonable amounts rather than as a daily staple, especially for dogs managing their weight.
Remove the peel before serving, since banana peel isn’t easy for dogs to digest, even though it isn’t considered toxic.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s what goes into this simple, one ingredient treat.
Ripe bananas, peeled and sliced, are the only thing you need for this recipe.
Ingredient List
- 2 ripe bananas, peeled and sliced into coins
How to Make Banana Dog Treats
- Peel the bananas and slice them into coins, about a quarter inch thick.
- Arrange the banana slices in a single layer on a parchment lined baking sheet or plate, making sure they don’t touch.
- Place the baking sheet in the freezer and freeze for at least two hours, or until the slices are solid.
- Once frozen, transfer the banana coins to a freezer safe container or bag for storage.
Getting the Right Texture
A few notes on texture for this recipe.
Freezing the slices in a single layer first, before transferring them to a bag, helps keep them from sticking together in one large clump.
For a firmer bite, let the slices freeze a bit longer, since thicker slices take more time to freeze solid all the way through.
If you’d like a creamier texture instead of a firm frozen coin, blend the banana first and freeze the puree in a silicone mold.
Recipe Variations
Once you’ve made the base recipe, these variations are worth trying.
Peanut butter banana bites. Spread a very thin layer of natural peanut butter between two banana slices before freezing for a simple sandwich style treat.
Yogurt dipped banana coins. Dip each banana slice in plain yogurt before freezing for a creamy coating.
Blended banana pops. Blend the banana into a smooth puree and freeze it in a silicone mold or ice cube tray for a different texture.
Banana and pumpkin bites. Blend a small amount of pumpkin puree with mashed banana and freeze in a mold for a mixed flavor option.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Leaving the slices touching on the baking sheet. This can cause them to freeze together in one clump, making it harder to grab just one or two at a time.
Using an underripe banana. A ripe, spotty banana offers the best flavor and natural sweetness.
Serving too many at once. Since banana contains natural sugar, a couple of slices is plenty for most dogs.
Forgetting to remove the peel. Always peel the banana before slicing and freezing.
How Many Banana Treats Can a Dog Have?
Because banana contains natural sugar, these treats are best given in moderation, generally staying under about ten percent of your dog’s daily caloric intake overall.
A few frozen coins is a reasonable serving for most dogs on a hot day. Dogs managing their weight or blood sugar should have these only occasionally, and it’s worth checking with your veterinarian if you have any concerns.
How to Store Banana Dog Treats
Freezer only. Since these are meant to stay frozen, store them in a freezer safe container or bag rather than the fridge or at room temperature.
Frozen banana treats generally keep their quality for up to two months. Always check for any unusual smell or texture before serving.
Can You Make These Ahead for a Hot Day?
Yes, that’s exactly what makes this recipe so convenient.
- Slice and freeze a full batch of banana coins in advance.
- Once solid, transfer them to a labeled freezer bag or container.
- Keep them in the freezer until you’re ready to use them.
- Hand a few over straight from the freezer after a walk or on a particularly warm afternoon.
More Homemade Treat Ideas
If your dog enjoyed these, these recipes are worth trying next.
- Homemade Banana Dog Treat Recipes
- Homemade Peanut Butter Frozen Dog Treats
- Cucumber Pup Pop Frozen Dog Treats
- Frozen Peanut Butter Yogurt Bites
For more ideas on feeding your dog well beyond treats, check out 7 Healthiest Homemade Dog Foods.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can dogs eat banana? Yes, banana is safe for dogs in moderation and offers a good source of potassium and fiber.
Do I need to peel the banana before freezing? Yes, always remove the peel, since it’s difficult for dogs to digest.
How long do these take to freeze? At least two hours, though leaving them overnight ensures they’re fully solid.
How long do frozen banana treats last? Up to two months when stored in a sealed, freezer safe container.
Can puppies have frozen banana? In small amounts, most puppies can enjoy these, but check with your veterinarian first, and supervise closely since frozen treats can be firmer to chew.
What’s the difference between this and your baked banana treat recipe? This version is a quick, frozen, one ingredient snack, while our Homemade Banana Dog Treat Recipes post covers a baked biscuit style treat with a longer shelf life at room temperature.
Can I add other fruits to this recipe? Yes, blending in a small amount of pumpkin puree or pairing with a thin layer of peanut butter are both popular variations.
Banana Dog Treats
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Peel the banana and place it in a mixing bowl. Mash it thoroughly with a fork until mostly smooth.
- Add the egg and natural peanut butter to the mashed banana and stir until evenly combined.
- Gradually add the oat flour and mix until a soft dough forms.
- Add the water a little at a time if the dough feels too dry.
- Place the dough between two sheets of parchment paper and roll it to approximately 1/4 inch thick.
- Cut the dough into small bite sized shapes using a cookie cutter.
- Arrange the treats on the prepared baking sheet with a little space between them.
- Bake for approximately 16 to 18 minutes, or until the treats are firm and lightly golden around the edges.
- Remove from the oven and allow the treats to cool completely before serving.
- Banana Tip: Use a ripe banana without any mold or spoiled areas. The natural sweetness of a ripe banana works well without adding sugar.
- Peanut Butter Safety: Use natural peanut butter that contains no xylitol or other artificial sweeteners. Check the ingredient label carefully before using it.
- Texture Tip: For softer treats, roll the dough slightly thicker and avoid overbaking. For firmer treats, roll the dough thinner and bake until completely set.
- Storage: Store cooled treats in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. You can freeze them in small portions for longer storage.
- Common Mistake to Avoid: Do not add sugar, honey, chocolate, or sweetened peanut butter. The banana provides enough natural sweetness.
- Serving: Break the treats into appropriately sized pieces and serve them as occasional rewards or training treats. Treats should complement, rather than replace, your dog’s complete and balanced diet.
A Final Note on Serving These Treats
These have become my easiest go to whenever I want to give my dog something special without any real effort involved, and there’s something satisfying about a treat that needs just one ingredient and a freezer to come together. Keep a batch ready, and you’ll always have a cool, naturally sweet option on hand.
