Can Dogs Eat Bananas?

Bananas are the perfect healthy snack. They’re sweet and creamy, they’re loaded with essential vitamins and nutrients, and they come encased in their own easy to peel wrapper. 

But can dogs eat bananas? They sure can! Read on to find out why bananas are a great treat for your dog. 

Can dogs have bananas?

Yes! Dogs can eat bananas. 

Fresh bananas are both delicious and nutritious, and they make a great healthy, fat-free, low-calorie snack for your dog. They’re the perfect treat!

Are bananas good for dogs?

Yes, bananas are good for dogs. They’re a great snack, with many health benefits. Plus, they taste great and many dogs enjoy them. 

But what makes bananas so healthy? Let’s break it down. 

Bananas are a great source of the following vitamins and minerals:

• Fiber: Promotes healthy bowel movements, colon health, and relieves your dog of constipation. It also aids in weight management. 
• Potassium: Helps muscle development, supports healthy kidney and heart function, and aids in healthy bone density. 
• Vitamin C: This antioxidant boosts your dog’s immune system, supports healthy aging, and reduces inflammation.
• Vitamin B6: This vital coenzyme is responsible for glucose generation, red blood cell and nervous system function, and hormone regulation, among other things.
• Magnesium: Promotes bone growth and helps the body produce protein and absorb vitamins. 
• Biotin: Great for maintaining healthy skin and coat, supporting muscle development, and improved energy.  

Bananas are packed with nutrients, and besides that, they’re also low in fats and cholesterol. 

In addition to the health benefits, bananas make a great treat because they’re inexpensive and generally available year-round. I like to throw one in my bag while out for the day or on a hike, since they’re an easy snack that both my dog and I can enjoy together. 

It’s important to note, however, that bananas should always be given as a treat. They should not be relied on to supply your dog with any essential nutrients. Your dog should eat a complete and balanced diet.

Think of all the benefits that a banana provides as an added bonus! 

Can puppies eat bananas?

When it comes to puppies, it’s always best to check with your veterinarian. Puppies require a specific diet for proper growth and development, so their nutritional needs are different from those of an adult dog. 

While you may be able to give older puppies a bit of banana as a snack, they should never be considered an essential part of their diet, only an added supplement. Speak to your veterinarian to decide what’s best.

Can dogs eat banana peels?

Good news: banana peels are not toxic to dogs, so if your dog swallows a bit of peel, don’t panic. That said, you probably shouldn’t start feeding your dog whole bananas!

While peels aren’t toxic, they do contain a lot of fiber, making them difficult to digest. Eating too much banana peel can cause vomiting and diarrhea, or even cause a blockage. 

It’s best to feed your dog the fruit of the banana, and skip the peel – compost it instead!

How much is too much banana?

Too much of anything is never good, and that goes for bananas too. 

Even though bananas are super healthy, they’re also high in sugar. If you feed your dog large quantities of bananas too frequently, it can lead to obesity, diabetes, or constipation. 

Too much banana can also lead to an upset stomach, even without the peel. 

Be extra careful if your dog has issues with their kidneys, as bananas are high in potassium. Too much potassium in the blood can cause weakness and disorientation. Always consult your vet about dietary changes if your dog is predisposed to kidney issues.  

Be sure to feed your dog banana in moderation. It should be a special treat, not a meal. 

I’ve been told that large dogs shouldn’t have more than a half of a banana per day, and small dogs should eat no more than a couple of small slices each day. Speak to your vet for personalized recommendations, they can tell you the best serving size based on your dog’s age, size and health. 

As a rule of thumb, remember that treats should not make up more than 10 percent of your dog’s diet.

Can dogs eat frozen bananas?

Yes! Dogs can eat frozen bananas. They’re a great summer time treat. 

A frozen banana changes the temperature (obviously) and texture of the fruit, making it a totally new experience for your dog. Even if your dog doesn’t like to eat fresh banana, they might enjoy frozen banana. Give it a try! 

One of my favorite ways to eat frozen bananas is in ice cream. Check out this dog ice cream recipe. It’s easy to make, and has only one ingredient (can you guess what?). The best part – it’s both human and dog-friendly. 

Can dogs eat dried bananas?

Yes, dogs can eat dried bananas. 

They make for a great, crunchy, low-calorie treat. Like regular bananas, the dried banana should be given in moderation, as a treat.

Can dogs eat banana chips?

Yes, dogs can eat banana chips, but they don’t make the best treats. 

Banana chips are deep fried, and generally coated in sugar or honey. Even though these ingredients aren’t toxic for your dog, they’re not exactly healthy either. Skip the empty calories and give your dog a healthier treat instead. 

Can dogs eat banana bread?

I’d skip the banana bread. 

Banana bread is a dessert that contains ingredients that aren’t particularly nutritious for dogs (or humans, for that matter), like lots of sugar and butter. Some banana bread even contains ingredients that are toxic for dogs, like chocolate chips. 

It’s best to leave the banana bread to the humans, and give your dog something else. 

Can dogs eat banana muffins?

While we’re on the topic of breaded goods made with bananas, I’d say skip the banana muffins too. They’ve got sugar, butter, starch, and other ingredients that could cause your dog to get an upset stomach. 

Can dogs eat banana pudding?

They can, but they certainly shouldn’t! 

Banana pudding is a classic Southern dessert that has luscious layers of pudding, whipped cream, ripe bananas, and wafer cookies. It’s loaded with added sugars and other ingredients that may be harmful to your dog, and hard for them to digest. I’d stay away from the fatty desserts and stick to plain old bananas. 

Ways to feed your dog bananas:

There are so many ways to feed your dog bananas as a tasty and nutritious snack. Here are a few:

• Keep it simple and cut the banana into small pieces or slices. It can be given directly to your dog as a treat, or added to their meal for a bit of fruity flavor. 
• Mash the banana into your dog’s food. This is great for older dogs with few teeth. 
• Stuff it into a Kong and freeze it – great on a hot day or as a healthy snack.
• Freeze a whole banana and then slice it as a summertime treat.
• Mix it with dog-safe ingredients, like peanut butter or yogurt. 

Can dogs be allergic to bananas?

Just like humans, dogs may have adverse reactions to particular foods. When experimenting with new foods for your pup, always keep an eye out to adverse reactions, like itchiness, excessive licking, or tummy issues, such as diarrhea or vomiting. If any come up, stop serving them banana immediately and contact your veterinarian. 

Learn about other fruits your dog can enjoy here.