2-Ingredient Banana Chips for Dogs – Healthy & Irresistible

Let me tell you about the easiest, healthiest dog treat you’ll ever make – banana chips for dogs! My golden retriever Max goes absolutely wild for these crispy little bites. I started making them last summer when I realized how much money I was spending on store-bought treats packed with preservatives. With just ripe bananas and maybe a teaspoon of coconut oil, you can whip up a batch that’ll have your pup begging for more.

What I love most? These banana chips for dogs take practically no effort – slice, bake, and you’re done. No fancy equipment needed, just your oven and some patience while they crisp up. Plus, bananas are packed with potassium and fiber, making this a treat you can feel good about giving. Trust me, once you see your dog’s tail wagging for homemade banana chips, you’ll never go back to the expensive store stuff!

Why You’ll Love Making Banana Chips for Dogs

Let me count the ways these simple treats will become your new favorite thing to make for your pup:

• Healthy: Just bananas (and maybe a kiss of coconut oil) – no weird additives or preservatives
• Easy-peasy: Slice, bake, done. Even my 8-year-old niece can make them!
• Budget-friendly: Costs pennies compared to store-bought dog treats
• Customizable: Want them extra crispy? Bake longer. Prefer chewier? Pull them out sooner

Honestly, once you see how much your dog loves these banana chips, you’ll wonder why you ever bought those expensive packaged treats!

Ingredients for Banana Chips for Dogs

Here’s all you need for these ridiculously simple banana chips for dogs (I told you it was easy!):

• 2 ripe bananas – the spottier, the better! They’re sweeter and easier to slice
• 1 tsp coconut oil (optional) – just a tiny bit helps them crisp up beautifully

That’s it! No fancy ingredients, no complicated measurements – just two things you probably already have in your kitchen right now.

How to Make Banana Chips for Dogs

Making banana chips for dogs is so simple, you’ll wonder why you haven’t tried it sooner. Let me walk you through the steps – it’s practically foolproof!

Preparing the Bananas

First, grab your bananas and slice them into thin, even rounds – about 1/4-inch thick works best. You want them uniform so they bake evenly. If you’re feeling fancy, lightly brush the slices with a teaspoon of melted coconut oil. It adds a nice crispness, but it’s totally optional. Max loves them either way!

Baking the Banana Chips for Dogs

Preheat your oven to 200°F (95°C) – low and slow is the secret to perfect banana chips for dogs. Arrange the slices on a parchment-lined baking sheet, making sure they don’t overlap. Bake for 2-3 hours, flipping halfway through, until they’re crisp and golden. Keep an eye on them – nobody likes burnt banana chips!

Cooling and Storing

Once they’re done, let the banana chips cool completely on the baking sheet. They’ll crisp up even more as they cool. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature, and they’ll stay fresh for up to a week. If they last that long, that is – Max usually devours them in days!

Tips for Perfect Banana Chips for Dogs

After making dozens of batches of banana chips for dogs (Max is quite the taste tester!), I’ve picked up some foolproof tricks:

• Use super ripe bananas – those brown spots mean extra sweetness your pup will love
• Check often after 2 hours – oven temps vary, and you want golden, not blackened chips
• Try a test batch first if your dog’s never had bananas – some pups have sensitive tummies
• Make extra! These banana chips disappear fast once your dog gets a taste

Remember – every oven is different, so don’t be afraid to peek and adjust as needed. Your dog won’t judge!

FAQs About Banana Chips for Dogs

Can puppies eat banana chips?
Absolutely! Just like with any new treat, start with small pieces to see how their tummy handles it. I gave Max his first banana chip when he was about 12 weeks old – now he comes running at the sound of the banana peeler!

How long do homemade banana chips for dogs last?
Stored in an airtight container at room temperature, they’ll stay crispy for about a week. Though in my house, they rarely last more than 3 days before Max has sniffed them all out!

Are banana chips safe for all dogs?
Most dogs do great with them, but always check with your vet first if your pup has diabetes or weight concerns. And remember – moderation is key! These are treats, not meals.

Can I use unripe bananas?
I don’t recommend it – ripe bananas are sweeter, softer, and easier to digest. Those brown-speckled ones you’d use for banana bread? Perfect for banana chips for dogs!

Why bake instead of dehydrate?
Not everyone has a dehydrator, but we all have ovens! The low heat mimics dehydration beautifully. Just takes a little patience while your kitchen fills with that sweet banana aroma.

Nutritional Information for Banana Chips for Dogs

Here’s the scoop on what’s in these tasty treats (per 1/4 cup serving): about 50 calories, 6g natural sugar from the bananas, and a little fiber too. Remember – these are estimates and may vary slightly based on your banana size and whether you use coconut oil. Always check with your vet about portion sizes for your pup!

Share Your Experience with Banana Chips for Dogs

I’d love to hear how your pup enjoyed these banana chips for dogs! Did they go bananas (pun intended) like Max does? Leave a comment below, rate the recipe, or snap a photo of your dog enjoying their treat and share it with me on social media. Let’s spread the love for homemade dog treats together!

For more dog treat inspiration, check out these dog treat recipes.

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