Can Dogs Have Bananas? Are Bananas Good for Dogs

Ever find yourself enjoying a snack only to find a pair of curious, hungry looking eyes staring up at you? This seems to be a common occurrence among pet owners, who often struggle with the urge to share a bite. Wondering what human foods dogs can eat? Fortunately, many human foods can be safe for dogs, but some can be toxic. Educating yourself as a pet owner is key to keeping your pet safe. Can dogs eat mango? Can dogs eat apples? Are bananas good for dogs?  

The good news is yes, dogs can have bananas!  

Are Bananas Good for Dogs? 

While bananas are not toxic to dogs, this does not mean they should become a regular part of their daily food intake. Bananas have some beneficial vitamins and minerals including potassium, magnesium, Vitamin B6 and Vitamin C. They are also abundant in fiber which can help promote regular bowel movements. While these nutrients are all great for dogs, bananas also have a high sugar content, leading to the recommendation to only offer them in moderation. Due to the small recommended serving size of bananas for dogs, they are unlikely to gain a true nutritional benefit from bananas. 

Treats, including bananas, should only make up 10% of a dog’s daily caloric intake. The other 90% should be a high-quality, balanced, and complete diet. This is where your dog will get all their essential nutrients, so supplementation is not necessary in most cases. 

Potential Risks of Bananas for Dogs 

The high sugar content of bananas can lead to gastrointestinal upset in dogs if they are fed too much at once. Making bananas a frequent snack can lead to weight gain which can lead to earlier onset arthritis and metabolic issues like diabetes. While banana peels are not toxic to dogs, they are hard for dogs to digest and depending on their source, may have pesticides on them. If bananas are offered, the peel should be removed first. 

Not every “safe” food will agree with every dog’s system, and sometimes dogs can get into foods they are not supposed to. Emergencies like these can be stressful for you and your pet, mentally, physically, and financially. Securing your dog insurance from adoption is key to having a financial safety net when it comes to unexpected veterinary bills. Don’t wait until it’s too late. 

Serving Bananas to Dogs 

Anytime you want to introduce a new food to your pet, it is important to consult your veterinarian as what may be safe for one pup may not be recommended for another. Once you have the green light, be sure to peel the banana, then slice it into bite sized pieces for your fur baby. As an alternative, bananas can also be offered frozen. This can offer relief to teething puppies. Bananas can be used in recipes for homemade dog treats as well, with care taken to ensure the other ingredients are appropriate as well. Bananas may be mashed into a lick mat to offer mental stimulation and enrichment to your pup while you’re away at work.  

While there are dog-friendly recipes with banana, there are many recipes out there that are not safe for dogs. Human foods like banana bread or banana chips can contain seasonings or other ingredients that are toxic to dogs and therefore should be avoided. 

Can Dogs Eat Bananas? 

In short, yes, dogs can eat bananas. While they are safe and not toxic, they should be offered in moderation only, with the peel removed. Bananas contain nutrients like potassium, magnesium, and Vitamin B6, but their high sugar content is what leads to the recommendation of a small serving size. Always consult your veterinarian prior to offering new foods to your pet as recommendations for pets are not one size fits all. Enjoy offering a small bite of banana to your pet next time you eat one yourself!