Fed in moderation, bananas can be a healthy occasional treat for your dog. Bananas are fat free, low calorie, low in sodium and high in many nutrients that are good for dogs:
- Fiber
- Potassium
- Magnesium
- Vitamin B6
- Vitamin C
Bananas are even an excellent source of antioxidants including flavonoids and amines. But bananas also have a lot of sugar, which isn’t good for dogs. The best source of nutrition is complete and balanced dog food, with bananas fed sparingly and once in a while.
Many dogs like bananas, and a taste of banana can make a great training treat. You can also use a small amount of banana to disguise a pill if your dog is on prescription medication.
How Much Banana Is Safe For Dogs?
How much banana is appropriate for your dog depends on their size and overall health. Treats should be no more than 10% of your dog’s daily calories. Dogs with diabetes shouldn’t eat any banana, unless otherwise directed by a vet, because of the high sugar content.
Feeding your dog too much banana (or too much of any treat) can result in unhealthy weight gain, so use these guidelines as a rule of thumb:
- Extra-large/giant breed dogs (over 90 lbs): ½ banana
- Large dogs (60-90 lbs): 6-7 slices
- Medium dogs (30-60 lbs): 4-6 slices
- Small dogs (15-30 lbs): 2-3 slices
- Extra-small/toy breed dogs (5-15 lbs): 1-2 slices
Banana slices should be thin, no more than a quarter inch (about the same thickness as corrugated cardboard). And remember this is the maximum amount for a treat, not a recommended serving!
As with any new food, check with your veterinarian before feeding your dog banana for the first time. Just like people, some dogs are allergic to banana, so keep an eye out for signs of allergy or food sensitivity including vomiting, diarrhea and itchiness.
No Banana Peels
Don’t feed your dog banana peels. They’re not toxic, but they’re very fibrous which makes them hard to digest. Banana peel could even be a choking hazard or cause a dangerous blockage.
If your dog does eat banana peel, contact your vet and follow their advice.
Will Bananas Help a Dog with Diarrhea?
Bananas can help humans with an upset stomach, but it’s not the same for dogs. The sugar in bananas can actually make your dog’s digestive discomfort worse.
If your dog has diarrhea two or more times in a row, or recurring instances of diarrhea, contact your veterinarian.
Banana Dog Treat Recipes
Never give your dog banana treats or processed foods made for humans – this includes banana bread and banana chips. Instead, use these dog treat recipes with banana to whip up a safe and healthy snack:
- Gluten-free peanut butter, banana & oat treats – With just four ingredients, these tasty biscuits come together in no time!
- Banana & broth pupsicles – Bananas and bone broth may not be your cup of tea, but it’s a winning combination for dogs!
- Banana strawberry chilled meal toppers – Blend, freeze, and treat! These work equally well as a pupsicle or hydrating bowl topper.
You can also create a custom barkuterie board featuring bananas and your dog’s other favorite foods for a special occasion!
Other Fruits Dogs Can Enjoy
Besides bananas, dogs can have several different types of fruit including strawberries, blueberries, apples and oranges. Pumpkin is great for dogs too!
Learn more about human foods your dog can eat, as well as human foods that are toxic to dogs.
If you’re looking to increase mealtime excitement for your pup, use our tips for feeding a picky dog, and read about the benefits of rotating proteins in your dog’s diet.
