Can Dogs Eat Bananas? Yes, in Moderation: How Much Is Safe
Yes, dogs can eat bananas in small amounts. How much banana to give by dog size, benefits and risks, whether peels are safe, and simple banana treat ideas.
· 2 min read
Yes, dogs can eat bananas. In small amounts, bananas are a safe, sweet treat that most dogs love. They contain potassium, vitamins and fiber, but they’re also high in sugar, so think of them as an occasional snack, not a daily staple. Always remove the peel.
Quick answer
| Safe? | Yes, peeled |
| How much? | A few slices; treats under 10% of daily calories |
| Avoid | Peels, banana bread, sweetened banana chips |
| Calories | About 105 kcal and 14 g sugar in a medium banana |
| Check with your vet | If your dog is diabetic, overweight or has kidney disease |
How much banana can my dog eat?
| Dog size | Example breeds | Amount (a few times a week) |
|---|---|---|
| Extra small (under 10 lb) | Chihuahua, Yorkie | 1–2 thin slices |
| Small (10–25 lb) | Beagle, French Bulldog | 2–3 slices |
| Medium (25–50 lb) | Border Collie, Husky | ¼ banana |
| Large (50–90 lb) | Labrador, Golden Retriever | Up to ½ banana |
| Giant (90 lb+) | Great Dane, Mastiff | ½ banana |
Our dog food calculator shows your dog’s daily calorie needs, so you can keep treats in proportion.
Benefits of bananas for dogs
- Potassium: supports muscles and nerves.
- Vitamin B6 and vitamin C.
- Fiber: supports digestion in small amounts.
- Magnesium.
- Soft and easy to mash: handy for older dogs or for stuffing food toys.
- Low in fat and sodium compared with many processed treats.
Risks of feeding bananas
- Sugar: too much can lead to weight gain and isn’t suitable for diabetic dogs.
- Peels: hard to digest and a blockage risk.
- Upset stomach: large amounts can cause diarrhea or constipation.
- Potassium: dogs with kidney problems may need to limit it; ask your vet.
- Banana products: banana bread, muffins and sweetened chips are sugary and may contain raisins, chocolate, nuts or xylitol.
How to serve bananas to your dog
- Peel the banana and dispose of the skin safely.
- Slice or mash a small portion.
- Serve plain, or as part of a treat.
Banana treat ideas
- Frozen banana slices: a cool, chewy treat.
- Stuffed food toy: mash banana with a little plain, xylitol-free peanut butter, stuff a rubber toy and freeze.
- Lick mat: spread mashed banana thinly and freeze.
- Banana “nice cream”: blend frozen banana with a little plain yogurt.
- Training treats: tiny pieces of banana work as low-fat rewards for some dogs.
Other fruits dogs can and can’t eat
Safe in moderation: watermelon, mango, pineapple, peaches, apples, blueberries, strawberries.
Never feed: grapes and raisins.
Not sure about another food? Search it in our “Can my dog eat this?” food checker.
Related guides and tools
- Can my dog eat this? Food checker
- Can dogs eat watermelon?
- Can dogs eat grapes? (No: what to do)
- Dog food calculator
Frequently asked questions
Can dogs eat banana peels?
Banana peels aren’t toxic, but they’re tough and fibrous, so they can cause vomiting, diarrhea or even an intestinal blockage. Always peel the banana and throw the skin where your dog can’t reach it.
How much banana can a dog eat?
A medium banana has about 105 calories and 14 g of sugar, so keep it small: two or three thin slices for a small dog, up to half a banana for a large dog, a few times a week. Treats should stay under 10% of daily calories.
Can puppies eat bananas?
Yes, a slice or two of banana is fine for most puppies once they’re eating solid food. Mash or cut it small, and start with a tiny amount to check their stomach copes.
Are bananas good for dogs with diarrhea?
Some owners use a little banana as part of a bland diet, but there’s little evidence it helps. Plain cooked pumpkin or a bland diet of boiled chicken and rice is more commonly recommended. If diarrhea lasts more than a day or comes with vomiting or lethargy, see your vet.
Can dogs eat banana chips or banana bread?
Plain, unsweetened dried banana is OK in tiny amounts, but most banana chips are fried and sweetened. Banana bread is high in sugar and fat and may contain raisins, nuts, chocolate or xylitol, so it’s best avoided.
Can bananas cause constipation in dogs?
Too much banana can upset digestion. Some dogs get looser stools, others may get constipated. Small portions rarely cause problems.
Note: This article is for general information and isn’t a substitute for advice from your veterinarian. Some links may be affiliate links; we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.Written with AI assistance. Editorial review in progress. Last updated: . How we create our content
