Banana and chicken

Yes, I know. Banana and chicken?? The suggestion raised eyebrows when I mentioned it during our morning walk.

I think what triggered the idea was childhood memories of curries with sliced banana as a side. From what I gather on Google, even that seems controversial – however, I did find that banana can be found alongside chicken in all sorts of cuisines.

Hydration and palatability

So: why not try it for the dogs? Because the main aim, especially now it’s getting hot again, is optimal hydration together with nutrition and an acceptable flavour combination. Research has shown that dogs increase water intake if it is nutrient-enriched, with the solution used in many of the studies being based on a type of chicken broth or “chicken-flavoured” electrolyte solution.

We also know that bananas are a great source of electrolytes, as evidenced by the ‘electrolyte drinks’ for human consumption, many of which advertise banana content (broccoli is another favourite in electrolyte drinks: see also broccoli boosters).

At times like this when a brainwave strikes early in the morning, those 100g portions in the freezer come in handy.  There are always one or two types of broth in the freezer as well, so it’s the easiest thing in the world to mash up some bananas and make mini ices as a flavourful, hydrating treat.

And it’s as simple as that. A two-ingredient recipe!

Banana and chicken iced jellies

200 g banana slices
150 g concentrated chicken stock + 150 g water

See below for the benefits of the individual ingredients at a glance.

Gelatinous broth and frozen banana slices

Gelatinous broth and frozen banana slices

Blitzing bananas and gelatinous broth

Blitzing bananas and gelatinous broth

Blitz bananas, chicken stock and water together.

Banana blitzed with stock and placed in small moulds

Pour into bite-sized jelly moulds and freeze for around three hours. If you don’t have small moulds, an ice cube tray will do just as well.

These jellies are still quite hard so I don’t give them to the dog immediately after taking out of the freezer. What I mean is, I try to sneak them out of the freezer before the dog notices, so that they can rest for at least a couple of minutes…

 

Ingredients: the benefits at a glance

Homemade chicken stock is a nutritious addition to your dog’s diet. It provides hydration and is a source of collagen, which supports joint health, skin elasticity, and digestive lining integrity. Although different ratios and methods make it impossible to itemise nutrient content, stock can also offer small amounts of minerals like potassium and magnesium, which contribute to muscle and nerve function. Ensure the stock is made with dogs in mind, i.e. without onions, garlic, salt, preservatives and flavourings that are harmful to dogs.

Bananas are a nutritious treat for dogs, as they are packed with dietary fibre to support healthy digestion and rich in essential vitamins like B6 and C. Together, these vitamins support healthy joints, brain function, energy metabolism, immune health and even mood regulation. The minerals in bananas, including potassium and magnesium, aid in muscle function, nerve transmission, and maintaining fluid balance. Given their sugar content, however, they should be fed in moderation.

 

THE TASTING

Hungarian vizsla tasting a DoggyDelly banana and chicken ice

 

 

Important Considerations:

  • Always consult your veterinarian before making any significant dietary changes, particularly where there are pre-existing health conditions or dietary restrictions.
  • If you are feeding commercial food, check the label for ingredients before giving more. Excessive intake of any foods can have adverse effects.
  • Ensure (where possible) that you use high-quality, organic products specifically formulated for pets (or better still, human grade ingredients) to avoid any potential adverse effects.
  • Introduce new foods gradually to avoid adverse effects such as gastrointestinal upset or diarrhoea.
  • I provide nutritional information purely as a helpful guide. Nutritional information on ingredients is obtained from the US Department of Agriculture’s FoodData Central site (https://fdc.nal.usda.gov/index.html) and any nutritional information provided in recipes is based on an online calculator: calories and other information will vary based on brands, ingredients and other factors.
  • Check nutrient levels and recommendations for your dog’s weight, age and activity. For example this nutritional guideline produced by FEDIAF.
  • I am not a professional canine nutritionist but supporting research is cited.
  • The recipes shared were created by me and tested in my kitchen – and tasted and approved by our doggy friends!