Can dogs eat bananas?
Yes, in small amounts.
Peeled banana is a safe, healthy treat for most dogs. It's full of potassium and fiber, but also sugar, so keep it to a few small pieces at a time and skip the peel.
Are bananas good for dogs?
Bananas contain potassium, vitamin B6, vitamin C, fiber, and magnesium. They're low in fat and most dogs love the taste, which makes them a good alternative to fatty or salty treats.
They're also high in natural sugar, so they're a treat rather than a regular part of the diet. Dogs that are overweight or diabetic should have very little, or none: ask your vet.
How much banana can a dog have?
Treats should be no more than about 10 percent of your dog's daily calories. A medium banana has about 105 calories, so a whole one is too much for most dogs. As a rough guide:
- Small dogs: 2 or 3 thin slices
- Medium dogs: about a quarter of a banana
- Large dogs: up to half a banana
Start with a small piece. Too much can cause an upset stomach or constipation.
Can dogs eat banana peels?
Banana peels aren't toxic, but they're tough and hard to digest. A peel can cause vomiting or, in some cases, get stuck in the gut. Always peel the banana first, and call your vet if your dog swallowed a whole peel and starts vomiting or stops eating.
Ways to serve banana
- Bite-sized slices as a training reward
- Mashed on top of their usual food
- Frozen slices on a hot day
- Mashed into a stuffable toy with a little xylitol-free peanut butter, then frozen
Skip banana chips, banana bread, and banana-flavored sweets: they're high in sugar and fat and may contain raisins or chocolate.
Helpful tools and guides
- Dog food calculator
Find your dog's daily calories and treat budget.
- Can dogs eat peanut butter?
A favorite pairing, but check for xylitol.
- What can dogs eat?
Our full list of safe and dangerous foods.
Frequently asked questions
Can puppies eat bananas?
Yes, in tiny amounts. A small piece of banana is fine for most puppies, but their main food should provide nearly all their nutrition while they grow. Introduce any new food slowly.
Can bananas help a dog's upset stomach?
Some owners give a little banana for mild tummy upsets because of its fiber, but there's little evidence it helps, and too much can make things worse. If your dog has diarrhea or vomiting for more than a day, or seems unwell, see your vet.
Can dogs eat dried banana chips?
It's best not to. Banana chips are often fried and sweetened, so they're much higher in fat, sugar, and calories than fresh banana, and they're hard and chewy.
Sources
- American Kennel Club. Can Dogs Eat Bananas? (AKC expert advice).
- Cline MG, Burns KM, Coe JB, et al. 2021 AAHA Nutrition and Weight Management Guidelines for Dogs and Cats. Journal of the American Animal Hospital Association, 2021; 57(4): 153 to 178.
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