Can dogs eat Bananas?
Yes - in moderation
Yes - bananas are safe for dogs in moderation. A few slices make a soft, sweet treat that most dogs love. They are high in natural sugar though, so keep the portions small and skip the peel.
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What happens
Banana is a soft, easy treat that carries potassium, vitamin B6 and fibre. Most dogs are very keen on it, and it mashes nicely into a puzzle feeder or a lick mat. The main thing to watch is the sugar, which is higher than in most other fruit, so bananas are a sometimes-treat rather than an everyday one.
How much is safe?
A couple of small slices for a little dog and up to half a banana for a large one, a few times a week, is sensible. Because of the sugar, do not let bananas become a daily habit, especially for a dog watching their weight.
How to prepare it
Peel it and slice it, or mash a small amount onto a lick mat or into a stuffed toy. Frozen banana chunks are a good summer treat. Avoid banana chips or bread with added sugar, and never feed the peel.
Symptoms to watch for
Too much banana can cause constipation in some dogs, and the sugar is not ideal in quantity. The peel is not toxic but is tough and hard to digest, so it can cause a blockage - keep it out of reach.
When to call the vet
Not usually necessary. If your dog swallows a chunk of peel and then strains, vomits or seems bloated, contact your vet in case it has caused a blockage.
Can dogs eat these?
Common questions
Can dogs eat banana peel?
No - not because it is toxic, but because it is fibrous and hard to digest and can cause a blockage. Peel the banana and give your dog the flesh only.
Are bananas good for dogs with an upset stomach?
A little mashed banana is gentle and is sometimes offered as part of a bland diet, but check with your vet first. If the upset is ongoing, food changes are not the answer - a vet visit is.
How much banana can a dog eat?
A couple of slices for a small dog, up to half a banana for a large one, and not every day. The natural sugar is the reason to keep portions modest.
Looking for a food to feed instead? browse the directory or read the guides.
This is label analysis, not veterinary advice - if your dog has a health condition, talk to your vet before switching foods.