Can Dogs Eat Bananas? Complete Safety Guide for Pet Parents

If you’ve ever peeled a banana and the soulful gaze of your pup interrupted your snack, you’re not alone. Dogs love to share in your food, and bananas are no exception. 

So if you’re wondering, can dogs eat bananas, and more importantly, are bananas actually good for dogs, you’re in the right place. 

In short, there’s good news: bananas are safe for most dogs and can be a fun, nutritious treat when served in small amounts. Bananas are naturally sweet, easy to mash, and fun to spread into a lick mat or other enrichment toy. 

Of course, like any responsible pet parent, you have questions. 

• How much banana can a dog eat?
• How can you introduce bananas safely?
• Are bananas safe for puppies? 

One thing to keep in mind is that bananas are high in natural sugar. That means portion control matters, especially for small dogs, puppies, a diabetic pup, or a pooch with a sensitive tummy. 

In this guide, we’ll share what banana-loving pet parents should know, including: 

• Are bananas good for dogs? (With a vet-backed nutrient breakdown)
• How much banana can a dog safely eat by size and age?
• Are bananas suitable for puppies, and can puppies eat bananas safely?
• How to serve bananas to dogs (fresh, frozen, mashed, enrichment ideas, etc.)
• Whether dogs can eat banana peels (spoiler: better skip them)
• Precautions for dogs with diabetes, GI sensitivity, or allergies

Are Bananas Good for Dogs?

Yes, bananas are good for dogs when served in appropriate amounts. They have puptastic nutrients that support canine health:

• Potassium (Supports muscles & nerve function): Potassium helps keep muscles functioning properly. According to the Merck Veterinary Manual, potassium is essential for neuromuscular activity in dogs.
• Vitamin B6 (Supports metabolism)
• Vitamin B6 plays a role in glucose regulation and brain health, and it boosts the immune system.
• Vitamin C (Antioxidant support): While dogs produce some vitamin C on their own, small dietary sources can provide additional antioxidant support.
• Fiber (Digestive health): Dogs need fiber to support a healthy digestion, and bananas are rich in fiber.

Bananas are also low in fat, which is ideal for pups who need a low-fat treat. They are gentle on the stomach: Vets often recommend bananas as part of a bland-diet rotation for dogs with mild stomach upset (confirm with your veterinarian before trying this).

Are Bananas Safe for Dogs? Important Precautions

While bananas are safe for many dogs, they aren’t the right dog treat for every pup. 

1. High in natural sugar: Too much sugar can contribute to weight gain or worsen diabetes. The American Veterinary Medical Association notes that treats with natural sugars should be limited for diabetic or overweight pets.
2. Too much banana may cause GI issues: Because bananas contain both soluble and insoluble fiber, too much can lead:
   • Constipation 
   • Soft stools 
   • Gas
   • Bloating
3. Dogs with kidney issues may need potassium limits: Dogs with renal disease often require controlled potassium intake, so bananas may not be appropriate.
4. Not ideal for dogs with chronic GI diseases: Dogs with pancreatitis, chronic diarrhea, or other GI issues may not tolerate bananas well. Check with your vet first.

As always, when you’re introducing a new food to your dog, introduce it slowly. Then, watch for changes in stool, appetite, or behavior.

Banana Size (and Ripeness) Matter 

Bananas vary a lot in size and sugar content. The larger (and riper) the banana, the higher the sugar content. As a guideline:

• Small banana: ~80–90 grams of sugar
• Medium banana: ~100–110 grams of sugar
• Large banana: 120–135+ grams of sugar

The larger and riper your banana, the more sugar and calories it has. These ranges matter because even a difference of 20-30 grams can increase your pup’s sugar intake and calorie count.

How Much Banana Can a Dog Eat? (Serving Sizes & Frequency)

Bananas and all fruits fall into the treat category for your dog. They’re a bonus. A safe guideline is the 10% treat rule, recommended by the WSAVA Global Nutrition Committee (2021), which states that treats should make up no more than 10% of a dog’s daily calories.

Using that guideline, here’s how much banana is appropriate for your pup as a dog treat. 

Small Dogs (Under 20 lb)

• 1–2 tablespoons of banana
• About 1–2 thin slices
• 2–3 times per week

Medium Dogs (20–50 lb)

• Up to ¼ of a banana
• 2–3 times weekly

Large Dogs (50–90 lb)

• Up to ½ banana
• 2–3 times weekly

Giant Breeds (90+ lb)

• Up to ¾ banana, but not daily

Puppies

Puppies have sensitive stomachs. To be safe, you can start with:

• ½ teaspoon mashed banana
• Slowly increase up to 2 teaspoons if tolerated

Banana benefits for puppies

• Easy to mash and mix into kibble
• Offers quick energy
• Mild on the stomach
• Potassium supports muscle development

Avoid bananas if your puppy has:

• Recent diarrhea
• A sensitive tummy
• History of food allergies
• Vaccination-related GI upset

If in doubt about your pup’s ability to eat bananas, you can check with your veterinarian.

Can Dogs Eat Banana Peels?

In short, dogs should not eat banana peels.

Why banana peels aren’t safe:

• They’re very high in insoluble fiber, which dogs struggle to digest
• They may cause vomiting, constipation, or intestinal blockage
• Signs of blockage can appear 6–24 hours after ingestion

What to do if your dog eats a peel

• Monitor for vomiting, straining, abdominal pain, or sudden lethargy
• Call your vet if any symptoms develop

6 Fun Ways to Feed Bananas to Your Dog

If your floof could talk, they’d want one (or all of these). Which one will you try first? 

Fresh banana slices

Great for training rewards because bananas are soft and easy to gobble down.

Frozen banana slices

Perfect for cooling off after a walk on a hot day. 

Banana-stuffed lick mats

Combine mashed banana with plain Greek yogurt for a creamy (and healthy) treat. Spread it thin and freeze it for an hour for a slow, soothing snack. You can also use it as a dog food topper.

Banana + peanut butter dog treats

Use dog-safe peanut butter (make sure it’s xylitol-free). Mix mashed banana with peanut butter, form into small balls, and freeze for 1–2 hours. If your dog is like most, your pup will bliss out. 

Banana + blueberry blend

Blend bananas and blueberries and freeze in silicone molds for doggie enrichment.

Banana filling for Kongs

Mix banana, pumpkin, and a spoonful of plain yogurt for a digestion-friendly combo.

When Not to Feed Bananas to Dogs

Skip bananas if your dog:

• Has diabetes
• Has chronic kidney disease
• Is overweight
• Has ongoing diarrhea
• Is on a prescription diet
  Has a history of food intolerances

The Bottom Line: Can Dogs Eat Bananas?

Bananas can be a safe, tasty, and enriching treat for most dogs when offered in the right amounts. They’re soft, sweet, and easy to mix into enrichment toys. But like all treats, bananas should only complement your pup’s primary dog food. Bananas are dog treats, not a meal replacement. 

With mindful portions and a balanced diet, bananas can be a pawsome extra in your dog’s day. 

FAQ

This content is for informational use only and does not replace professional nutrition and/or medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. It is not a substitute for and should not be relied upon for specific nutrition and/or medical recommendations. Please talk with your veterinarian about any questions or concerns.

Sources

Phillips, Katherine M., Ryan C. McGinty, Garret Couture, Pamela R. Pehrsson, Kyle McKillop, and Naomi K. Fukagawa. 2021. “Dietary Fiber, Starch, and Sugars in Bananas at Different Stages of Ripeness in the Retail Market.” Edited by Edy de Brito. PLOS ONE 16 (7): e0253366. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0253366.

‌“Diabetes in Pets | American Veterinary Medical Association.” n.d. Www.avma.org. https://www.avma.org/resources-tools/pet-owners/petcare/diabetes-pets.

‌“Overview of Disorders of Potassium Metabolism in Animals – Metabolic Disorders.” n.d. Merck Veterinary Manual. https://www.merckvetmanual.com/metabolic-disorders/disorders-of-potassium-metabolism/overview-of-disorders-of-potassium-metabolism-in-animals.