Can Dogs Eat Bananas?

Medically Reviewed by Amy Flowers, DVM on September 13, 2024
Written by Jeffrey Weishaupt, Lori M. King, PhD
10 min read

Yes, bananas are a safe snack for dogs – as long as you don't give them too much. Bananas shouldn't make up the main part of your dog's diet because they have a lot of sugar. But they can be a healthy snack or treat. Veterinarians even sometimes recommend bananas as a healthy alternative to potentially salty and fatty treats.

Read on to learn more about how bananas can fit into your best buddy's healthy diet.

 

 

To understand why fruits like bananas can be safe for dogs, it's helpful to understand the difference between dogs and wolves. Dogs were domesticated from gray wolves about 13,000-17,000 years ago. Gray wolves are true carnivores that eat very little plant material in the wild. But since dogs have lived very closely with humans for thousands of years, they have developed changes in their digestive system that make them more like us. Humans are omnivores. Omnivores must eat some plant materials as well as meat to meet all their nutritional needs. Dogs make a special protein (an enzyme) in their pancreas called amylase that wolves don't make. Amylase helps dogs digest carbohydrates, like those in fruits and vegetables. 

Bananas aren't a necessary part of your pup's diet, but they can give your dog a boost in some important nutrients, such as:

  • Potassium, which is important for the proper function of your dog's heart, nerves, and muscles
  • Vitamin B6, which is a very important vitamin that helps your dog make glucose and red blood cells. It also helps their nervous and immune systems function and helps regulate their hormones.
  • Vitamin C, which is an important antioxidant to reduce inflammation in your dog's body. Dogs can make this vitamin in their liver, but getting a little extra can be helpful in some cases.
  • Magnesium, which is important for your dog's ability to break down their food and absorb other nutrients
  • Copper, which helps your dog absorb the iron they get in their diet, make red blood cells, and maintain their nervous and immune systems
  • Biotin, which helps your dog break down and absorb the food they eat

Bananas also give your dog fiber, which is the part of plant foods that is a bit harder to digest. Your dog doesn't necessarily need to get fiber in their diet, but it can have some benefits, such as:

  • It can help absorb toxins in their digestive system that may make them sick.
  • It can help protect the lining of their intestines from the bile acids that help them digest their food.
  • It can help them absorb some of the nutrients from their food (although too much fiber can do the opposite). 

Though fiber does have some benefits for dogs, too much can cause an upset stomach and diarrhea, so they shouldn't eat too much. And bananas are also high in sugar. Eating too much sugar can put your dog at risk of medical conditions, such as overweight and diabetes. If your dog already has other health issues, like overweight, ask your veterinarian if it's OK for them to eat bananas.

How much banana can a dog eat?

Overall, treats, including bananas, should only make up about 10% of your dog's daily calories. Before you give your dog new foods, especially food and treats not specifically made for dogs, check with your veterinarian. Just like humans, your dog can have food allergies. If your dog has never had banana before, try giving them a few small pieces to see how they react. Signs they aren't tolerating the food well include:

  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhea
  • Belly pain
  • Lethargy (low energy)

Instead of stomach upset, some dogs with allergies may get skin and ear conditions that take time to develop, such as itchy skin, sores, or ear infections. If your best buddy shows these signs, your vet will likely suggest you cut out all of their treats and do some tests to help you figure out what's causing their skin issues. Ask your vet for your next steps.

Double-check with your vet, but here are some basic serving suggestions for bananas based on your dog's size:

  • Extra-small dogs (2-20 pounds): one or two slices (each slice about ¼-inch thick)
  • Small dogs (21-30 pounds): up to three slices
  • Medium dogs (31-50 pounds): up to six slices
  • Large dogs (51-90 pounds): a handful of slices
  • Extra-large dogs (91 pounds and over): up to half a banana

Can a dog eat frozen bananas?

Yes, dogs can eat frozen banana. It can make a refreshing treat for them when the weather is hot. Just make sure the banana is peeled. Also, don't feed them more than you would if the banana was not frozen. You can even try putting a little mashed banana or a few banana slices into a Kong (or other stuffable) toy and freezing it to keep your dog cool and busy during the summer.

No, your dog shouldn't eat banana peels. The peels aren't toxic to dogs, but they do have a lot of fiber, which makes them very hard for your dog to digest. This can cause your pup to throw up and have diarrhea. Also, the peels can have a lot of pesticide residue, which can further make your doggo sick.

And in some cases, a banana peel can block your dog's digestive system (also called a bowel obstruction). A block in your dog's digestive system can cause:

  • Severe pain
  • Serious fluid loss, leading to dehydration
  • Intestinal rupture
  • Death

If your dog happens to get hold of a banana peel, watch out for the following symptoms of bowel obstruction:

  • Repeated vomiting
  • Diarrhea
  • Loss of appetite
  • Dehydration, especially if they can't hold any water down
  • Bloating
  • Belly pain – you may be able to tell if your dog is standing with a hunched posture
  • Whining

A pup with these symptoms needs to go see their veterinarian as soon as possible.

Yes, puppies can eat bananas just like older dogs. But you'll want to keep the amount you feed a puppy even lower than the amount you feed an adult dog. Try just one or two small pieces at a time. 

Also, don't try to give them too many new foods on the same day. They could have food allergies or sensitivities, and it will be easier for you to figure out what's causing their problem if you only introduce one new food at a time. Try introducing banana, then wait a few days to make sure it agrees with their digestive system.

Just like people, individual dogs have different taste preferences. Many dogs like bananas, while some don't. Try feeding your dog a few small pieces to see if they like it – and to make sure it doesn't upset their stomach. You can also mash a few slices up to mix with their regular dog food to see if they like it better that way. Or spread some dog-safe peanut butter on a slice to see if they like that. 

Dog-safe peanut butter has no added salt, sugar, sugar substitutes, or other additives. Ideally, you're looking for peanut butter that is ground peanuts and nothing else. Some brands labeled "natural" may be good options, but double-check the label. Especially look out for the sugar substitute xylitol. (It may also be called sugar alcohol on the nutrition label.) Many peanut butter brands have this added, but it can be deadly to your dog. 

If your dog doesn't like banana, that's OK. Dogs don't need to eat banana to be healthy. And there are plenty of other healthy vegetables and some fruits they can try if you're looking to supplement the nutrients in their regular dog food. 

Dogs probably shouldn't eat banana bread. This is because it often contains ingredients that are toxic to dogs, like raisins and nutmeg. Also, most banana bread contains a lot of sugar or artificial sweeteners, such as xylitol. And most banana bread recipes are made with wheat flour. It's relatively rare, but some dogs have allergies or sensitivities to wheat and other grains.

This depends on the type of banana chip. Most are fried in oil with salt and sugar added. These types probably aren't good snacks for your pup. Other types are dehydrated, dried, or baked. These may be fine, but you should read the label to make sure it doesn't have additives that may be bad for your dog.

If you do give your dog banana chips, only give them one or two chips because dried fruit can absorb a lot of water from their digestive system. Also, a dried banana slice is a more concentrated dose of fiber than a fresh banana slice, which can cause a stomachache and diarrhea.

As with banana bread, dogs probably shouldn't eat banana cake. Cake made for people usually contains a lot of sugar and possibly salt, which aren't good for your pup. Some cakes also contain other ingredients, like raisins and chocolate, which are highly toxic to dogs and can kill them. 

Some pet stores and bakeries sell "doggy cakes" or "pupcakes" with bananas that are made specially for dogs. These may be fine as an occasional treat. Before buying, read the labels to make sure that the cakes don't have ingredients your dog is allergic or sensitive to. 

If you like baking, you could even try baking your doggo some banana cake using a dog-friendly recipe. That way, you know everything that went into the cake and can ensure it will sit well on your pup's stomach.

Yes, dogs can generally eat plantain, as long as it's cooked. Plantain is closely related to banana. It looks like a slightly bigger banana, but it's usually picked when it's unripe. So, you'll probably see them at the grocery store with green skin. Plantain has less sugar than banana, and it tends to be starchier, firmer, and it can be hard to digest when it's raw. 

Plantain has some of the same benefits as banana for dogs. For instance, it's got lots of fiber, vitamins, and minerals. But you shouldn't feed your doggo raw plantain. It needs to be cooked to make it digestible for them. The best way to cook them for your dog is to boil them in plain water before slicing into chunks small enough for your dog to eat without choking. You can bake them, as well, but if you do, don't add any oil, sugar, or salt. 

As with banana, keep the portion sizes small to prevent an upset stomach. Ask your vet, but you can use the portion size recommendations for banana as a general guideline for how much cooked plantain is right for your best buddy.

Signs your dog may have eaten too much banana and has an upset stomach include:

  • Loss of appetite or decreased appetite
  • Fatigue
  • Drinking less water than usual
  • Gulping, licking their lips, the air, or objects around them

If your dog has any of these signs, give your vet a call. If your dog develops vomiting, diarrhea, blood in their vomit or poop, weakness, or if it collapses, take them to your regular vet if they're open or the emergency vet right away.

 

Bananas can be a safe and healthy snack or treat for dogs of all ages. But they do have a lot of fiber and natural sugar in them, so you want to keep the portion size right for your dog. For most dogs, this is probably just a slice or two at a time. If your dog has never had banana before, only give them a small piece or two and then monitor them for a couple of days. You want to make sure it doesn't upset their stomach or cause an allergic reaction. Stick with plain, raw or frozen banana for the best nutrition for your doggo.

What foods are toxic to dogs?

Humans and dogs can eat many of the same foods – but not all. Some foods that are good for people can be toxic or dangerous for dogs. Before you give your dog a bite of your snack, make sure you know it's safe for them. If in doubt, always ask your vet before feeding your dog new foods. 

Some of the most common "people" foods that are toxic to dogs include:

  • Avocados
  • Candy – especially anything with chocolate or the sugar substitute xylitol
  • Cherry pits
  • Coffee and tea
  • Garlic and garlic powder
  • Grapes and raisins
  • Onions, onion powder, and onion flakes
  • Macadamia nuts
  • Any green parts (leaves and stems) of potato or tomato plants
  • Walnuts

Aside from bananas, what fruit is good for dogs?

Some fruits that are good for dogs are:

  • Apples, which are good sources of vitamins A and C and fiber. Just make sure to remove the seeds (which are poisonous to dogs) and the core (which your dog can choke on).
  • Blueberries, which is a "superfood" for humans and doggos both. They have lots of antioxidants, fiber, and phytochemicals, which are plant chemicals that can help prevent and fight some diseases.
  • Cantaloupe, which are filled with nutrients, fiber, and water. They do have a lot of natural sugar, so just like bananas, keep the portion sizes small.
  • Cucumbers, which have a lot of vitamins K, C, and B1 and minerals like potassium, copper, magnesium, and biotin. They also have no carbohydrates or fat and have lots of water. They can make a great hot weather treat for your buddy straight out of the fridge.
  • Mango, which has a lot of vitamins A, B6, C, and E, as well as potassium and alpha- and beta-carotene. Make sure you remove the pit first. Also, keep portion sizes low because it's high in sugar.
  • Orange, which has a lot of vitamin C, potassium, and fiber. Make sure you remove the seeds and the peel before feeding it to your pupper.
  • Peach, which has a lot of vitamin A and fiber. Make sure you remove all traces of the pit, though, before you feed it to them. The pits in fruits like peaches, apricots, and cherries have cyanide in them, which is poisonous.
  • Pears, which are high in vitamins C and K, fiber, and copper. As with apples, remove the seeds and core first.
  • Pineapple, which is full of vitamins, minerals, and fiber. It also has bromelain, which is an enzyme that can help your doggo digest the meat they eat. 
  • Pumpkin, which is full of antioxidants. It can help soothe your dog's stomach if they have constipation or diarrhea.
  • Strawberries, which have vitamin C and fiber. Keep the portion sizes moderate.
  • Watermelon, which has lots of vitamin A, B6, and C and potassium. It also has lots of water to keep your dog well-hydrated. Just make sure to remove the rind and seeds.
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