The Complete Guide to Dogs Eating Bananas: Good or Bad?

Q: Can Dogs Eat Banana Bread?

Yes, but only in small amounts — and only if it’s plain. Banana bread without added sugar, chocolate, raisins, xylitol, or artificial sweeteners can be given occasionally as a treat. However, most store-bought or homemade banana breads are high in sugar and fat, which can upset your dog’s stomach or contribute to weight gain. Always check the ingredients before offering even a small bite.

Q: Can Dogs Eat Banana Chips?

Yes, if they’re unsweetened and unseasoned. Plain, dehydrated banana chips can be a crunchy and fun treat for dogs in moderation. However, many commercial banana chips are fried or coated with sugar or preservatives, which are not healthy for dogs. Look for all-natural, single-ingredient banana chips — or make your own at home using a dehydrator or oven.

Q: Can Dogs Eat Banana Cake?

Not recommended. Banana cake often contains sugar, butter, baking powder, and potentially harmful ingredients, such as chocolate, nutmeg, or artificial flavorings. Even if it seems safe, it’s usually too rich and sweet for a dog’s digestive system. Instead, consider making a dog-friendly version using banana, oat flour, and a small amount of honey or peanut butter.

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This content was reviewed and fact-checked by veterinarian Dr. Aukse Caraite, DVM.

Yes, dogs can eat bananas; this sweet and nutritious fruit can be a healthy treat for most dogs. But before you start sharing your snack, there are a few important things to consider. While bananas are an important beneficial nutrients, there’s a hidden side to this seemingly perfect fruit. How much banana is safe for dogs? Could the high fiber and sugar content upset sensitive stomachs? And what’s the best way to include bananas in your dog’s diet without causing unintended health issues? In this guide, we’ll break down the nutritional benefits, potential risks, and the best ways to serve them.

Are Bananas Good For Dogs?

Bananas can be a healthy and nutritious treat for dogs when given in moderation.

Bananas are rich in potassium and vitamin B6, which support heart and muscle function.
They contain prebiotics and fiber that can help regulate digestion, promote a healthy gut microbiome, prevent constipation, and promote regular bowel movements.
Bananas are a good source of vitamin C, helping support immune system health.
Bananas contain magnesium, which aids in bone growth and energy production.
Their soft texture makes them easy to mash and mix with meals or stuff into toys.

According to the Food Quality & Safety report, bananas are rich in antioxidants, including phenolics and carotenoids, which help combat oxidative stress and may reduce the risk of chronic diseases. These antioxidants support overall cellular health and can contribute to longevity. A review published in the Journal of Animal Physiology and Animal Nutrition in 2022 highlights the nutritional and health benefits of including plant-based ingredients in canine diets. The review suggests that phytonutrients found in fruits, such as bananas, may offer health benefits. Veterinarians often recommend bananas as a low-fat, cholesterol-free, and nutritious treat that supports overall health and well-being.

The natural sugars in bananas provide a quick energy source, making them an excellent treat for active dogs needing a boost during exercise or play. However, due to their high sugar content, it’s essential to offer bananas in moderation to prevent digestive issues and excessive calorie intake.

Benefits

According to the USDA, 100 grams (or about 4 ounces) of bananas contain the following nutrients:

Banana Nutrition Chart

Nutrient Analysis

Component	Description	Nutritional Value (per 100g of Raw Banana)	Safe for Dogs?
Water	Keeps dogs hydrated and supports digestion	74.9g	✅ Safe
Calories	Provides quick energy from natural sugars	89 kcal	✅ Safe (in moderation)
Carbohydrates	Main energy source	22.8g	✅ Safe
Natural Sugars	Includes glucose, fructose, and sucrose	12.2g	✅ Safe (limit for diabetic dogs)
Fiber	Supports digestion and bowel regularity	2.6g	✅ Safe
Protein	Minimal amount	1.1g	✅ Safe
Fat	Negligible amount	0.3g	✅ Safe
Vitamin C	Boosts immune health	8.7mg	✅ Safe
Vitamin B6	Helps brain function and hormone balance	0.4mg	✅ Safe
Potassium	Supports muscle and nerve function	358mg	✅ Safe
Magnesium	Essential for energy and muscle health	27mg	✅ Safe
Manganese	Supports metabolic and bone functions	0.27mg	✅ Safe
Folate (Vitamin B9)	Essential for DNA and cell health	20µg	✅ Safe
Choline	Supports liver and brain development	9.8mg	✅ Safe
Antioxidants	Includes dopamine and catechins	Varies	✅ Safe
Peel	Hard to digest, may cause blockage	—	❌ Not recommended (remove peel)
Overconsumption	May cause constipation or sugar spikes	—	⚠️ Limit intake

Risks & Considerations Before Feeding Bananas to Dogs

While bananas can be a safe and nutritious treat for dogs when given in moderation, there are several risks and considerations to keep in mind before feeding them to your canine companion:

Banana peels: Banana peels are not toxic to dogs, but they can be difficult to digest and may cause gastrointestinal upset, blockages, or choking, especially in small dogs or those prone to gulping food. Peels may also carry pesticide residue, posing an additional risk.
Digestive upset: While the fiber in bananas can aid digestion, too much can cause bloating, gas, or mild stomach discomfort, especially in dogs with sensitive stomachs.
High sugar content: Bananas contain natural sugars, which can lead to weight gain or digestive issues if fed in large quantities. Dogs with diabetes or obesity should only be given bananas sparingly, under the guidance of a veterinarian.

Are Dogs Allergic to Bananas?

Most dogs are not allergic to bananas, and it’s generally considered safe for canine consumption. However, some dogs may develop an allergic reaction, as with any food. Food allergies in dogs typically manifest as itchy skin, hives, infections, and anaphylaxis (a medical emergency) in severe cases. If you suspect your dog is having an allergic reaction to any food, including bananas, it is crucial to consult a veterinarian. Additionally, conducting an at-home dog allergy test like the 5Strands can help determine if your dog is allergic or intolerant to certain foods. For a more comprehensive approach, consider an at-home dog gut health test, like the Embark Gut Health Test, which can provide deeper insights into your dog’s digestive health and immune function. These tests can help identify food sensitivities, bacterial imbalances, and other underlying issues contributing to allergies, allowing you to take proactive steps to prevent discomfort and support your dog’s overall well-being.

Risks

The following symptoms may indicate a bad reaction to bananas.

Discomfort and bloating
Gas
Upset stomach
Diarrhea
Vomiting
Loss of appetite
Lethargy

What to Do If A Dog Reacts Badly to Bananas

Dogs showing worsening symptoms, such as blood in their vomit or stool, difficulty breathing, weakness, or collapse, should be taken to the veterinarian immediately.

1. Contact a veterinarian immediately: Even if your dog seems fine, contact your veterinarian or an emergency pet poison hotline right away. This includes services such as the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at 1-888-426-4435 or the Pet Poison Helpline at 1-855-764-7661. If you can’t reach your vet, you can chat live with a registered online veterinary professional via our online vet chat or video chat support (24 hours a day, 7 days a week). You can also schedule an at-home veterinary appointment with The Vets, a mobile veterinary service that provides at-home vet care nationwide for just about everything.

2. Gather important information: When speaking to a veterinarian, provide the following details: the Quantity consumed (estimate if unsure), the time of ingestion, and the dog’s weight and breed (to assess potential risk).

3. Follow veterinary instructions: The vet may suggest monitoring at home or emergency treatment at the clinic.

Keep your dog calm and prevent them from eating anything else.
Be prepared to transport your dog to the vet quickly if advised.
Bring any remaining bananas or packaging to help the vet assess the situation.

How to Safely Feed Bananas to Dogs

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
Mash or slice to reduce the choking hazard
Treat bananas as an occasional treat, not a daily supplement. Once or twice a week at most
Monitor your dog and watch for signs of discomfort

Way to Feed Bananas

Mash the banana and add it as a meal topper
Stuff it into a Kong, either frozen or unfrozen, mashed banana
On a hot summer day, freeze the whole banana, peel it, and slice it
Mix it into a little peanut butter or other pet-friendly human foods
Bake up your own special at-home banana treat
Try dog treats with bananas, like Banana Bite chips, and Crunchy Dog banana treats are a great alternative

As with any new food, it is recommended to start slowly and feed gradually to give the digestive system time to adjust.

Best Banana Dog Treat

Wholesome Pride

VIEW ON AMAZON

For those who want to provide the benefits of bananas in a delicious, wholesome way, Wholesome Pride Banana Bites Dog Treats offer a naturally sweet and single-ingredient snack. Made with nothing but gently dried bananas, these chewy bites deliver a fiber-rich treat that supports digestive health and provides a natural energy boost, perfect for dogs with food sensitivities or those on limited-ingredient diets.

How Many Bananas Can Dogs Eat?

Treats should only constitute 10% of your dog’s diet, with the remaining 90% coming from well-balanced dog food. This guideline also applies to healthy treats, such as bananas. Below, you’ll find general guidelines for safely portioning bananas based on your dog’s weight.

Dog Size	Banana Serving	Breed Examples
Extra-small (2-15 lbs.)	1-2 small slices	Shih Tzu, Yorkies, Chihuahuas, Maltese
Small (16-25 lbs.)	1-2 small slices	Boston Terriers, Beagles, Dachshund
Medium (26-60 lbs.)	Up to a quarter of a whole banana	Bulldogs, Basset Hounds, Border Collies
Large (61-90 lbs.)	Up to a third of a whole banana	Golden Retrievers, Pit Bulls, Boxers, Labrador Retrievers
Extra-large (91+ lbs.)	Up to half of a whole banana	Bullmastiffs, Great Danes, Saint Bernards, Great Pyrenees

Can Puppies Eat Bananas?

Yes, puppies can eat bananas in moderation, like older dogs, but they should be given in smaller amounts. Since puppies have more sensitive digestive systems, it’s best to start with one or two small pieces at a time. Feeding them too much banana at once could lead to digestive upset, so moderation is key. When introducing bananas or any new food, it is essential to avoid giving multiple new foods on the same day. Puppies can have food allergies or sensitivities, and if they experience any issues, it will be easier to pinpoint the cause if you introduce only one new food at a time. Try offering a small amount of banana, then wait a few days to observe how their digestive system reacts before introducing another new treat.

Alternatives

Here’s a list of alternatives to bananas that are just as safe and nutritious.

Apples (without seeds)
Blueberries
Carrots
Pumpkin
Watermelon (without seeds)

Frequently Asked Questions

Dogs can eat bananas daily in small amounts, but moderation is key. While bananas provide beneficial nutrients like potassium, fiber, and vitamins, they also contain natural sugars, which can contribute to weight gain or digestive issues if overfed. For most dogs, a few small slices a few times a week is a better option than a daily serving.

Yes, dogs can eat old bananas if they are not moldy or rotten. Overripe bananas may be easier for dogs to digest, but they contain higher sugar levels, which should be taken into consideration. If a banana has mold, a strong fermented smell, or is completely mushy with blackened skin, it’s best to discard it.

Yes, bananas can cause diarrhea in dogs if given in excessive amounts. The high fiber content can sometimes lead to loose stools, especially in dogs with sensitive stomachs. If your dog experiences diarrhea after eating bananas, consider reducing the portion size or discontinuing the feeding.

Yes, but only in small amounts — and only if it’s plain. Banana bread without added sugar, chocolate, raisins, xylitol, or artificial sweeteners can be given occasionally as a treat. However, most store-bought or homemade banana breads are high in sugar and fat, which can upset your dog’s stomach or contribute to weight gain. Always check the ingredients before offering even a small bite.

Yes, if they’re unsweetened and unseasoned. Plain, dehydrated banana chips can be a crunchy and fun treat for dogs in moderation. However, many commercial banana chips are fried or coated with sugar or preservatives, which are not healthy for dogs. Look for all-natural, single-ingredient banana chips — or make your own at home using a dehydrator or oven.

Not recommended. Banana cake often contains sugar, butter, baking powder, and potentially harmful ingredients, such as chocolate, nutmeg, or artificial flavorings. Even if it seems safe, it’s usually too rich and sweet for a dog’s digestive system. Instead, consider making a dog-friendly version using banana, oat flour, and a small amount of honey or peanut butter.

The Bottom Line

Bananas can be a healthy and tasty treat for dogs when given in moderation. Packed with essential nutrients like potassium, vitamin B6, and fiber, they offer several benefits, from supporting digestion to promoting heart health. However, their natural sugar content means they should be fed in small portions to avoid weight gain or digestive issues. While bananas are not toxic, feeding overripe or moldy ones should be avoided, and the peel can pose a choking hazard. Are you curious whether green bananas offer the same benefits as ripe ones? Find out in Can Dogs Eat Green Bananas?

If you’re looking for other healthy snack options, check out the best dog treats to find safe and nutritious alternatives. You can also get creative in the kitchen with these homemade dog treat recipes for a natural and wholesome reward. Wondering about other common human foods? Learn whether egg whites are a safe protein source or if jelly belongs on your dog’s do-not-feed list.

Ultimately, bananas can be a great addition to your dog’s diet—but like any treat, balance is key. Paying attention to portion size and your dog’s tolerance will ensure they enjoy this nutritious fruit safely. If you’re unsure, consulting your vet is the best way to determine what works best for your pup’s needs.

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The Complete Guide to Dogs Eating Bananas: Good or Bad?

Are Bananas Good For Dogs?