For every person out there asking if dogs can eat bananas or any other fruit, there’s usually at least one pair of pleading puppy eyes waiting quite patiently for their humans to finish their online search and give that they have their snack.
Sharing fruits with your pup is a healthy (with some exceptions), low-calorie alternative to store-bought, processed dog treats. Check out our guide to learn which fruits are safe for dogs to eat and which are toxic.
But let’s go back to bananas and reveal their health benefits! I’ll also give you more information on how to feed them to your pup and share some fun homemade banana treats ideas.
Can dogs eat bananas?
Of course they can, and most dogs love them. Our pups seem to know that bananas are rich in essential nutrients and are generally beneficial for their health and immune function.
However, bananas are also high in sugar content, so you should keep them in the treat-only category and feed them in moderation.
Pax loves bananas — whenever I hold one, he appears out of nowhere in seconds. He must have banana radar!
Bananas are a great post-workout treat, as they are rich in potassium and magnesium. These minerals help prevent muscle cramps and rebalance electrolytes after eating salty foods or drinking ocean water, which many dogs do.
How many bananas can a dog eat?
As a rule of thumb, fruit should not exceed more than 5% of your dog’s daily diet, which is almost anything dogs eat in nature.
Health benefits of bananas for dogs
While some nutritionists say While bananas are nutritionally starchy treats and high in sugar, they contain several beneficial nutrients.
There are bananas a moderate glycemic index, approximately 30% higher than apple. Less Ripe bananas are generally less sweet and better for your dog.
Here are some of the most important nutrients found in bananas and their health benefits:
- Potassium: regulates heart and muscle contractions, maintains electrolyte balance, improves body hydration
- Magnesium: supports healthy mental function and bone development, helps prevent and relieve muscle cramps,
- Vitamin B6: responsible for hormone regulation, red blood cell formation and nervous system function, supporting optimal immune response
- Vitamin C: protects cells from harmful free radicals, helps strengthen the immune system, reduces inflammation and promotes wound healing
- fiber: improves digestion and promotes regular bowel movements
IMPORTANT: While fruits like bananas can be a great way to add more vitamins and minerals to your dog’s meals/food, they are not enough to make up for nutritional deficiencies. Unfortunately, neither is our food and our dog’s due to intensive agriculture and nutrient-depleted soils.
Make sure your dog gets all the essential nutrients for a healthy and long life by supplementing their diet human-grade, bioavailable minerals and vitamins.
When are bananas bad for dogs?
Like any food consumed in excess, bananas can also cause problems for your dog, including diarrhea and vomiting.
If your dog is overweight or diagnosed with diabetes, you may want to feed him fruits with a low glycemic index such as apples and consult your veterinarian for dietary recommendations.
How to feed your dog bananas
The easiest and fastest way to feed your dog bananas as a treat is to cut them into small slices and serve them as they are.
You can also make homemade frozen banana chips by placing slices in the freezer for a few hours.
You can offer your dog the occasional dehydrated banana treat, but they are higher in sugar than fruit. If you want to add some healthy fats, you can spread some coconut, pumpkin seed or almond butter but make sure it doesn’t contain xylitol which is toxic to dogs.
If you want to add a healthy topper to your dog’s food, you can mash up some banana slices and add them to their food. If your dog is a busybody and loves to be entertained, you can add mashed banana inside a Kong Toy or spread it on a mat..
Last but not least, you can add bananas to your favorite doggie fruit smoothie and mix them into your dog’s supplements for a delicious immunity booster.
Can dogs eat bananas – FAQ
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What fruit is poisonous for dogs?
You should avoid giving your puppy fruits such as grapes/raisins, black and red currants, and grapefruits as they are highly toxic to dogs. Feed cherries, peaches and apricots without pits because they contain cyanide.
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Why can’t dogs eat bananas?
In fact, dogs can eat bananas, but you should only feed them as an occasional treat. Bananas are rich not only in minerals and vitamins but also in natural sugars. So, giving your dog a banana every day or more than a few slices at a time can upset their stomach.
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How many bananas can I give my dog?
If you have never given your dog a banana, start with a few slices and see how their stomach reacts. If your dog tolerates bananas and likes them as a treat, I recommend consulting with your veterinarian to determine the best portion size.
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Can bananas help with dog diarrhea?
Bananas contain a high amount of fiber that can help improve digestion and maintain regular bowel movements. However, giving your dog too many bananas or personality allergic in them it can cause diarrhea.
That being said, cooked pumpkin or squash is better suited to soothe your dog’s upset stomach than bananas. Check out our holistic guide to treating canine diarrhea for more diet recommendations and natural treatments.
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Can dogs be allergic to bananas?
Although the chances of your dog developing an allergy to bananas are small, you should always start slowly when introducing new fruits to your dog’s diet and test how his body reacts. If your dog develops symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, itching, hives, and swelling immediately after eating a banana, please see your veterinarian.
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Can dogs eat banana peels?
No, while banana peels are not toxic to dogs, they are difficult to digest and can cause intestinal blockage. If you want to feed your dog some bananas, remove the skin first.
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Can dogs eat banana chips or dried bananas?
Yes, as long as banana chips and dried bananas do not have added sugar or artificial sweeteners, they are safe for your dog to eat.
Banana chips and dried bananas are a crunchy and healthy treat that you can easily make at home and take on your outdoor adventures with your pup or use for training. Make sure you give these banana treats in moderation to avoid upsetting your dog’s stomach.
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Can dogs eat frozen bananas?
Yes, frozen banana slices can be a refreshing summer pup treat. Depending on the size of your dog, you may want to break the slices into smaller pieces to prevent choking, especially if they like to scarf down their food.
Yes, puppies can be fed bananas but only in small amounts. Because bananas are high in sugar, it is recommended not to give your puppy more than a few banana slices a day as a treat. Feeding your puppy more than that can cause digestive upset.
