Can Dogs Eat Green Bananas? Are Unripe Bananas Good For Dogs?

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

Can dogs eat green bananas? While ripe bananas are a well-known treat for dogs, offering a range of health benefits and a sweet taste they often enjoy, the question of whether dogs can safely consume green or unripe bananas is less clear. While green bananas may offer certain nutritional benefits, such as lower sugar content and higher fiber in resistant starch, these features can make them less suitable for dogs, especially in larger quantities. However, in some cases, research may support the comsumption of green bananas in dogs. Let’s dive in!

What Are Green Bananas?

Green bananas are unripe versions of yellow bananas we commonly enjoy. They are harvested before they fully ripen on the plant. Their peel is green, firm, and thicker than a ripe banana at this stage. The texture inside is also harder and less sweet than ripe bananas’ soft, sweet taste.

Green vs. Yellow Bananas — What’s The Difference?

Besides being different colors, green and yellow bananas differ nutritionally in several ways.

Green Bananas	Yellow Bananas
Higher in resistant starch	Lower in resistant starch
Lower in sugar	Higher in sugar
Lower on the glycemic index	Higher on the glycemic index
Not as easily digestible	More easily digestible
Higher in micronutrients	Lower in micronutrients
Lower antioxidant properties	Higher antioxidant properties

Are Green Bananas Good For Dogs?

Research indicates that unripe bananas are beneficial. Green bananas have been used as a complementary medicine to treat conditions like GI problems, ulcers, infections, diabetes, diarrhea, colitis, blood sugar regulation, and cancer.^[1],[2],[3] Green bananas are rich in resistant starch and pectin, which can act as prebiotics and feed the beneficial bacteria in the gut.^[4],[5] It can also increase the production of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) like butyrate, propionate, and acetate, which are important for digestive health.^[6] Furthermore, the resistant starch and pectin in unripe bananas can help control blood sugar levels.

World-renowned veterinarian Dr. Karen Becker also highlights the benefits of unripe bananas in her book, The Forever Dog. Dr. Becker says green bananas are a simple, easy way to build gut health.

Green Bananas Components Toxicity Analysis In Dogs

Are Green Bananas Toxic to Dogs?

No, green bananas are not toxic to dogs. While the main individual components of green bananas are not inherently unsafe for dogs, the highly resistant starch and fiber content can cause digestive issues, especially if fed in large quantities or to dogs with sensitive stomachs. Green bananas contain proteins similar to those that cause allergic reactions to latex, potentially triggering a response in dogs with latex allergies. This is known as latex-fruit syndrome. Although latex allergies in dogs are rare, it’s important to remember this.^[7] Green bananas contain tannins, which have been found to decrease appetite, slow growth rate, reduce nutrient absorption from food, and poorer digestion of protein in animals.^[8]

Can Dogs Eat Green Bananas?

Yes, dogs can eat green bananas. Green bananas could provide some nutrients and benefits that ripe bananas don’t. However, they may not be the best choice due to their high resistant starch levels and fiber content. Dogs may also dislike the taste and texture of green bananas. It’s important to exercise caution and strict control over the quantity should you choose to feed green bananas to your dog. Sometimes, unripe bananas may be ideal for dogs with certain health conditions like diabetes and obesity. 6 out of 6 components in green bananas are safe for dogs.

NOTE: Always consult your vet before giving your dog new food, especially human foods. Foods that are safe for some dogs may not be suitable for yours due to factors like age, health, and diet. Dogs on prescription diets should not be fed any food or treats outside the diet.

Health Benefits of Bananas For Dogs

The exact nutrient profile of green bananas is not available. However, unripe bananas should contain nutrients similar to those when they are ripe.

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

Here are a few more reasons why green bananas may be good for dogs:

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:

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

As with any new food, starting slowly and feeding gradually is recommended to give the digestive system time to adjust. 

How Many Green 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 like 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

Possible Side Effects & Risks of Green Bananas In Dogs

The following symptoms may indicate a bad reaction to unripe bananas.

What Should I Do If My Dog Reacted Badly to Unripe Bananas?

You should immediately stop feeding your dog green bananas if he reacts negatively. Remove all access and ensure they have access to fresh water to maintain hydration. It’s important to call your veterinarian if your dog is experiencing any of the symptoms listed above or if you’re concerned about your dog’s condition.

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

Are Dogs Allergic to Unripe Bananas?

Can Puppies Eat Green Bananas?

While green bananas aren’t toxic, they’re generally not recommended for puppies. This is because puppies have more sensitive digestive systems and are still developing their tolerance for various foods. They are often more prone to upset stomachs after eating new foods.

Safer Alternatives to Green Bananas For Dogs

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

Frequently Asked Questions

The Bottom Line

While green bananas can offer some beneficial nutrients for dogs, their highly resistant starch content can make them difficult to digest. If you choose to feed your dog green bananas, it should be in very small quantities and not as a regular part of their diet. Constantly monitor your dog for any signs of digestive discomfort, and consult with your veterinarian if you’re considering making significant changes to your dog’s diet. Other, more easily digestible fruits and vegetables can provide similar or better health benefits without the potential risks associated with green bananas.

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Sources

Canine Bible uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process and product review methodology to learn more about how we fact-check, test products, and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.

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2. Falcomer, A. L., Riquette, R. F. R., Lima, B. R. d., Ginani, V. C., & Zandonadi, R. P. (2019). Health Benefits of Green Banana Consumption: A Systematic Review. Nutrients, 11(6), 1222.
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