How to Dehydrate Bananas for You and Your Dogs (Shelf-Stable & Simple)

When I first started dehydrating, I was just trying to make healthy snacks for my pups. Magnus has a sensitive stomach, and store-bought treats weren’t cutting it. One of the first things I tossed into the dehydrator? Bananas. Simple, affordable, and dog-friendly. And as it turns out—my dogs went wild for them.

Dehydrated banana chips are now a staple in our household. They’re sweet, crunchy (or chewy, if you prefer), and perfect for both humans and dogs. Here’s how I prep, slice, dehydrate, and store them—plus a few tips to make sure they last.

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What You’ll Need:

Ripe bananas (the sweeter, the better)

A sharp knife or mandoline slicer (this one is similar to mine)

A dehydrator (this is the affordable model I use)

Optional: Silicone mesh dehydrator mats (link)

Airtight containers or mason jars for storage

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Step-by-Step: How to Dehydrate Bananas

Step 1: Prep Your Bananas
Peel your bananas and slice them into discs about ¼ inch thick. If you want a chip-like crunch, thinner slices work best. If you’re after a chewy texture, go just a bit thicker.

Tip: A sharp knife is key here. I’ve used a mandoline before, but bananas are soft and sticky, so a quality chef’s knife has been the best method for me.

Step 2: Space on Trays
Lay the banana slices in a single layer on your dehydrator trays. Make sure none are overlapping—space is key for airflow.

Optional: If you’re using silicone mesh mats, they’ll make cleanup 10x easier. Highly recommend.

Step 3: Dehydrate
Set your dehydrator to 135°F (57°C) for fruit and let them run for 8–12 hours. Depending on your environment’s humidity and how thick your slices are, you may need more or less time.

My tip: I usually set mine for the full 48-hour cycle and just check in periodically. It gives me wiggle room if I get distracted.

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Shelf-Stability Tip:
If your banana chips are still soft or chewy when you pull them out, they are not shelf-stable. Chewy bananas must be stored in the fridge and eaten within a few days. For pantry storage, bananas should be fully dry—crispy or completely firm. No squish means no mold.

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How to Know They’re Done:
Break one in half. If it snaps, it’s fully dry. If it bends or feels rubbery, it needs more time.

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Storage Tips:
Store banana chips in airtight mason jars or reusable containers. I use a combo of Ball mason jars in 8oz, 16oz, and 32oz sizes depending on the batch.

Conditioning Note:
Always condition your dehydrated fruit by leaving the jar out on the counter for a few days, giving it a daily shake. This helps distribute any remaining moisture and prevents mold before long-term storage.

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Why My Dogs Love Them
Magnus and Phoenix go bananas (sorry, I had to) every time I pull out a jar of these. They’re crunchy, sweet, and safe. Since Magnus is now on a low-fat diet due to his liver issues, these have become one of the only treats I trust—and best of all, I know exactly what’s in them.

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Final Thoughts:
Dehydrated bananas are an easy win. They’re a great first project for beginners, a healthy snack for you and your pups, and a perfect way to use up bananas before they go bad. Once you try a homemade batch, you’ll never go back to store-bought banana chips again.

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Let’s Chat:
Ever made your own banana chips? What’s your go-to dog-friendly snack? Let me know in the comments—I’m always down to trade ideas with fellow pet parents and snack lovers.