Can Dogs Eat Bananas?
Bananas are one of the most popular fruits for dogs! And, yes, dogs can eat bananas! They are a healthy fruit, rich in magnesium, which supports energy production and helps build strong muscles and bones. They are also soft and easy to eat, naturally sweet, and full of vitamins and fiber—perfect for dogs!
You really can’t go wrong with bananas for dogs (or babies!). My dog loves bananas, and I usually give him mashed banana leftovers from my oatmeal breakfast. (I make oats with milk and mashed bananas—that’s it!) Bananas are great for digestion and overall health, and they provide a great energy boost. It’s comforting to know that bananas are one of the best snacks for dogs!
Are bananas good for dogs?
Yes, bananas are good for dogs, but like any treat, they should only be given in moderation and as part of the 90-10 rule. Since 90% of your dog’s diet should come from their regular dog food, bananas can fit into the other 10% as a healthy snack or training treat.
Bananas also have an important mineral, magnesium, which is vital for strong bones and muscles.
The only thing to watch out for is the natural sugar in bananas, which is fine for most dogs but could be an issue if your dog has health problems like diabetes. Talk to your vet before feeding bananas to a diabetic dog.
Additionally, keep an eye on your dog’s fiber intake. While bananas have fiber that’s good for digestion, please remember that too much fruit fiber can cause digestive issues like diarrhea.
Are bananas safe for dogs? What about the peels?
There’s nothing toxic in bananas—not even in the peels! While we don’t eat banana peels, and your dog probably won’t either, if they chew on one or eat it by accident, don’t worry. Banana peels will pass through their system without causing harm.
The only issue is that banana peels are much more fibrous than the banana itself, so they can be hard to digest. This might cause your dog to vomit or experience constipation, but they should be fine.
To help your dog, you can give them a little cooked pumpkin to aid digestion and make it easier for them to pass the peel. And while accidents happen, don’t encourage your dog to play with bananas—it might give them the idea that eating the peel is okay.
Are there some dogs that can’t eat bananas?
Yes, there are some dogs that can’t eat bananas. Dogs with diabetes should only have bananas in tiny amounts or avoid them altogether.
If your dog has diabetes, you should consult your vet about their diet.
Low-sugar fruits like berries may be a better option, but even these should be given in limited amounts. The main reason diabetic dogs shouldn’t eat bananas is because they have lots of sugar, and fruits high in sugar can cause blood sugar spikes. Fruits like blueberries or strawberries, which are lower in sugar, may be more suitable.
Puppies can eat bananas, but you need to be cautious about introducing new foods. Puppies have sensitive stomachs and can easily overeat. It’s best to stick to their regular puppy food and wait to introduce treats like bananas until they are a bit older.
Can dogs eat bananas for diarrhea?
Some people believe bananas can help dogs with diarrhea because they are helpful for humans, but that’s not the case! Feeding bananas to dogs with diarrhea might actually make things worse because bananas are high in both sugar and fiber. Instead, the best foods for diarrhea are cooked pumpkin and plain cooked white rice. These are gentle on the stomach and can help firm up stools.
Some of the best ways to serve bananas to dogs
Bananas can be a fun and creative treat! Here are some easy ways to prepare bananas for your dog:
Banana Greek yogurt ice cream for dogs
Bananas and Greek yogurt go together perfectly, and Greek yogurt is very healthy for dogs. Banana Greek yogurt ice cream is a great protein-packed treat for hot summer days. Here’s how to make it:
Now you have a creamy, protein-rich, dog-friendly banana ice cream!
Bananas and peanut butter treats
Bananas and peanut butter are a match made in dog heaven. Both are nutritious, and peanut butter is a favorite among dogs! Here’s how to make this simple treat:
Banana-stuffed Kong toy
If your dog needs some stimulation or a way to pass the time, mash the banana and stuff it into a Kong toy or puzzle feeder. This will keep them entertained for hours!
Safety tips for serving bananas to dogs
While bananas are safe for dogs, there are still a few things to keep in mind:
Banana treats to avoid
If you’re like me and love scrolling through healthy recipes, you’ve probably seen tons of baked goods with bananas. While banana pancakes, brownies, and muffins might look healthy, they’re not suitable for dogs. Plain banana pancakes could be an exception as a special treat, but here are some banana treats to avoid:
Banana chips and sweetened dehydrated bananas
Not all banana-based treats are good for dogs. For example, dried bananas seem healthy but they often have added sugar. They are also high in calories, so it’s not like you can eat a ton!
Banana chips are another example. They’re typically fried and then coated with extra flavor or even extra sugar, which makes them super high in calories and, therefore, not dog-friendly. While they may be safe in small amounts, they don’t offer the same health benefits as fresh bananas. Fresh bananas are a low-calorie, nutritious fruit, while banana chips are a high-calorie, sugary snack.
Dogs should also avoid plantain chips for the same reasons—they’re not a healthy choice. Stick to fresh bananas for a simple, safe treat!
Baked goods with banana
I already mentioned that baking with bananas doesn’t instantly make a dessert healthy or suitable for dogs.
If you like to bake healthy desserts, make sure you never give your dog anything with artificial sweeteners, especially xylitol, as it’s toxic to dogs!
The most popular one, banana bread, isn’t toxic to dogs, but it’s not something they should eat. Dogs shouldn’t eat banana bread because it’s just empty calories for them and it’s full of fat and sugar. Eating too many baked goods can lead to weight gain and upset your dog’s stomach.
If you’re a fan of store-bought banana bread, you need to be especially careful about the ingredients. Some banana breads have chocolate. Some can have raisins or xylitol, all of which are toxic to dogs.
What fruits can dogs safely eat?
Dogs can enjoy quite a lot of fruits! Here’s a list of some fruits that are both delicious and safe:
- Apples: Apples are safe for dogs, and along with bananas, they are one of the most popular fruits for dogs!
- Watermelon: Dogs can eat watermelon as it’s very low in calories and full of water! It’s a go-to for hot summer days and a perfect fruit for dog bowls and for dogs that need to lose a little bit of weight but need something to stay full (is volume eating for dogs even a thing?!).
- Cantaloupe: Dogs can have cantaloupe, another great hydrating and juicy fruit that’s low in calories and full of vitamins.
- Pineapple: Another tropical fruit, pineapple is safe for dogs and rich in vitamins and enzymes that have a positive effect on your dog’s health.
- Pears: Just like apples, dogs can eat pears as they are crunchy, low in sugar and calories, and safe to eat!
All of these fruits are a great dog treat, but only in moderation, as they need room in their tummies for their dog food. Fruits are absolutely one of the best snacks you can give to your dog, and it’s no wonder why many dogs go bananas for bananas!
Love, life, and fur forever!
FAQs
Can dogs eat frozen bananas?
Yes, dogs can eat frozen bananas, and you can even use them to make dog-friendly ice cream. Frozen bananas are a fun, refreshing treat, especially on hot summer days. They’re also great for soothing teething puppies.
Can dogs eat banana baby food?
Dogs can eat banana baby food, but only if it’s made with just bananas and no added sugar, salt, or artificial ingredients. Most baby food is usually made this way, so it can be a good soft snack for senior dogs with sensitive teeth.
Can dogs eat over-ripe bananas?
Yes, dogs can eat over-ripe bananas as long as they’re not spoiled or moldy. If the banana is too mushy, mash it up and mix it with your dog’s food, or use it in a homemade treat. Just make sure to try it first to ensure it hasn’t gone bad.
Can dogs eat green bananas?
Technically, dogs can eat green bananas, but they might not like them as much. Green bananas are harder to digest and don’t taste as sweet, so most dogs will definitely prefer ripe bananas.