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 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 fibre, 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 vets 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.
- Make these peanut butter and banana dog treats that Antoni from Queer Eye whipped up.
- Stuff banana in a KONG toy and freeze it for a treat that will keep your dog busy for a while.
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 bum-scooting
- Hair loss, either an all-over thinning or bald spots
- Tummy trouble like vomiting and diarrhoea (for food allergies)
- Swelling of the feet, face, or joints
- Swollen muzzle and/or eyes
- Sudden gasping and trouble breathing
- Rapid-onset diarrhoea 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 favourite 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 diarrhoea due to the amount of extra fibre 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. Check out which fruits and veg are good for your dog here and which spices and seasonings are ok to give to your furry little buddy here.