If you’re wondering if your dog can have bananas (and various banana-themed snacks), you’ve come to the right place.
Are they a healthy snack for dogs?
Can they be a good occasional treat?
Or do they pose a risk?
In this guide, we’re going to explore everything you (and your dog!) should know about bananas.
Let’s begin.
Can Dogs Have Bananas?
The short answer: Yes, dogs can safely eat bananas.
Dogs are omnivores, meaning they will eat both plants and meat, and there’s nothing particularly toxic about serving bananas in moderation.
However, while they’re a safe occasional snack for your dog, they don’t contain all of the nutrition a dog needs, and they’re also fairly high in sugar… so moderation is important.
Are Bananas Good for Dogs?
Fresh banana offers several useful vitamins for dogs.
They provide an excellent source of fiber, vitamin C, potassium, magnesium, and vitamin B6.
The potassium is needed to keep your dog’s heart and kidneys in good shape, along with their digestion system.
Fiber helps with digestion, while the magnesium content can help with your dog’s energy levels (and promote healthy bone growth).
Vitamin B6 helps to regulate red blood cells.
What Happens if a Dog Eats Too Many Bananas?
If your dog eats too much banana, then it’s possible for it to upset their stomach. Too much can lead to constipation (particularly if they’ve eaten the entire banana including the peel).
It’s also possible for your dog to consume too much potassium.
In theory, it’s also possible for these high potassium levels to trigger hyperkalemia (although your dog would probably need to eat dozens of bananas in one go, so it’s unlikely).
How Much Is Too Much Banana for Dogs?
If you have a small breed, then a few slices a day is probably the most you should ever give them (otherwise you risk the aforementioned stomach upsets).
For bigger dogs, they could eat around half a banana per day and be fine.
But keep in mind that your dog’s diet should only include around 10% treats (and yes, bananas fall into that treat category).
Can Dogs Eat Banana Peels?
Banana peels aren’t toxic to dogs by themselves, but they can cause digestive blockages as your dog won’t be able to digest them fully.
As such, it’s best to avoid giving the peel to your dog.
Are Banana Chips Safe for My Dog?
As an occasional special treat, it’s safe for your dog to eat dehydrated banana chips.
Too much may cause stomach upsets, but in moderation, they can provide some useful fiber to your dog’s diet. They also contain vitamin C.
They can be a tasty sweet treat, but watch out for the sugar content here, too.
Can Dogs Have Banana Bread?
In most cases, banana bread is safe for a dog to eat.
But the grains can potentially trigger allergic reactions for dogs who don’t get on well with grains.
Furthermore, banana bread with added sugar content isn’t as healthy.
And it’s crucial to make sure any banana bread your dogs eat DO NOT contain raisins (which are highly toxic to dogs).
How to Feed Your Dog Banana
The easiest way to give your dog a banana is to peel it, then serve it as banana slices.
Peeled bananas are best, so don’t serve the peel itself.
If your dog likes frozen treats, it’s also possible to freeze them first, which is useful for dogs who don’t like the texture otherwise.
Some dogs may also enjoy the banana when it’s mashed up as a topper over their kibble, especially if they like sweet fruit.
Remember not to give your dog too much banana in one sitting.
It’s better to introduce any new food gradually and see how your dog responds to it (and avoid the potential stomach upset).
Simple Homemade Banana Dog Treats
Many dogs may enjoy bananas when they’re combined with other things, and there are a few excellent homemade treats you can make with them.
For example, you can mix a ripe banana with cheese (and use them to fill Kong toys).
You can also mix bananas with peanut butter, which many dogs are such to enjoy. And even some humans, too!
Final Thoughts
Overall, bananas are generally a healthy treat for dogs, and they can be a nutritious treat that’s a healthier alternative than other human food.
They provide a useful source of vitamin C, and they’re also a good source of fiber.
Mixing bananas with other ingredients can give your dog the health benefits of banana without risking an upset stomach, too.
But keep in mind that moderation is key.
A banana treat for dogs is fine in smaller quantities, but they’re still high in natural sugars (which could lead to weight gain and digestive health issues if they’re always eating them!)
