Can Dogs Eat Bananas?
Short answer: yes. Bananas are safe for dogs as an occasional treat. They are higher in sugar than most fruits, so keep it to a few slices: one inch of banana is about 13 kcal.
Why bananas can be good for dogs
- Potassium, vitamin B6 and fiber.
- Soft and easy to mash, so good for older dogs and for stuffing chew toys.
- About 89 kcal per 100 g: a medium banana is about 105 kcal.
Risks of bananas for dogs
- Sugar: too much leads to weight gain and loose stool; diabetic dogs should skip them.
- The peel is not toxic but is hard to digest and can cause a blockage.
- Banana bread and chips often contain sugar, chocolate, nuts or xylitol.
How to serve it
- Peel and slice; give a few slices.
- Mash and freeze inside a chew toy.
- Plain dried banana chips are sugar dense: a couple only.
How much per day by dog weight
Treats of any kind should stay under 10% of a dog's daily calories. For a spayed or neutered adult dog that budget is shown below, with how many one-inch banana slices (about 13.4 kcal each) fit in it if they are the only treat that day.
| Dog's weight | Daily treat budget | One-inch banana slices per day |
|---|---|---|
| 10 lb | 35 kcal | up to 2.6 slices |
| 20 lb | 59 kcal | up to 4 slices |
| 30 lb | 79 kcal | up to 5 slices |
| 50 lb | 116 kcal | up to 8 slices |
| 70 lb | 150 kcal | up to 11 slices |
| 90 lb | 181 kcal | up to 13 slices |
Start with one or two pieces the first time and watch for an upset stomach. Your own dog's budget is in the dog food calculator (it shows a "treats budget" line).
Check any other food
Not sure about something else in your kitchen? The can dogs eat it checker lists 98 foods as safe, careful or toxic, with the reason for each.
If your dog ate something toxic, call your vet, the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435 or the Pet Poison Helpline at (855) 764-7661.
Sources: ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center; American Kennel Club food guides; USDA FoodData Central (calories); treat budget from the RER formula used in WSAVA feeding guidance (10% rule).
Try the can dogs eat it? food checker
Enter your own numbers below, or open the full can dogs eat it? food checker with the formula and more examples.
This guide is general information, not veterinary advice. Your pet may differ: ask your vet. Terms
Frequently asked questions
How much banana can a dog eat?
A few one-inch slices a day for a medium dog. Half a banana is a lot of sugar for a small dog.
Can dogs eat banana peels?
Peels are not toxic, but they are hard to digest and can cause a blockage. Do not feed them.
Are bananas good for dogs with diarrhea?
Some owners use a little mashed banana, but call your vet if diarrhea lasts more than a day or your dog seems unwell.
More guides
- Can Dogs Eat Apples?
- Can Dogs Eat Avocado?
- Can Dogs Eat Blueberries?
- Can Dogs Eat Cheese?
- Can Dogs Eat Chicken bones?
- Can Dogs Eat Cucumbers?
- Can Dogs Eat Eggs?
- Can Dogs Eat Grapes? No: Here Is Why and What to Do
- Can Dogs Eat Peanut butter?
- Can Dogs Eat Pineapple?
- Can Dogs Eat Strawberries?
- Can Dogs Eat Tomatoes?
- Can Dogs Eat Watermelon?