Can Dogs Eat Bananas? Potassium, Sugar and Portions
Soft, sweet and easy to serve, bananas are a convenient treat. Many dogs love them. They offer some real nutrients, but their sugar and calorie content means they belong in the treat category, not the regular menu.
Nutritional profile
A banana contains potassium, vitamin B6, vitamin C, magnesium and fibre. It is low in fat and protein. Potassium helps nerve and muscle function. Dogs on a complete diet already get enough of these nutrients, so bananas are a bonus rather than a necessity. See essential vitamins for dogs.
Sugar and calories
A medium banana has around one hundred calories and a significant amount of natural sugar. For a small dog, a whole banana could be a large share of daily energy. Frequent banana treats can contribute to weight gain and, in sensitive dogs, upset stomachs. See our guide to how to help an overweight dog lose weight.
Serving size
Treats should be no more than about ten percent of daily calories.
- Small dogs: two or three thin slices
- Medium dogs: a few slices up to a quarter of a banana
- Large dogs: up to half a banana
Offer bananas occasionally, not every day.
Peels
Banana peels are not poisonous, but they are tough and fibrous, and can cause choking or intestinal blockage, particularly in small dogs. Always remove the peel. If your dog eats a peel, watch for vomiting, lack of appetite, constipation or lethargy, and call your vet if you see them.
Ways to serve
- Slice fresh banana as a treat.
- Mash a little into a stuffed toy and freeze it.
- Mix a spoonful into plain yogurt, if tolerated. See yogurt for dogs.
- Use small pieces as training rewards.
Banana products to avoid
- Banana chips, which are often fried and sugared
- Banana bread, which may contain sugar, fat, nuts such as macadamia and sometimes chocolate. See macadamia nuts.
- Banana-flavored candies and baby foods with added ingredients.
Who should be cautious
- Diabetic dogs. Natural sugars can affect blood sugar, so ask your vet.
- Overweight dogs. Use very small amounts.
- Dogs with kidney disease. Potassium may need to be restricted.
- Dogs with sensitive stomachs. Start with a tiny piece.
Bananas for upset stomachs
Some owners offer a little banana for mild digestive upset, but there is little evidence it helps. If vomiting or diarrhea lasts more than a day, or your dog seems unwell, see your vet. See our guide to diarrhea in dogs.
Other fruit treats
For other safe fruit ideas, see apples, blueberries and strawberries.
Ripeness and texture
Ripe bananas are softer and sweeter, which makes them easy to mash but higher in sugar. Slightly underripe bananas have a little more resistant starch and are less sweet. Either is fine in small amounts. Do not feed blackened, mouldy or fermented fruit, and keep whole bananas out of reach of dogs that might swallow chunks of peel while you are not looking.
Teaching a dog to like new foods
If your dog is wary of fruit, offer a tiny piece in a calm moment and let it sniff first. Never force it. Add new foods one at a time, a few days apart, so you can tell which one causes problems if your dog has a reaction.
The takeaway
Bananas are a fine occasional treat. Peel them, slice them and keep portions small.
Frequently asked questions
Are bananas good for dogs?
In small amounts, yes. They offer potassium, vitamin B6 and fibre, but they are high in sugar.
Can dogs eat banana peels?
Peels are not toxic, but they are tough and can cause blockages, so remove them.
How much banana can a dog eat?
A few thin slices for a small dog, and up to half a banana for a large dog, as an occasional treat.
Are bananas good for upset stomachs?
They are sometimes offered in small amounts, but they are not a treatment, so see your vet for persistent problems.
This article is general educational information, not veterinary advice. Every dog is different. If your dog is unwell, or you are unsure about a symptom, diet change or medication, contact your veterinarian.