Why
Bananas contain potassium, vitamin B6 and fiber, and their soft texture suits older dogs. They are also higher in natural sugar than many other fruits.
The peel is not toxic but is hard to digest and can cause a blockage, so remove it before serving.
What to watch out for
- Constipation or upset stomach if too much is eaten
- Sugar content for overweight or diabetic dogs
- Peels, which are hard to digest
How to serve it
- Peel and cut into slices.
- Mash a little into a food puzzle, or freeze slices for a cool treat.
- Avoid banana bread and banana chips with added sugar.
How much?
Large dogs can have a few thin slices of banana, small dogs one or two.
What about banana bread, banana chips and banana treats?
Plain banana is fine. The trouble is usually what has been added to it.
Banana bread is a good example. A plain slice is mostly flour, sugar and butter, which adds calories and fat without much benefit. Many recipes also add ingredients that are toxic to dogs.
- Chocolate chips: chocolate is toxic to dogs
- Raisins: linked to kidney failure in dogs
- Macadamia nuts: can cause weakness and tremors
- Sugar-free versions: may be sweetened with xylitol, which is dangerous for dogs
My dog ate a whole banana, peel and all. Now what?
A whole banana is a lot of sugar and fiber for one sitting. Most dogs get away with a soft stool or a bit of gas and are back to normal within a day.
The peel is the bigger worry, especially for a small dog. It is tough and fibrous, and a large piece can get stuck in the stomach or intestine. Watch your dog for the next day or two. Call your vet if you see repeated vomiting, loss of appetite, a painful or swollen belly, straining without passing stool, or unusual tiredness. These can be signs of a blockage, which needs a vet to diagnose.
Using banana as a training reward or a lick-mat spread
Mashed banana spreads easily and sticks well. That makes it useful for lick mats and rubber puzzle toys, where a thin layer keeps a dog busy for a while without adding much food. Freezing the filled toy makes it last longer.
For training, a tiny piece works better than a slice. Dogs care about how often they are rewarded more than how big the reward is, so cut pieces about the size of a pea.
If your dog is overweight, diabetic, or on a prescription diet, ask your vet before making banana a regular part of the routine. The sugar adds up quickly when it is given many times a day.
Common questions
Are bananas good for dogs?
Yes, as an occasional treat. Bananas contain potassium, vitamin B6 and fiber, and their soft texture suits older dogs. They are also higher in natural sugar than many other fruits.
Are bananas bad for dogs?
Not in sensible amounts. The main thing to watch: constipation or upset stomach if too much is eaten.
Are dogs allowed to have bananas?
Yes. Peel and cut into slices.
Sources
Topic references
General care and safety
If your dog has eaten something toxic, contact your veterinarian or an emergency animal hospital right away. Do not wait for symptoms. In the US you can also call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435 or the Pet Poison Helpline at (855) 764-7661 (fees may apply).