It’s common for dogs to enjoy eating certain fruits or vegetables. As a dog owner, you’ve probably wondered which ones are okay for your pup to consume. 

If you've ever asked yourself, “Can dogs eat bananas?” Well, good news: the answer is yes. Read on to learn more about why bananas are a safe and healthy treat for your dog, and learn the benefits of this tasty snack.

Do Dogs Like Bananas?

Many dogs love the subtly sweet taste of bananas, while others may prefer different treats. Try giving your dog a few small slices of banana to see how they respond to it. You can either feed them plain banana, or mix it in with their dog food or a small amount of peanut butter for a delicious treat.

Are Bananas Good For Dogs?

Definitely — bananas are full of nutrients that support your pup’s heart and digestive health. Some of the health benefits of banana include:

• Rich in potassium and magnesium: Both are helpful for healthy cardiovascular function.
• High in fiber: Great for digestive health and helping to regulate bowel movements (the fiber content also helps dogs feel fuller and more satiated).
• High in antioxidants and vitamin C: Helps support your dog's immune system.
• Low in calories, and naturally fat-free: An excellent treat for dogs needing to lose weight.

How Much Banana Can Dogs Eat?

All treats, including bananas, should only make up 10% of your dog's diet. The other 90% should come from a well-balanced dog food approved by the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO). 

This means that a whole banana would be too much for your pup —  especially for smaller or younger dogs.

Here are some generally safe amounts of banana for dogs, based on weight. Each slice should only be 1/4-inch thick:

• Extra-small dog (2–20 pounds) = one to two slices of banana 
• Small dog (21–30 pounds) = up to three slices of banana
• Medium dog (31–50 pounds) = up to six slices of banana
• Large dog (51–90 pounds) = a handful of slices
• Extra-large dog (91+ pounds) = up to half of a banana

If you feed your pup too much banana, look out for symptoms of an upset stomach, like: decreased appetite, fatigue, or gulping or licking their lips, the air, or objects. If you see any of these symptoms, call your vet. If you see worsening symptoms like vomiting, excessive diarrhea, blood in their vomit or stool, weakness, or collapse — take your dog to the emergency vet immediately.

Serving Suggestions For Feeding Your Dog Banana

There are many ways for your pup to enjoy this healthy and delicious snack. Here are a few fun ways to serve banana for dogs. Bon appetit!

• Mash some banana up with your dog’s food
• Mix banana with dog-safe, xylitol-free peanut butter
• Put mashed banana into a stuffable dog toy and freeze it
• Freeze a banana — then peel, slice, and serve
• Try Jinx Training Treats, which contain banana for a touch of delicious, pup-approved sweetness

FAQs 

Can Puppies Eat Bananas?

Yes, puppies can eat bananas in moderation and very small amounts — even smaller than what’s recommended for adult dogs. 

Just a note: because puppies are still growing and developing, it's best to only give them one new food or treat per day. That way, if your little buddy develops an upset stomach, you’ll know exactly what caused it.

Can Dogs Eat Banana Peels?

When treating your dog to banana, it's important to make sure they don't eat the peel. While banana peels aren’t naturally toxic to dogs, they often contain large amounts of pesticides — so it’s best to avoid them.

Also, banana peels are tough to digest, and can cause an intestinal blockage if ingested. Signs of an intestinal blockage in your dog may include: vomiting, loss of appetite, fatigue, bloating, whining, or straining to poop. If you see any of these symptoms in your pup, take them to an emergency vet immediately.

Can Dogs Be Allergic to Bananas?

Just like humans, dogs can have food allergies. If your dog has never had banana before, test it out by only giving them a very small amount at first. Watch for signs of food intolerance like vomiting, diarrhea, pain in the belly, or lethargy. Skin and ear conditions — like chronic itchiness, skin lesions, or ear infections — can also be signs of a food allergy. These skin symptoms occur more chronically, and can take a while to develop.

Can Dogs Eat Banana Chips Or Dried Bananas?

Dried banana chips are not recommended for dogs. If not chewed properly, they can absorb water once ingested, swell, and cause an intestinal blockage. Also, banana chips purchased from the store often contain unwanted preservatives and high levels of sugar or salt — all things your pup doesn’t need in their diet.

Can Dogs Eat Banana Bread or Banana Pudding?

In general, banana bread and banana pudding should be avoided. Both of these foods have a high sugar content, and may contain preservatives or other ingredients that are toxic to dogs.

Can Dogs Eat Frozen Bananas?

Small slices of frozen banana or small amounts of frozen mashed banana both make tasty treats for your pup. However, giving your dog a whole, frozen banana would be dangerous. This is because the serving size is too large (which may upset their stomach) and there’s the potential for choking or an intestinal blockage if not chewed properly. 

Can Dogs Eat Bananas and Peanut Butter?

Bananas and peanut butter are a classic and nutritious dog treat combo —  just be cautious about portion size to avoid excessive calorie intake. Also make sure that the peanut butter you feed your pup is free of xylitol, a commonly-used sweetener that’s toxic for dogs.

What Other Fruits Can Dogs Eat?

Fruit makes a healthy and tasty treat for your dog. It not only tastes good, but can help boost your pup’s immunity, support their metabolic function, and help them maintain a healthy weight. 

Fruit makes a great replacement for high-calorie dog treats — but not all fruits are safe for dogs to consume. Here’s a list of pup-safe fruits your pal will love:

• Apples (remove the seeds and core)
• Blueberries
• Strawberries
• Watermelon (remove the seeds and rind)
• Cantaloupe (remove the seeds and rind)
• Cranberries
• Mangos (without the pit)
• Oranges (in small amounts)
• Peaches (without the pit)
• Pears (remove the seeds)
• Raspberries
• Cucumbers
• Pineapple
• Kiwi

When treating your pup to the fruits on the list above, it’s always best to serve them smaller, bite-size pieces, and remove any seeds, pits, stems, or peels.

Looking for more ways to incorporate healthy, nutritious bananas into your dog’s diet? Try Jinx Beef Training Treats or Chicken Training Treats, formulated with banana for digestive support, and a touch of natural sweetness your pup will love.