Not surprisingly, bananas are the most popular fruit in the world. Chances are, you likely have a bunch ripening on your kitchen counter right now! But are they a hidden danger in your kitchen? Can dogs eat bananas too?
From sliced bananas with your cereal, a snack on the go, to frosted banana cake for dessert, this filling fruit is a hit with the whole family. Or can the whole family enjoy them after all?
In small doses, the answer is a resounding yes. Bananas are not only tasty for humans, but they’re also a good source of dietary fiber, potassium, magnesium, and vitamins B6 and C for people and dogs.
In fact, bananas can help settle a dog’s stomach, and provide a low-calorie energy boost. Some veterinarians even recommend bananas as an alternative to fatty salty treats. Read on to learn more about serving suggestions and more.
Feeding Your Dog Bananas
Can dogs eat bananas with the peel? Like you, your dog will enjoy peeled bananas shared occasionally in small to moderate amounts.
A banana peel isn’t toxic for dogs but may be hard to digest due to the thick fibrous material and may cause blockages if not digested correctly. In fact, feel free to share a bite of your own banana next time you peel one for a snack!
There are other ways to let your dog enjoy bananas as well:
- Mash up a little banana and add or mix it to your dog’s usual bowl of food.
- Mix banana with a little yogurt or peanut butter.
- Create some peanut butter banana ice cream for the summer.
- Stuff banana in a Kong and freeze it for a treat that will keep your dog busy for a while.
- Slice a banana and share a few bites with your dog, then freeze the rest for a nice cool treat.
- Combine coconut, oat flour and banana for these gluten-free delights.
Can Dogs Be Allergic to Bananas?
While an allergy isn’t necessarily common, it is a good idea to keep an eye on your dog after feeding them something new like bananas. If you’re concerned your dog may be allergic to bananas, look for the following signs:
- Scratching and butt-scooting
- Hair loss, either an all-over thinning or bald spots
- Tummy trouble like vomiting and diarrhea (for food allergies)
- Swelling of the feet, face, or joints
- Swollen muzzle and/or eyes
- Sudden gasping and trouble breathing
- Rapid-onset diarrhea or vomiting
The last three are signs of anaphylaxis and require emergency care.
If you see your dog having an allergic reaction to banana, it’s best to stop feeding them the allergen and get them to your vet to make sure the symptoms are alleviated.
How Often Can Dogs Eat Bananas?
Good things come in small doses. Handing off a piece of banana to your favorite pooch is perfectly fine, but don’t overdo it. Bananas are safe for a dog to eat in small amounts and could help with gastrointestinal issues.
However, too much banana can lead to your dog having an upset stomach and diarrhea due to the amount of extra fiber and sugar. How much is too much? It all depends on the size of your dog. A good rule of thumb is that for a small dog, some small slices of banana are enough, while for a larger dog, up to half a banana may be just the right amount.
If you’re unsure about how much banana is too much for your dog, consulting your vet should help clear up any confusion.
It’s important to monitor your dog and make sure they don’t eat too much banana at once. They’ll be happy to share your food, and you’ll get to finish your snack knowing your dog is safe.
What Else Can Your Dog Eat?
There is a wide variety of “human food” that is healthy for your dog to eat, while others are considered toxic and dangerous.
For more information on what else your dog can and shouldn’t eat, check out the “Can My Dog Eat” Directory page. Here you’ll find a collection of articles on foods that are healthy, so-so or dangerous for dogs, covering everything from grains, fruits, and vegetables.
Looking for more banana-related information? Check out these other articles: “Can My Dog Eat Banana Chips?” and “Can My Dog Eat Banana Peels?“
