Bananas for Dogs: A Complete Guide
Those of us of a certain age will remember the black and white 1960s TV ad encouraging us to eat more bananas. The campaign even had a catchy and compelling theme tune to go with it.
“When you haven’t got time to eat, unzip a banana.”
“When you fancy a fruity treat, unzip a banana.”
The ad worked well. To this very day the tune still pops into my head when I unzip a banana before slicing it up over my breakfast cereal!
Can dogs eat bananas?
Yes, dogs can eat bananas. The thing about bananas is that they’re not just good for humans, they’re good for dogs too says our in-house dog nutritionist.
Bananas are a great source of vitamins and minerals. They’re rich in antioxidants that can benefit your dog’s skin and coat. And they’re a good source of fibre which is great for canine digestive health.
Low in sodium, cholesterol and fat, many vets today recommend bananas in place of less healthy commercial treats.
And then of course there’s the fact that the humble banana is such a great source of energy. That’s why we see tennis players snacking on bananas during lengthy tennis matches.
As the 1960s ad pointed out, aside from their health benefits, bananas are also versatile. From your dog’s point of view they can be fed raw, mashed, diced or sliced. They can be cooked in your dog’s food or mashed and combined with other ingredients to make treats for your best friend. They can also be used in smoothies and dog-safe ice cream made with natural yogurt.
So next time you “unzip a banana”, consider unzipping one for your dog as well. Why should we human beings have all the fun. And as you may now have gathered, the answer to the question can dogs eat bananas is a resounding yes!!!
Health benefits of bananas for dogs
- The high soluble fibre content acts as a natural prebiotic which stabilises loose stools and supports healthy canine digestion.
- Dehydrated banana chips are an exceptional, heart-healthy alternative to heavy, fat-laden commercial treats.
- The magnesium and potassium aid muscle recovery in highly active, working, or agile dogs. (Again, think about what they do for tennis players during a match)!
How much banana can dogs eat?
Ask a search engine how much banana to feed a dog and you’ll probably get the answer, follow the 10 percent rule which is to say, bananas should never make up more than 10% of your dog’s overall diet.
If you are new to fresh feeding and want to start slowly, perhaps start with something like:
- Small dogs: 1–3 small slices per day
- Medium dogs: up to ¼ of a banana per day.
- Large dogs: up to ½ of a banana per day.
Always peel a banana before feeding it to your dog.
Search Banana recipes:
Other dog-safe fruits
- Blueberries: antioxidant powerhouse.
- Apples: clean teeth & freshen breath.
- Bananas: boost energy.
- Watermelon: excellent hydration (92% water).
- Strawberries: help whiten teeth.
- Pumpkin: aids digestion.
- Mango: packed with beneficial nutrients.
See the full range of dog-safe fruits here.
The Dog Chef Guide to Homemade Dog Food
Looking to supercharge your dog's diet with fresh food?
How to feed a dog bananas
Bananas are an excellent, high-potassium energy boost for dogs as long as you remove the completely indigestible peel.
Because mashed bananas have a natural, sticky texture and a sweet aroma, they act as a fantastic binding ingredient for baked biscuits, frozen cooling snacks or long-lasting mental enrichment puzzles.
Here are four creative, dog-safe ways to serve bananas to your pup:
1. Monkey Bar Frozen Chews
When bananas are frozen whole, they take on a firm, chewy texture that is perfect for soothing the sore gums of teething puppies or cooling down an adult dog after a run.
- Peel a ripe banana and cut it into thick, bite-sized logs or halves.
- Roll the banana pieces in a shallow bowl of plain, unsweetened kefir or goat’s milk, then place them on a tray and freeze for 3 hours. Feed as a mess-free, slow-chew alternative to a standard dental stick.
2. Banana & Turmeric Lick Mat
Mashing a banana allows it to slide perfectly into the small grooves of a textured rubber enrichment mat. Combining it with a pinch of turmeric mirrors the anti-inflammatory benefits of turmeric.
- Mash half a ripe banana with a fork. Mix in a tiny pinch of ground turmeric and a teaspoon of coconut oil or xylitol-free peanut butter.
- Use the back of a spoon to scrape the sticky paste into the crevices of a lick mat. Freeze the mat flat for 45 minutes. The repetitive licking action stimulates the release of calming hormones, making it a great distraction during thunderstorms or grooming.
3. Dehydrated Banana Coins
Banana slices dehydrate beautifully into sweet, pocket-friendly training rewards that aren’t sticky to hold.
- Slice a firm banana into thin, even rounds about 5mm thick.
- Arrange them in a single layer on a dehydrator tray (or a parchment-lined baking sheet). Dehydrate at 60°C (140°F) for 8 to 10 hours (or bake at your oven’s lowest setting for 3 to 4 hours) until leathery and dry. Keep them in a jar for up to three weeks.
4. Two-Ingredient Grain-Free Banana Pancakes
This is a quick, pan-fried morning treat you can share with your dog. It uses absolutely zero flours, grains or added sugars.
- Whisk one medium chicken egg into one thoroughly mashed ripe banana until it forms a smooth batter.
- Drop small tablespoons of the batter into a warm, non-stick frying pan with a tiny drop of coconut oil. Cook for 2 minutes on each side until golden brown. Allow them to cool completely before letting your dog tuck in.
Frequently asked questions
Q. Can dogs eat bananas?
A. Yes. Bananas are completely non-toxic to dogs. They are an excellent, low-fat source of potassium, vitamins and dietary fibre. However, they contain high amounts of natural sugar, so they must be given as an occasional treat rather than a meal replacement.
Q. Can dogs eat banana peel?
A. No. While banana skins are not inherently toxic, they are incredibly dense, fibrous and difficult for a dog to digest. Always discard the peel.
Q. How many banana treats can I give my dog each day?
A. Follow the 10% rule. No individual fruit should make up more than 10% of your dog’s total daily calorie intake.
Q. Are dehydrated banana chips safe for dogs?
A. Homemade dehydrated banana chips are perfectly safe, but avoid shop-bought banana chips meant for humans as they are frequently deep-fried in oil or preserved with artificial sugars like xylitol, which is highly toxic to dogs.
Q. Can bananas cause diarrhoea or constipation in dogs?
A. Theoretically, they can cause both if overfed. In small amounts, the soluble fibre in bananas helps regulate bowel movements. However, if a dog eats too many bananas, the massive influx of sugar and fibre can upset their stomach, leading to diarrhoea. Conversely, eating too much dense banana can sometimes cause constipation.
Q. What should I do if my dog accidentally eats a whole banana with the peel?
A. That should not cause a problem for a healthy dog. Monitor closely and contact your vet only if necessary. Watch for immediate signs of distress over the next 24 to 48 hours. If your dog starts vomiting, becomes lethargic, loses its appetite, or struggles to pass a stool, they may have a bowel blockage from the peel in which case contact your vet immediately.
Q. Can puppies eat bananas?
A. Yes, puppies can eat bananas.
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