Can Dogs Eat Bananas?
Photo by Chewy
Can dogs eat bananas? They sure can! While they shouldn’t be eating any of that banana bread you’ve been making recently, fresh bananas are both nutritious and delicious for dogs.
We spoke with two veterinarians to give you the full story on bananas and dogs. Our guide will explain the nutritional benefits of bananas and how to introduce them into your dog’s diet.
Before introducing any new food into your dog’s diet, always check with your veterinarian.
Key Takeaways
- Dogs can safely eat bananas in moderation, but banana bread and banana pudding should be avoided.
- Bananas offer health benefits, such as fiber, potassium, and magnesium, which support heart and digestive health.
- Because bananas are high in sugar, they should be limited—especially in puppies, diabetic dogs, or overweight pups.
- Always remove the peel and serve bananas in small, manageable pieces to avoid choking or intestinal blockage.
Can Dogs Have Bananas?
Yes, dogs can have bananas—as long as they’re served plain and in moderation. Toss the peel!
You can also find banana as an ingredient in dog treats. Some favorites include:
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Are Bananas Good for Dogs?
While bananas contain nutrients that are more beneficial to humans than dogs, bananas are a tasty and nutritious treat for our pups, says Jerry Klein, DVM, chief veterinary officer of the American Kennel Club, that is headquartered in New York City.
Albert Ahn, DVM, strategic advisor for MYOS Pet in Cedar Knolls, New Jersey, agrees, saying bananas are a healthy treat as part of a complete and balanced diet. According to Dr. Ahn, bananas are a great source of the following vitamins and minerals:
- Magnesium
- Potassium
- Biotin
- Vitamin B6
- Fiber
“Potassium is important for your dog’s heart, kidneys, muscles, and digestion,” explains Dr. Ahn. “Magnesium is a critical player in energy metabolism. Bananas are also high in fiber, which is a necessary component in your dog’s diet and can help to maintain proper digestion and a healthy digestive tract.”
Are Bananas Bad for Dogs?
The two main downsides of feeding bananas to dogs are:
- They’re high in sugar. Some dogs may have sugar limits, including rapidly growing puppies, diabetic dogs, or obese pups, so it’s best to not treat them to bananas.
- The banana peel can cause intestinal blockage. Because the peels are not easily digestible, they can cause intestinal blockage when eaten. If your dog eats the banana peel and shows signs of intestinal blockage—including vomiting, loss of appetite, lethargy, diarrhea, and constipation—take them to an emergency vet immediately.
How Much Banana Can My Dog Eat?
Treats, including bananas, should make up no more than 10% of your dog’s daily caloric intake, with the rest coming from a complete and balanced dog food.
Moderation is key—you don’t want to feed dogs large amounts of bananas. Dr. Ahn suggests not giving more than half of a banana to a large dog per day. For small dogs, only feed them a couple of small slices each day to avoid any digestive upset.
That said, below are general guidelines. Each slice should be about ¼-inch thick.
| Dog Size | Serving Size | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| Extra-small dogs (2–10 pounds) | 1–2 slices | Daily |
| Small dogs (11–20 pounds) | 2–3 slices | Daily |
| Medium dogs (21–50 pounds) | 3–6 slices | Daily |
| Large dogs (51–90 pounds) | Handful of slices | Daily |
| Extra-large dogs (91+ pounds) | Up to 1/2 banana | Daily |
How To Safely Feed Banana to Dogs
Here are some tips for prepping and serving banana to your dog:
- Remove and toss the banana peel. Remember, it can cause intestinal blockage.
- Cut into bite-size pieces. This helps to prevent choking, especially among puppies.
- Mash ’em. If your dog is a fast eater, Dr. Ahn suggests mashing part of a soft banana into a dog treat dispenser or toy, like the KONG Classic Dog Toy, or spread onto a lick mat, like the Pink Papyrus Lick Mat, to make it a game. It “ultimately slows down how quickly it can be eaten,” he says.
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- Serve in a smoothie. Blend it with other dog-safe fruits, like mango and blueberries, to make this Farmers’ Market Green Smoothie Bowl.
My Dog Ate Too Much Banana—What Do I Do?
“Always start any new food in small amounts to see if the dog likes the treat and to see if there are any gastrointestinal complications afterwards, like diarrhea,” Dr. Klein says.
Some signs of upset stomach are:
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Decreased appetite
- Discomfort
- Excessively licking their lips
If signs persist over 24 hours, notify your veterinarian.
FAQs About Dogs and Bananas
Can puppies eat bananas?
Yes, puppies can have bananas as an occasional treat, but because their digestive systems are still developing, it’s best to give only a very small amount—and stop feeding it as a treat if they get an upset stomach.
Can dogs eat banana bread?
No, banana bread should not be given to dogs. It contains additional sugars and other unhealthy and possibly toxic ingredients for dogs, like chocolate chips. Stick with plain bananas only.
Can dogs have banana pudding?
Nope, dogs shouldn’t eat banana pudding, either. Like banana bread, it’s loaded with added sugars and ingredients that could be harmful or even toxic to your pup.
Can dogs be allergic to bananas?
When giving your dog a new food, you should always be on the lookout for adverse or allergic reactions. These may include gastrointestinal complications (such as diarrhea or vomiting) and repetitive scratching or licking of the body.
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