Can dogs or cats eat bananas?

Most dogs love bananas! And they are safe to eat if fed in their natural, unmodified form. This sweet treat is perfect as a snack, training aid, meal topper, or even as part of a puzzle feeder to keep boredom away when you are not there to play with your dog. This versatile, cheap fruit can add joy and variety to your dog's diet.

Are bananas good for dogs?

Bananas are packed with nutritional value. They contain vitamins, like vitamin C, which acts as an antioxidant to reduce the inflammatory load in the body, especially helpful in sick or older animals.

Bananas are a rich source of fibre, which helps them poop and improves their gut health. A dog's digestive tract is linked to their whole health, so using fruits like bananas to promote diverse, strong gut health is becoming increasingly important in preventative healthcare.

How much banana can a dog eat?

Depending on the size of your dog, they can eat anywhere from a quarter (for small dogs) up to around one and a half bananas (large breed dogs), one to two times a week as part of a balanced diet.

When first feeding a banana, feed a teaspoon-sized amount to check that your dog enjoys the flavour, and doesn't have any side effects from eating the banana. You can then increase the amount slowly over a few weeks.

How should I prepare bananas for dogs?

Feeding a whole banana is a choking hazard, so spend a few minutes preparing the banana so that it can be enjoyed safely by your dog.

Dogs can eat bananas sliced, chopped or mashed. Different textures add variety and interest to their diet and can increase appetite in picky eaters. A mashed banana that’s then frozen on a lickimat or Kong toy provides a fun, enriching way to play with food.

Can dogs eat banana peels?

No, feeding banana peels isn't a good idea. They are tough to digest, and this can lead to gastrointestinal pain or upset. Banana peels are bitter in taste, so most dogs won't enjoy eating them, especially when compared to the sweet taste of the banana fruit!

Can dogs eat banana bread?

Sadly, your dog cannot share your banana bread. Whilst they would no doubt find it a tasty snack, it could be harmful to their health.

Bread swells when eaten, and in dogs can cause gastrointestinal bloat, blockage or diarrhoea. Banana bread can contain ingredients such as chocolate, salt, or xylitol, which are toxic to dogs if ingested. Play it safe and feed the banana in its natural form only.

What should I do if my dog eats too much banana?

If your dog has overindulged in bananas, they will likely have symptoms of diarrhoea and bloating. This usually lasts a day or so, and whilst uncomfortable, is self-limiting, so no treatment is needed outside of feeding a bland diet for a few days to help the gastrointestinal tract settle down again.

If your dog has eaten more than one whole banana, including the peel, then you should contact a veterinarian for advice, as they may recommend making your dog sick to avoid the peel getting stuck in your dog's digestive tract.

What are the signs of a banana allergy?

Allergic reactions to bananas are rare. There are no published scientific reports of banana allergies in dogs. If after eating a banana you notice vomiting, facial swelling, collapse, or difficulty breathing, these are signs of anaphylaxis and need urgent veterinary attention.