ByHealthy banana blueberry dog treats can be chewy fruit-leather strips made from just two ingredients: ripe banana and blueberries. You blend them, spread the purée thin, and bake it low and slow for about 3 to 4 hours. Because bananas are high in natural sugar, these are a sometimes treat, so serve small strips.
For more ideas like this, see my full list of healthy homemade treats.
I used to make fruit roll-ups for my kids, and my dog always tried to steal a bite. So I made her a version of her own, with no added sugar at all. These strips bake into a soft, bendy chew with a deep purple color. They’re fun to tear into tiny pieces, and they keep well in the fridge.
Recipe Snapshot
- Prep time: 10 minutes
- Cook time: 3 to 4 hours at 175°F (80°C)
- Total time: about 4 ½ hours (mostly hands-off)
- Yield: about 24 strips (1 x 4 inches)
- Difficulty: Easy
- Storage life: up to 1 week in the fridge, up to 3 months in the freezer
Key Takeaway: Blend 2 ripe bananas with 1 cup of blueberries. Spread the purée thin on a parchment-lined pan and bake at your oven’s lowest setting until it’s no longer sticky. Cut into strips. Peel the banana, wash the berries, and serve small pieces.
Are Bananas and Blueberries Good for Dogs?
Yes, in small amounts. Both fruits are safe for most dogs and bring helpful nutrients.
The American Kennel Club’s banana guide says bananas are high in potassium, vitamin B6, and vitamin C. It also says they’re high in natural sugar, so they should be fed in moderation.
The AKC’s blueberry guide calls blueberries low-calorie berries with fiber, vitamin C, and antioxidants. It notes that antioxidants may help reduce the effects of brain aging in dogs.
What Makes These Different From Frozen Fruit Treats?
These are baked dry, not frozen. That means they stay chewy in your pocket and won’t melt on a walk.
Low heat slowly dries the purée into a thin sheet. It’s the same idea as homemade fruit leather for people, but with nothing added. The AKC’s apple guide even suggests baking thin apple slices at 200°F for roasted apple chips, so low-oven drying is a familiar way to make fruit snacks for dogs.
Healthy Banana and Blueberry Dog Treats Recipe
Use bananas with lots of brown spots. Riper bananas blend smoother and bake into a softer strip.
Ingredients
- 2 medium ripe bananas, peeled (about 1 cup sliced)
- 1 cup fresh or thawed frozen blueberries, washed
- 1 teaspoon water, only if your blender needs help
Equipment
- One large rimmed baking sheet (about 13 x 18 inches)
- Parchment paper or a silicone baking mat
- Blender, offset spatula, and clean kitchen scissors
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Heat your oven to 175°F (80°C), or its lowest setting.
- Line the baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat.
- Put the bananas and blueberries in the blender.
- Blend until completely smooth, about 1 minute.
- Pour the purée onto the center of the pan.
- Spread it with an offset spatula into a thin, even layer, about â…› inch thick.
- Leave a 1-inch border around the edges.
- Tap the pan on the counter to smooth out bumps.
- Bake for 3 hours.
- Touch the center. If it’s still sticky, bake 30 to 60 minutes more.
- Turn off the oven and let the pan cool inside for 30 minutes.
- Lift the whole sheet out on its parchment.
- Cut into 1 x 4-inch strips with the scissors.
- Peel each strip off the parchment.
Dog-Safe Ingredient Check
- Always peel the banana. The AKC says banana peels are hard to digest and could lead to stomach upset or, in some cases, an intestinal blockage.
- Wash the blueberries. The AKC says to wash them well to remove dirt, bacteria, or pesticide residue.
- No added sugar, honey, or sweeteners. The VCA xylitol guide warns that even small amounts of xylitol can cause low blood sugar, seizures, or liver failure.
- No grapes or raisins. They may look like a fun fruit mix-in, but the ASPCA says they can cause kidney damage.
- Tear small pieces for tiny dogs. The AKC says blueberries can be a choking risk for very small dogs, and chewy strips should be torn small too.
Pro Tip: Spread the purée thinner at the edges than you think. Edges dry first, so a slightly thicker center helps the whole sheet finish at the same time.
How Many Fruit Strips Can My Dog Have?
Half a strip a day is plenty for a medium dog. Small dogs need just a few bites, and large dogs can have one strip.
The AKC says bananas are high in natural sugar and too much banana may cause digestive upset. It suggests bananas be an occasional treat rather than a regular part of your dog’s daily diet. That’s why I save these strips for special moments.
VCA Animal Hospitals says the general rule is that 90% of your dog’s daily calories should come from complete and balanced food. The other 10% can come from treats and snacks. For a simple chart, see how many treats a dog should have a day.
Vet Tip: If your dog has diabetes or is on a weight-loss plan, ask your vet before sharing fruit treats. The AKC recommends asking your vet whether blueberries are right for your dog, and how much banana fits your dog’s size, age, and health.
Can I Use These as a Chew?
They’re a soft treat, not a long-lasting chew. Most dogs finish a strip in a few bites.
I like to tear them into tiny pieces for slow, calm rewards. My guide on how to hand feed your dog safely shows how to offer treats without nipped fingers. For a real long chew, see the healthiest things for a dog to chew.
Substitutions and Variations
You can change these strips for allergies, sugar, or dog size.
Allergy and Fruit Swaps
- Banana-free: Use 1 cup plain canned pumpkin purée in place of the bananas. The strips will be less sweet and a little softer.
- Berry swap: Use 1 cup hulled strawberries in place of blueberries.
Lower-Sugar Option
Use 1 banana and add ½ cup plain canned pumpkin. You’ll get the same number of strips with less banana in each one.
Grain-Free Note
This recipe is already grain-free. There’s no flour at all, so it’s a good pick for dogs who can’t have wheat or oats.
Scaling for Dog Size
- Small dogs: Cut 1 x 2-inch strips or tear pea-size pieces.
- Medium dogs: 1 x 4-inch strips, broken in half.
- Large dogs: One full 1 x 4-inch strip.
More Banana and Blueberry Ideas
Prefer a baked biscuit? Try my homemade blueberry dog treats, simple banana oat dog treats, or easy pumpkin and banana dog treats. Want the basics first? Read can dogs eat banana and can I give my dog sweet treats.
How Do I Store Banana Blueberry Dog Treats?
Roll each strip in a piece of parchment and keep them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week. Freeze extras for up to 3 months.
Homemade fruit strips have no preservatives, so the fridge is the safest spot. Throw out any that feel slimy, smell sour, or show mold. On busy weeks, keep ready-made fresh dog treats as a backup. For complete meals with less work, try this variety dog meal plan.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I make these in a dehydrator?
A: Yes. Spread the purée on a lined dehydrator tray and dry at about 135°F until no longer sticky, usually 6 to 8 hours.
Q: Can I use frozen blueberries?
A: Yes. Thaw and drain them first so the purée isn’t watery.
Q: Why are my strips brittle?
A: They baked too long or the layer was too thin. Check them at 3 hours next time.
Q: Why are my strips still sticky?
A: The purée was too thick or the oven ran cool. Bake 30 minutes more and test again.
Q: Will blueberries stain things?
A: They can. Give strips on a washable mat or outside on the porch.
Q: Can puppies have these?
A: Ask your vet first. If they say yes, offer a tiny torn piece.
Final Thoughts
These healthy banana blueberry dog treats turn two fruits into a chewy, no-sugar-added strip. Peel the banana, wash the berries, and spread the purée thin. Then bake it low, cut it, and share a little at a time. Want an easy way to keep your dog drinking water after a sweet snack? A pet water fountain keeps fresh water flowing.
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