Homemade Dehydrator Dog Treats Recipe With Banana Chips & Honey

Zack Keithy, our author, is a certified veterinarian technician (UC Blue Ash) for over 6 years (contact him here). The articles written here are based on his expertise and experience, combined with a review by our expert vet reviewers including Dr M. Tarantino. Learn more about us here.

Sick of squinting at those mystery ingredients in your dog’s treats? You’re not alone. It’s hard to trust snacks packed with stuff you can’t even pronounce.

And let’s face it, some of those store-bought treats leave your pup’s stomach in knots or just pile on extra junk they don’t need.

Here’s the thing, there’s a better way. You can whip up tasty, healthy dehydrator dog treats at home and actually know what you’re feeding your dog. It’s simple, and your furry friend will love you for it.

Recipe Overview

• This homemade dehydrator dog treat recipe uses just a few simple ingredients.
• It creates tasty, healthy snacks perfect for training or just showing some love.
• Prep time: 15 minutes.
• Dehydrator time: 8-12 hours (depending on your dehydrator and desired crispness).
• Serving size: Makes about 30-40 small treats.

Ingredients List

• 2 ripe bananas (Cost: $0.60-$0.80 per banana, so $1.20-$1.60 total)
• 2 tablespoons raw honey (Cost: $0.50-$1.00, depending on brand/size)
• 1/2 cup rolled oats, finely ground into flour (Cost: $0.20-$0.40)
• Optional: 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon (Cost: $0.05)
• Total Estimated Cost: $1.95 – $3.05

Substitutions:

• For bananas, you can try thinly sliced apples (remove seeds and core).
• For oats, brown rice flour works well if your dog has an oat sensitivity.

Step-by-Step Instructions

• First, peel your bananas and slice them into thin rounds, about 1/4 inch thick.
• Next, gently mash one of the bananas in a bowl until smooth.
• Then, stir in the raw honey with the mashed banana.
• Add the finely ground oats to the banana and honey mixture.
• If you’re using cinnamon, mix that in now too.
• Take your sliced banana pieces and gently coat them in this mixture.
• Place the coated banana slices onto your dehydrator trays in a single layer.
• Make sure there’s a little space between each treat for even drying.
• Set your dehydrator to about 135°F (57°C).
• Let them dehydrate for 8 to 12 hours.
• Check them periodically; they should be firm and mostly dry when done.
• The goal is for them to be chewy, not fully crispy like potato chips.
• Let them cool completely before storing.

Feeding Guidelines

• Small dogs (under 20 lbs): 1-2 treats per day.
• Medium dogs (20-50 lbs): 2-3 treats per day.
• Large dogs (over 50 lbs): 3-4 treats per day.
• Puppies can enjoy these treats in moderation, but ensure they are soft enough for their developing teeth.
• For senior dogs, these soft, chewy treats are gentle on older teeth.
• Remember, treats should make up no more than 10% of your dog’s daily calorie intake.
• Always talk to your veterinarian for advice tailored to your dog’s specific needs and health conditions.

Nutritional Benefits of the Recipe

• Bananas are packed with potassium, vitamin B6, and vitamin C.
• They also provide healthy fiber, which supports good digestion.
• Raw honey offers natural sugars for energy and has antioxidant properties.
• It can also help with seasonal allergies in some dogs.
• Rolled oats are a great source of soluble fiber, which aids digestive health.
• They also provide complex carbohydrates for sustained energy.
• Cinnamon (if used) can help regulate blood sugar and has anti-inflammatory benefits.

Storage and Serving Tips

• Store these dehydrated treats in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 weeks.
• For longer storage, you can freeze them for up to 2-3 months.
• To thaw, simply take them out of the freezer and let them sit at room temperature for a bit.
• Serve them as a reward during training sessions.
• They also work great as a healthy snack between meals.
• You can break larger treats into smaller pieces for smaller dogs or for more frequent rewards.

Common Questions & Troubleshooting

Can I make these without a dehydrator?

Yes, you can use an oven set to its lowest temperature (usually around 170-200°F or 75-90°C) with the door slightly ajar to allow moisture to escape. This will take longer, around 4-6 hours, and you’ll need to flip them occasionally.

Are these treats suitable for dogs with allergies?

This recipe is grain-free if you omit the oats or use a grain-free flour like brown rice flour. Always check each ingredient to ensure it’s safe for your dog’s specific allergies. If your dog has honey allergies, omit the honey.

How do I know when the treats are done dehydrating?

The treats should be firm, pliable, and mostly dry to the touch, with no stickiness. They shouldn’t be brittle but should bend without breaking easily. If they feel soft or moist, they need more time.

Can I add other fruits or vegetables?

Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with other dog-safe fruits like blueberries or small pieces of sweet potato (steamed first). Always research to ensure any additions are safe for dogs.

Wrapping Up

Making these banana and honey dehydrator treats is an easy way to give your dog healthy, delicious snacks. It’s rewarding to know exactly what your pet is eating. Here’s a tip: pin this recipe to your Homemade Dog Food board for easy access and follow us for more pet-friendly ideas!