Can dogs eat bananas?

Quick takeaways on bananas for dogs

• Bananas are safe for most dogs to eat; few dogs are allergic.
• They’re a natural healthy treat you can give your pooch in moderation.
• Regularly eating large quantities of bananas can lead to digestive issues and diabetes.

 

Eaten in small doses, bananas are safe for most dogs to eat - provided they’re not allergic. If you’ve given a chunk or two to your dog and they aren’t showing signs of an upset belly, they’re likely okay.

Bananas are a healthy natural snack you can share with your pooch in many ways – mashed onto a licking mat or sliced and frozen.

A little banana can also help dogs settle a bout of diarrhea. That’s because bananas contain a good amount of fibre and other important nutrients.

Banana allergies are rare in dogs, but make sure you check that they can digest bananas before you make them a regular snack.

Here, we answer some common questions about dogs and bananas.
 

Are bananas good for dogs?

Bananas contain potassium, magnesium, biotin, vitamins B6 and C, and fibre. They’re also low in calories, sodium and cholesterol.

Bananas can be a good addition to a healthy diet – if you give them in moderation.

Many dogs love their sweet flavour and soft texture, so you can use them as treats. Next time you peel one, give a nugget to your pooch to see if they like it.
 

How much banana can I feed my dog and how often?

The amount of banana you can feed your dog depends on their size.

As a rule of thumb, if your pooch is tiny, like a Chihuahua, they’re only allowed one small chunk of banana once a day.

Giant dog breeds, like Great Danes, can have up to half a banana a day. If you’re in doubt, ask your vet.
 

Can puppies eat bananas?

Bananas are safe for puppies, too. But pups have smaller stomachs than adult dogs. So feed them in smaller quantities.

 

Can bananas help with diarrhea in dogs?

Bananas can help relieve diarrhoea thanks to their high-fibre content. But too much banana can cause an upset tummy. So, balance is key.

If you’re trying to look after your dog from home and they have an upset tummy, only give them a small amount of banana.
 

What happens if my dog eats too much banana?

Giving your dog too much can cause diarrhea and vomiting because it contains a lot of potassium. Remember to keep portions small.

In the long term, feeding your dog bananas too often can also lead to diabetes, because they have a high sugar content.

To prevent this, avoid feeding your dog bananas daily and only use them as an occasional treat.
 

How do I feed my dog banana?

Because of their soft texture, bananas are versatile dog snacks.

Here are some ideas for turning bananas into dog-friendly treats:

• Peel, slice and freeze a banana
• Mash it on a licking mat
• Fill a stuffable toy with mashed banana and yoghurt, and freeze it.

If you want to settle your pooch’s stomach, but they don’t like plain bananas, mash a small quantity and mix it with their next meal.
 

Can dogs eat banana skins?

Banana skins aren’t toxic to dogs, but they can be hard to digest and break down because they contain lots of fibre.

Undigested food can lead to painful and dangerous intestinal blockages. So, always peel a banana before offering it to your pooch.
 

Can dogs be allergic to bananas? What are the key signs?

Dogs can be allergic to bananas, but this is a rare allergy.

Here are common symptoms of a banana allergy:

• Diarrhoea or vomiting
• Scratching and bum-scooting
• Swollen muzzle or eyes
• Swelling of the feet or face.

If you want to settle your pooch’s stomach, but they don’t like plain bananas, mash a small quantity and mix it with their next meal.
 

Can dogs eat banana bread?

Plain banana bread isn’t toxic to dogs, but it contains grains, nuts and lots of sugar, which aren’t good for them.

Some recipes include raisins, which are toxic to dogs. So it’s safer to keep the banana bread to yourself!
 

Can dogs eat dried banana?

Most commercial banana chip recipes include added sugar and preservatives, which can harm your dog.

If you dehydrate bananas at home without adding any sweeteners to them, you can feed them to your pooch. But, as this is quite a lot of faff, it’s best to stick to fresh banana – on occasion.
 

The bottom line

Bananas aren’t toxic to dogs. They contain quality nutrients and can help settle your dog’s stomach. So they’re a great natural and low-calorie treat you can give your pooch.

Just like with any other treat, moderation is key. Too much banana can cause an upset stomach and lead to diabetes in the long term.

Make sure your dog isn’t allergic to bananas. You can do this by offering them a nugget and monitoring them for at least 10 hours.
 

Want to make sure your dog is getting all the protein and nutrients they need? Try our personalised meal plans with high-quality raw ingredients.