Can dogs eat bananas? Yes. Bananas are safe for most dogs, and plenty of dogs love them. They're cheap, easy to share, and make a handy low-fat treat. But bananas are also high in natural sugar, so they're best kept as an occasional snack rather than a daily habit. This guide covers how much banana to give, what to avoid, and some easy ways to serve it.
What's good about bananas?
- Potassium, which supports healthy muscles and nerves.
- Vitamin B6 and vitamin C.
- Fibre, which supports digestion.
- Low in fat, unlike many human snacks dogs beg for.
A dog on a complete and balanced food already gets all the nutrients they need, so think of banana as a tasty extra rather than a health food.
The catch: sugar and calories
A medium banana has around 100 calories, mostly from natural sugar. That's roughly a fifth to a quarter of what a 10kg dog needs in a whole day. Too much banana can lead to weight gain, and a sudden large amount can cause an upset tummy or constipation.
How much banana can a dog have?
Treats and extras should make up no more than about 10% of your dog's daily food. As a guide, a few times a week:
- Small dogs (under 10kg): 2 or 3 thin slices.
- Medium dogs (10 to 25kg): a few slices, up to a quarter of a banana.
- Large dogs (over 25kg): up to half a banana.
If it's your dog's first taste, start with a slice or two and check their stools the next day.
What to avoid
- The peel. Banana skins aren't toxic, but they're tough and hard to digest, and can cause a blockage, especially in smaller dogs. Keep peels out of reach, including in the compost and rubbish bin.
- Banana bread, muffins and cake. These often contain sugar, butter, chocolate chips, raisins, macadamia nuts or the sweetener xylitol, all of which are a problem for dogs. Raisins, chocolate, macadamias and xylitol are toxic.
- Shop-bought banana chips. Most are fried and coated in sugar or honey.
- Banana-flavoured lollies, smoothies and desserts made for people.
- Big chunks for gulpers. Cut banana into small pieces for small dogs and dogs who swallow food without chewing.
When to skip bananas
- dogs with diabetes
- dogs on a weight-loss plan, unless you allow for the calories
- dogs with kidney disease or on a prescription diet, unless your vet says it's fine
- dogs who get loose stools or constipation after eating banana
Easy ways to serve banana
- Fresh slices as a training reward or afternoon snack.
- Frozen slices on a hot summer day. Our guide to protecting paws from hot pavements has more ideas for keeping dogs cool.
- Mashed over dinner to tempt a fussy eater.
- Frozen in a KONG: mash a little banana with a spoonful of plain yoghurt and some of your dog's kibble, stuff it into a KONG and freeze it. Read Can dogs eat yoghurt? before adding yoghurt.
- Homemade dried banana, sliced thin and dried in a low oven or dehydrator with nothing added.
Banana treats we stock
Bocce's Bakery Peanut Butter & Banana Biscuits. Made from just four ingredients: oat flour, peanut butter, banana and coconut oil. Wheat-free and crunchy, at 12 calories per biscuit.
Bocce's Bakery Berry Yogurt Smoothie Soft & Chewy. A soft treat made with banana, blueberries and yogurt. Ideal for older dogs or dogs who prefer a chewier bite.
KONG Classic. Stuff it with mashed banana and kibble, freeze, and you've got a long-lasting summer treat that keeps your dog busy.
Bocce's Bakery is ordered in especially for you, so allow a few extra days. Not sure which treats suit your dog? Call or pop into our Oxford store and we'll talk it through with you.
Can cats eat bananas?
Bananas aren't toxic to cats, but cats are carnivores and get no real benefit from fruit. Most aren't interested anyway. A tiny taste won't hurt, but there's no need to share.
For a full list of safe and unsafe foods, read our guide to what foods a dog can and can't eat.
Find healthy treats for your dog
Browse our dog treats and dog toys, with delivery across New Zealand and click and collect from Oxford, North Canterbury. Or get in touch and tell us about your dog. We're happy to help you choose.
This article is general information, not veterinary advice. If your dog is unwell, see your vet.