I've spent over a decade working with bananas in every form imaginable, and this question comes up more than you'd think.
The short answer is yes, but with some serious caveats that most pet owners miss.
Can Dogs Eat Banana Chips? The Quick Answer
Dogs can eat plain, dehydrated banana chips in small amounts.
Fresh bananas are fine for dogs.
But banana chips are concentrated sugar bombs compared to fresh fruit.
The real problem isn't the banana itself.
It's what happens during processing.
Most commercial banana chips are deep-fried in coconut or palm oil, loaded with added sugar, and sometimes coated with honey or chocolate flavouring.
Your dog doesn't need any of that rubbish.
I've seen too many pet owners grab a bag of banana chips from the supermarket thinking they're giving their dog a healthy treat.
Then they're confused when their pup has diarrhoea an hour later.
The difference between a plain dehydrated chip and a commercial one is massive.
Why Store-Bought Banana Chips Are Usually a Bad Idea
Walk down any snack aisle and pick up a bag of banana chips.
Read the ingredients list.
You'll find sugar, honey, coconut oil, palm oil, preservatives, and sometimes cinnamon or vanilla flavouring.
Here's what those ingredients do to your dog:
- Added sugar: Dogs don't process sugar like we do - it leads to weight gain, diabetes risk, and energy spikes followed by crashes
- Deep-fried oils: High fat content can trigger pancreatitis in dogs, especially smaller breeds
- Preservatives: Sulphur dioxide and other preservatives can cause allergic reactions or digestive upset
- Honey coating: More unnecessary sugar your dog's system doesn't need
- Cinnamon or vanilla: While not toxic, these can irritate a dog's stomach in concentrated amounts
I've tested dozens of commercial banana chip brands over the years.
Maybe one in ten is just dehydrated banana with nothing added.
The rest are essentially banana-flavoured crisps designed for human taste buds, not canine health.
Your dog's pancreas wasn't designed to handle deep-fried anything.
Even one serving of oily banana chips can cause vomiting or loose stools in sensitive dogs.
And if your dog is already overweight or has a history of pancreatitis, commercial banana chips are completely off the table.
Homemade Banana Chips for Dogs: The Better Option
If you want to give your dog banana chips, make them yourself.
It's dead simple.
Slice ripe bananas thinly, lay them on a baking tray, and dehydrate them at low heat for 2-3 hours.
No oil, no sugar, no rubbish.
Just banana.
I use a dehydrator set to 57°C (135°F), but your oven on the lowest setting works fine.
The chips should be crispy but not burnt.
Why homemade is better:
- You control exactly what goes in (just banana)
- No hidden oils or preservatives
- Lower sugar concentration than some commercial brands
- You can adjust thickness based on your dog's chewing ability
- Cheaper in the long run
Plain dehydrated banana retains most of the potassium and fibre from fresh fruit.
Your dog gets a crunchy treat without the garbage ingredients.
I keep a batch in an airtight container and use them as training rewards for my mate's border collie.
She goes mental for them, and there's no digestive fallout afterwards.
If you're making chips specifically for your dog, consider using organic bananas to avoid pesticide residue.
Dogs are more sensitive to chemical residues than we are.
How Much Is Safe for Your Dog
This is where most people mess up.
They treat banana chips like they're calorie-free.
They're not.
One cup of banana chips contains roughly 374 calories.
That's more than some dogs should eat in an entire meal.
Here's what I recommend based on dog size:
| Dog Weight | Maximum Serving | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| Small (under 10kg) | 2-3 chips | 2-3 times per week |
| Medium (10-25kg) | 4-5 chips | 2-3 times per week |
| Large (over 25kg) | 6-8 chips | 2-3 times per week |
Treat banana chips as exactly what they are: an occasional treat, not a dietary staple.
I've seen people give their dogs a handful of chips every day, then wonder why their dog gained 2kg in a month.
The concentrated sugar in dried fruit adds up fast.
Even homemade chips should be limited.
Your dog's primary nutrition should come from proper dog food, not fruit snacks.
If your dog is diabetic, skip banana chips entirely.
The sugar content, even in plain dehydrated chips, can spike blood glucose levels.
Warning Signs Your Dog Shouldn't Have Banana Chips
Some dogs just don't handle banana chips well, even the homemade kind.
Watch for these signs after feeding:
Immediate reactions (within 2-4 hours):
- Diarrhoea or soft stools
- Vomiting
- Excessive gas
- Restlessness or hyperactivity
- Increased thirst
Longer-term issues (with regular feeding):
- Weight gain
- Lethargy
- Reluctance to eat regular food
- Constipation
The concentrated fibre in dehydrated banana can cause constipation in some dogs if they're not drinking enough water.
I always tell people to offer extra water when giving any dried fruit treats.
If your dog shows any signs of pancreatitis (vomiting, hunched posture, abdominal pain, loss of appetite), stop the banana chips immediately and contact your vet.
This is especially important if you accidentally gave them commercial chips with high oil content.
Some dogs are also allergic to bananas, though it's rare.
If you've never given your dog fresh banana before, test that first before trying chips.
Start with a small piece of fresh banana and wait 24 hours to see if there's any reaction.
Making Dog-Safe Banana Chips at Home
I'm going to give you the exact method I use.
No faff, no complicated steps.
What you need:
- 3-4 ripe bananas (not overripe, not green - just yellow)
- Sharp knife
- Baking tray or dehydrator
- Parchment paper (if using oven)
The process:
Slice the bananas into rounds about 3mm thick.
Thinner slices get crispier, thicker ones stay a bit chewy.
For dogs, I go thinner because they prefer the crunch.
Lay them on parchment paper without overlapping.
If using a dehydrator, set it to 57°C (135°F) and run for 6-8 hours until crispy.
If using an oven, set it as low as it goes (usually 50-70°C) and prop the door open slightly with a wooden spoon.
Check after 2 hours, then every 30 minutes.
They're done when they snap cleanly instead of bending.
Let them cool completely before storing.
I use glass jars with tight lids - they'll keep for 2-3 weeks.
Common mistakes to avoid:
- Don't add anything - no oil, no honey, no cinnamon
- Don't use overripe bananas - they're too sweet and sticky
- Don't rush the process with high heat - you'll burn them
- Don't store them while still warm - they'll go soft
The beauty of homemade chips is you know exactly what your dog is eating.
One ingredient: banana.
That's it.
Can my dog eat banana chips?
Yes, but only if they're plain, homemade, and given in strict moderation.
Skip the commercial stuff, make your own, and treat them as the occasional reward they should be.
