Can Dogs Eat Bananas? Health Benefits, Safety Tips and More

Some believe that bananas were the world’s first fruit, possibly originating as far back as 10,000 years ago. They were likely grown in the tropical region that includes the Malay Peninsula, Indonesia, the Philippines and New Guinea.¹ Bananas are chock-full of nutrients not only for humans but for dogs, too.

Are Bananas Good for Dogs?

Bananas are a tasty treat that contain many essential nutrients and can be combined with lots of other foods. Dogs of any age or breed may eat them — even your puppy. Like many other fruits that are healthy for dogs, bananas should be offered as a treat in moderation.

Health benefits

Bananas have so many positive benefits, including helping reduce blood pressure and supporting overall heart health. Bananas are filled with nutrients like potassium (helps with fluid balance and kidneys), fiber (aids in digestion), lectin (improves blood sugar and intestinal health), folate/vitamin B-9 (contributes to healthy cell growth) and vitamin C (immune booster).

Bananas are also high in tryptophan, which is an essential amino acid that isn’t naturally produced in the body, so humans and dogs have to get it from their diet. Tryptophan helps the body produce serotonin and melatonin, important for regulating the sleep-wake cycle and for regulating appetite, sleep, mood and pain.²

Due to the higher sugar content of bananas as they ripen, check with your veterinarian if your dog has a medical condition like diabetes before giving bananas as a treat.

Dental benefits

As bananas ripen, their sugar content increases, which could leave a small residue on your dog’s teeth that could potentially lead to cavities. That being said, if you are only giving bananas as a treat, the many nutritional benefits still make them a great option.

How Much Banana Can Dogs Eat?

A cluster of bananas is called a hand — and you wouldn't want your dog to eat this many! Veterinarians recommend supplementing about 10% of your dog’s daily diet with healthy treats. One medium banana has around 100 calories, so a small dog can have two to three small pieces, and a large dog can eat around half of a banana daily.

What Happens If a Dog Eats Too Much Banana?

If your dog loves bananas and eats too many, they may experience some digestive issues, such as diarrhea or gas, due to the high fiber content. This will likely resolve itself, but always consult your veterinarian if you have any concerns.

Are Dogs Allergic to Bananas?

Banana allergies in dogs are not common, but it’s still recommended to offer your dog a small piece initially and monitor for any signs of reaction. A reaction can include vomiting or diarrhea, itchy skin or lethargy. If your dog displays any of these reactions, stop giving them bananas and call your veterinarian.

Different Ways to Prepare Bananas for Dogs

Bananas go with so many different foods that it’s easy to get creative with this delicious fruit. You can always give your dog small plain slices to start, especially if you want to test for an allergy. And because they’re mushy, plain bananas can also be used to mask medications.

Other enjoyable ways to give your dog bananas:

• Combine bananas with peanut butter, pumpkin or plain yogurt (as long as your dog isn’t allergic to any of these foods, of course).
• Make banana chips in the oven or with a dehydrator.

Fresh, homemade versions of banana treats are more nutritious than commercial ones, although you'll find many treats made with bananas at your local pet supply store. Be careful about giving your dog human products as they may contain raisins or xylitol as a sweetener (both of which are toxic to dogs).

Don’t Feed a Dog Banana Peel or Any Parts of a Banana Tree

Even though banana peels aren’t toxic to your dog, they can cause intestinal upset because they are difficult to digest. They also could potentially cause an intestinal blockage, so contact your veterinarian right away if your dog swallows a peel.

Neither the tree nor leaves of banana are considered toxic, but they likely won't digest well, so you may need to seek veterinary care if your dog gets into these.

CareCredit Credit Card Financing for Dogs

Taking good care of your pet's well-being from nose to tail is essential. Make sure to stay up to date on their regular checkups at the vet to help keep your pet happy and healthy for a lifetime of love. You can use your CareCredit credit card for pet care throughout the year for routine veterinary services as well as emergencies and surgeries.* Use our Acceptance Locator to find a veterinarian near you that accepts CareCredit.

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Author Bio

Dr. Kathy Wiederkehr (Wentworth) has been practicing veterinary medicine at pet care facilities in California since 2001. Most recently, she served as medical director of the VCA PetPoint Medical Center and Resort in Irvine. She is a graduate of the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine and became board-certified as a diplomate in Canine and Feline Practice by the American Board of Veterinary Practitioners in 2010.