Can Dogs Eat Bananas?

Yes, dogs can eat bananas. Peeled banana is a safe treat for most dogs in small amounts, but it's high in sugar, so a few slices is enough.^1,2 Never give the peel, which is hard to digest and can cause a blockage, and skip banana bread, banana chips and banana pudding.^2,3 Dogs that are overweight or diabetic, or that have kidney disease, should only have banana if their vet agrees.²

Banana Nutrition for Dogs

Bananas contain potassium, vitamin B6, vitamin C, magnesium and fiber, but they're also one of the sweetest fruits you can give a dog.^4,1

Calculated from USDA FoodData Central values for raw bananas and banana chips. Banana chips are also high in fat, about a third of their weight.^4,5

How Much Banana Can a Dog Eat?

A healthy adult dog's treats, including fruit, should be no more than about 10 percent of daily calories.^6,7 Using the Merck Veterinary Manual's energy formula for a neutered adult, that works out to roughly 35 calories of treats a day for a 10-pound dog, 59 for a 20-pound dog, 98 for a 40-pound dog, 150 for a 70-pound dog and 196 for a 100-pound dog.⁸ Your dog's real needs depend on age, activity and body condition. Banana uses up more of that treat allowance than most fruits. A whole banana is too much for most dogs, especially small ones.² PetMD's suggested daily amounts, using slices about a quarter inch thick, are below.²

Slice calories are our estimates, based on a medium banana cut into about 28 slices.

How to Serve Bananas to Your Dog

• Always peel it first.²
• Slice it or mash it into food. Cut pieces small for small dogs.
• Freeze mashed banana or small slices for a cool treat. Whole frozen bananas are hard and can be a choking risk.^2,1
• Stuff a chew toy with mashed banana, or mix it with a little xylitol-free peanut butter.^1,9
• Blend frozen banana with a few berries and plain, xylitol-free yogurt for an occasional smoothie treat.²

Risks and When to Skip Bananas

• Sugar: regular large portions can add weight. Overweight and diabetic dogs should generally skip banana unless your vet approves.^2,3
• Constipation: too much banana can cause constipation rather than help it.³
• Peels: not toxic, but tough to digest and a cause of intestinal blockage.^1,2
• Dried banana and chips: dried pieces can swell and cause a blockage if swallowed whole, and chips often have added sugar, salt or oil.²
• Banana bread and baked goods: may contain raisins, nutmeg or xylitol. See grapes and raisins and xylitol poisoning.²
• Kidney disease: bananas are high in potassium. Dogs with kidney disease or Addison's disease can have trouble clearing potassium, so ask your vet before giving high-potassium treats.¹⁰ See kidney disease in dogs.

Are Bananas Good for Dogs With Diarrhea?

Bananas aren't a treatment for diarrhea. If your dog has diarrhea, it's better to call your vet than to try banana, especially if it lasts more than a day or your dog seems unwell.² See dog diarrhea for what to feed and when to worry.

Can Puppies Eat Bananas?

Yes, a slice or two of banana is fine for most puppies once they're eating solid food and having treats, usually from about 8 weeks old. Give smaller portions than for adults and introduce it slowly.^2,7

When to Call the Vet

Call your vet if your dog has a poor appetite, seems tired or uncomfortable, or keeps licking his lips or gulping after eating it. Get care right away for repeated vomiting, severe diarrhea, blood in vomit or stool, weakness or collapse.² If your dog ate a banana peel or large dried pieces, watch for vomiting, belly pain, loss of appetite or straining to poop, which can be signs of a blockage that needs emergency care.² If he ate banana bread that might contain raisins or xylitol, call your vet or a pet poison hotline now. See dog ate something he shouldn't.

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