Can dogs eat bananas?

Updated 19/04/2024

Can dogs have bananas and are bananas good for dogs? Well generally, yes - dogs can eat bananas in moderation, but they should never make up the bulk of your pup's diet. Bananas can provide your pup with a few micronutrients, so they make for a great ingredient when you're rustling up homemade dog treats for your ever so appreciated pooch.

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Are bananas poisonous to dogs?

First things first, are bananas okay for dogs of all shapes and sizes, or should some pups avoid the sugary treats altogether? Well while we can confirm that bananas certainly aren't toxic to dogs, you should always tread carefully when it comes to trying new foods with your pup. Try one at a time and monitor your dog's behavior and bowel movements, just in case the banana causes an upset stomach for some reason. So, are bananas safe for dogs to eat? Generally, yes, but always be careful when feeding your pup fruits and vegetables, doing your research first and treading with caution.  

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Are bananas good for dogs?

As a pet parent, you'll know your furry friend needs a diet centered around nutrient-rich dog food that's right for their age, breed and any other health concerns they've got going on. With that said though, there are some fruits and vegetables that can have a few health benefits for your furry pal. So, if you were wondering - is banana good for dogs - the answer is a partial yes - if fed in moderation as a treat every now and then. If you were wondering - can dogs eat bananas safely, then be sure to only treat your pooch to a small nibble on the odd occasion, or as part of a homemade dog treat. And just like with many vegetables, this fruit isn't a vital part of your pup's diet, so if you were wondering - should dogs eat banana - the answer is of course no - your pooch can live a perfectly happy life, banana-free, should you wish to avoid it altogether. 

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Can puppies eat bananas?

Are bananas safe for dogs if they're below a certain age, and can dogs have bananas while they're still developing? Well as long as the pup in your care is onto solid foods, you can certainly try them with a small nibble of banana. Tread with special caution the first time your pup gives banana a go, just in case any allergic reactions occur. And like with adult pups, banana should never make up the bulk of your pup's diet - think of banana as a small, occasional treat. And what about puppies on medication? Can dogs eat bananas while they're being treated by the vet if they're a puppy? We'd say your best bet is to consult your vet on this one - while it's unlikely the banana should interfere with any medication your puppy is having, it's always worth checking before introducing a new food into your pup's diet.

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Health benefits of bananas for dogs

While we all know that bananas are a great source of vitamins, minerals and a carbohydrate kick for us humans, what's the story when it comes to pups? Can dogs eat bananas and still get all the same health benefits as we do? Well in moderation, bananas can provide your pooch with a variety of micronutrients, including…

• potassium,
• vitamin B6 and C,
• magnesium,
• fiber,
• and manganese.

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Feeding your dog bananas

Along with simply feeding your pup a couple of slices as you enjoy the bulk of the banana, there are a few ways you might help your pooch to enjoy it. Here are a few ideas to get you started…

• Mash up the banana, fill ice cube molds and freeze. Then hide it inside a dog toy for your pooch to sniff out. Just watch that this doesn’t become a choking hazard.
• Mash it into your dog's usual meals.
• Freeze small slices for your pup to enjoy on a hot day. Make sure it is appropriate to your dog’s size and not a choking hazard.
• Cook up a storm in the kitchen and make your pup some homemade dog treats (check out our banana dog treats recipe and these banana peanut butter dog treats).

How much banana can a dog eat?

Just to be on the safe side, keep the amount of banana you feed your pup on the small side. While clearly a yummy and even nutritious snack, bananas aren't an essential part of your dog's diet. So, keep it to a few small slices per day at max, and if you'd like to increase it, consult your vet. Why? Well as a pet parent, you'll know no pooch is made the same, so the amount of banana they can take per day will differ depending on their age, breed, size and any health issues they're experiencing.  

Other banana products

Can dogs eat dried bananas?

Yes, dried banana is generally safe for your pup, but dehydrate it yourself. Why? Well shop-bought dried banana is often coated in sugar which is bad news for our furry friends.

Can dogs eat frozen bananas?

Yes, freezing banana is a great way for your pup to enjoy the fruit, especially on a hot day. So, when preparing banana for dogs, consider slicing it up and freezing it for a few hours or overnight before serving it up to your pup.

Can dogs eat banana peels?

Under no circumstances should your pup be gnawing on banana peels - it's difficult to digest and could cause intestinal blockages.

Other foods that are safe for dogs

So now we’ve answered your burning question - can dogs eat bananas - what about other foods dogs can eat? Explore more dog-safe foods below.  

• Mushrooms
• Potatoes
• Apples

Meet our veterinary expert, Greg

This article has been checked by veterinarian Dr Greg Steele MA VETMB MRCVS. A mixed vet working in the UK since qualifying from Cambridge University in 2015. Greg enjoys working with all species of animals in all settings, but equally takes pride in communication and education of clients too. He lives with his wife and their cat, and enjoys a variety of sports, gardening, and the great outdoors.