Can Dogs Eat Bananas?

Many fruits and vegetables can be healthy treats for your dog because they're filled with vitamins and minerals. Bananas are a common (and healthy!) fruit for us humans, and lots of dogs will happily beg for a bite of banana as well. But can dogs eat bananas safely?

Good news for your begging pup—dogs can safely eat bananas, with a few considerations. Read on to learn more about how to safely serve your dog bananas and how much your dog can eat.

Are Bananas Good for Dogs?

Bananas are safe for dogs to eat. But like a lot of fruits, moderation is key. Puppies and smaller dogs, like Chihuahuas and Yorkies, should generally get smaller amounts to prevent any stomach upset.

Bananas contain a variety of vitamins and minerals, including fiber, vitamins C and B6, potassium, magnesium, and biotin. But because the recommended portions of bananas for dogs is so small, your pup isn’t likely to get much nutritional benefit from the fruit. This means that bananas are safe for dogs to eat, but they aren’t exactly healthy for them.

Can Bananas Be Bad for Dogs?

The main drawback to bananas for dogs is the fruit’s high sugar content. Too much sugar in your dog’s diet can cause various health problems, including weight gain and diabetes. And if your dog is already overweight or has diabetes or other health issues, they should not be getting the extra sugar from bananas or other fruits.

Can Puppies Eat Bananas?

Just like adult dogs, puppies can have bananas as a snack in moderation, though even smaller portions are advised. But because puppies have a developing immune system, it’s best to only give a pup one new food or treat per day. That way, if your puppy develops an upset stomach, you know what caused it.

Can Dogs Eat Banana Peels?

When feeding your dog bananas as a treat, it’s important to make sure they don’t eat the banana peel. Although they’re not naturally toxic to dogs, banana peels often contain a large amount of pesticides.

Banana peels are also not easily digestible and can cause an intestinal blockage in dogs. Signs of intestinal blockage are:

• Vomiting

• Loss of appetite

• Abdominal pain

• Weakness and lethargy

• Diarrhea

• Constipation

• Weight loss

If you suspect that your dog may have an intestinal blockage, take them to an emergency veterinary hospital immediately.

How Much Banana Can Dogs Eat?

All treats, including bananas, should only make up 10% of your dog’s diet. The other 90% should come from a well-balanced dog food diet approved by the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO). In general, this means a whole banana would be too much for your pup, especially for smaller or younger dogs.

Here are some generally safe amounts of banana based on a dog’s weight. Each “slice” should only be 1/4-inch thick:

• Extra-small dog (2–20 pounds) = one to two slices of banana

  • Examples: Yorkies, Chihuahuas, Pomeranians, Pugs

• Small dog (21–30 pounds) = up to three slices of banana

  • Examples: Basenjis, Beagles, Miniature American Shepherds

• Medium dog (31–50 pounds) = up to six slices of banana

  • Examples: Basset Hounds, Border Collies, Australian Cattle Dogs

• Large dog (51–90 pounds) = a handful of slices

  • Examples: Pit Bulls, German Shepherds, Labrador Retrievers, Australian Shepherds

• Extra-large dog (91+ pounds) = up to half of a banana

  • Examples: Newfoundlands, Bernese Mountain Dogs, Saint Bernards, Great Pyrenees

If you think your dog ate too much banana, look out for symptoms of an upset stomach, including:

• Decreased appetite or loss of appetite

• Fatigue

• Drinking less water

• Gulping or licking their lips, the air, or objects

If you see these symptoms, call your vet. If you see worsening symptoms like vomiting, excessive diarrhea, blood in their vomit or stool, weakness, or collapse, take your dog to the vet immediately. 

How To Feed Your Dog Bananas

When feeding bananas to your dog, it’s best to follow a few simple guidelines to help keep them safe:

• Remove the banana peel

• Cut into small pieces

• Give in moderation

Some of the ways you can safely feed bananas to your dog include:

• Mashed bananas can be added on top of your dog’s food.

• Frozen and mashed bananas can be put into your dog’s KONG® toy. You can even add some dog-safe peanut butter for an extra yummy treat.  

• Cut the banana into small, 1/4-inch thick pieces and give them to your dog like small treats.

• Make fruit smoothies from blended frozen banana pieces, along with other dog-safe fruits like strawberries and blueberries, plus some sugar-free—and xylitol-free—plain yogurt.

• Bake a dog-friendly recipe with bananas, like peanut butter and banana dog cupcakes.

Can Dogs Be Allergic to Bananas?

Just like humans, dogs can have food allergies. If your dog has never had bananas before, try testing them out by only giving your dog a few little pieces and watch for signs of food intolerance in the short-term. This will show up as gastrointestinal distress in the form of vomiting, diarrhea, pain in the belly, or lethargy.

Skin and ear conditions, including chronic itchiness, skin lesions, or ear infections, occur more chronically and take a while to develop.