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Can Dogs Eat Bananas?

Can Dogs Eat Bananas?

Updated on July 18, 2024
Reviewer Profile Photo
Reviewed by Petco’s Animal Care
Education and Compliance (ACE) Team

“Can my dog eat bananas?” The answer is yes, but you should always consult your veterinarian before introducing any new foods into your dog’s diet to ensure it’s appropriate for their unique nutritional needs.  For easier digestion, we recommend peeling and slicing them before serving. 

At Petco, we’re as concerned about your dog’s wellness as you are. That’s why we’re here to let you know about the pros and cons of making bananas a go-to treat.

Health benefits of bananas for dogs

Dogs can eat bananas, but are bananas good for dogs? Yes, in small quantities, bananas can be good for dogs. They’re not only a tasty snack but also a great source of magnesium, potassium, biotin, vitamin B6 and fiber. Potassium helps support heart, kidney, muscle and digestive health. . Magnesium helps dogs maintain their  energy and supports their metabolism, while fiber helps aid digestion. 

When frozen or mixed with peanut butter, bananas can be a great alternative to traditional dog treats.

As with most things, however, moderation is key. Due to their high fiber content, bananas may give some dogs diarrhea or digestive issues. Bananas also have relatively high sugar content so aren’t the best snack choice for dogs with sugar limits—like growing puppies, diabetic dogs or obese dogs.

Feeding your dog bananas

Peel the fruit, then slice it, break it into chunks, freeze it or mash it. 

When introducing any new food to your dog, consult your veterinarian first, then start with small portions to see if your dog likes it and that it doesn’t upset their stomach. 

» MORE: Learn about fruits and vegetables that dogs can and cannot eat.

Great for homemade banana dog treats

Can dogs eat bananas? Yes! And you don’t need to stop at just raw bananas? If you and your pup like to spend time together in the kitchen, there are plenty of recipes for how to make banana dog treats. Combining mashed bananas with oats and peanut butter can create a dough ideal for baking in the oven. Just bake and watch how well your dogs and banana treats go together.

Featured banana dog treats and banana dog biscuits

FAQs about feeding bananas to dogs

Now that you know that bananas can be a tasty treat for your dog, you may be asking, “How much banana can a dog eat?” Bananas should be considered a sometimes treat, as one medium banana contains roughly 14 grams of sugar. Given in moderation, this amount of sugar is relatively harmless. Keep in mind, however, that too much sugar on a regular basis can cause weight gain.

No. Avoid giving your dog banana bread. There are many different recipes for banana bread, but most of them contain added sugars and other ingredients that are unhealthy for dogs to eat. Some ingredients, like chocolate chips, can even be toxic. It’s best to stick to raw bananas or to make your own banana recipes for your pup.

Bananas are generally safe for dogs to eat. Your dog can even eat the peel, but it’s not too tasty and its fibrous makeup can cause digestive issues. If your dog has a sensitivity to sugar, they may experience an upset stomach if they eat too many banana slices at once, although this can be true of nearly any dog-safe food in large quantities.

While extremely rare, a dog can have a banana allergy. However, your dog is more likely to experience gastrointestinal complications from bananas rather than an allergic reaction.

If you suspect your dog has ingested something toxic or shows signs of a severe allergic reaction, contact your veterinarian immediately or call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at 888-426-4435.

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