Can Dogs Eat Bananas? A Complete Guide To Bananas For Dogs

Can dogs eat bananas? Yes, dogs can eat bananas in small quantities. Bananas provide a good source of vitamins and minerals such as potassium, magnesium, vitamin C, and dietary fiber. But, can dogs have bananas as a substitute for a balanced diet? No, bananas are relatively high in sugar and carbohydrates. So, bananas for dogs should be offered only as a treat.

Can Dogs Eat Bananas?

Fresh fruits and vegetables can make a great snack for dogs, and bananas are no exception! Bananas are rich in vitamins and minerals such as potassium, magnesium, vitamin C. They also have a high dietary fiber content. They are readily available all year round and are a relatively inexpensive fruit choice.

There are two things most people do not know about bananas. The fruit is actually a berry.
Yes, like strawberries, blueberries, and other berries! Did you also know that bananas float in water? Yes, both in seawater and freshwater. This is because they’re less dense than the water. Cool, huh?

Although they are generally safe for dogs, bananas are high in sugar and carbohydrates. Bananas contain three types of natural sugars — glucose, fructose, and sucrose. Obviously, most dogs will be drawn to the sweet smell of bananas and will enjoy the taste. But can dogs have bananas?

Dogs and Bananas

Dogs and bananas do go hand in hand. Bananas are a healthy alternative to many packaged treats, which are often high in fat and salt. This fruit has minerals and vitamins, as well as a healthy dose of fiber to keep your dog healthy.

The fiber is always a great addition to keep your dog’s bowel movements regular. And as you know, vitamins and minerals maintain your dog’s overall health. The only cause for pause with bananas for dogs is that the sugar content may be too high for regular consumption. As a result, it becomes your role as dog owner to ensure that they don’t overdo it.

When Are Bananas Bad For Dogs?

Like so many things in life, eaten in excess, bananas can cause problems for a dog Overeating of bananas can cause the following side effects in dogs:

• Too much banana can sometimes cause constipation.
• Hyperkalemia (excessive potassium levels in the bloodstream) can cause heart problems and worst case scenario cardiac arrest.
• Weight gain due to the high sugar content in bananas.
• Blood sugar irregularities with excessive amounts of banana ingestion.

Small pieces of banana fed as an occasional treat are safe. But what if your dog helps himself to a lot of banana when you’re not looking? Can dogs have bananas in large quantities?

Scroll down here to see what to do if you think your dog has eaten too many bananas.

Are Bananas Good For Dogs?

Most people feeding bananas to their dog will be using banana as a special treat. And while bananas should not make up a huge portion of your dog’s regular diet, they have some advantages over other types of treat. In fact, bananas are full of vitamins, minerals, and beneficial properties. Let’s take a closer look to answer your question — are bananas good for dogs?

Health Benefits of Bananas

High fiber content

Bananas have a high fiber content that helps to resolve and prevent gastrointestinal problems in dogs. A small amount of banana is a good addition to the diet when your dog is having bowel problems or diarrhoea.

Magnesium

Magnesium is important for facilitating energy transport and helps to build protein within the body. It also promotes healthy bone growth in active dogs and puppies.

Potassium

Bananas are known to be relatively high in potassium. And potassium is an essential electrolyte for regulating an optimal fluid balance in the body. It is also beneficial for muscle development and healthy blood vessel function.

Vitamin C

Vitamin C gives an antioxidant boost to your dog’s immune system. It also helps to build cartilage in the body and protect cells from damage.

Can Dogs Eat Banana Peels?

Although banana peels are not toxic to dogs, they do contain a lot of fibre making it hard for the body to digest. Ingestion of banana peels can cause your dog to have vomiting as well as constipation. The worst case scenario is an intestinal blockage.

If your dog accidentally ingests a banana peel, monitor them closely for appropriate defecation as a sign that everything is moving through their system as it should.

Can Dogs Eat Banana Chips?

Dehydrated banana chips can be a tasty and nutritious treat for your dog. Processed banana chips however, tend to contain an excessively high sugar and preservative content. Banana chips are, therefore, a great energy boosting snack — as long as they are all natural.

Can Dogs Eat Banana Bread?

Maybe. While bananas for dogs on their own are safe, you may need to be more careful about banana bread. For example, if the bread contains raisins or chocolates, it would definitely be a no-no for your dog. This is because both of those additions are toxic for dogs.

There’s also the matter of the sugar content. Of course, you also have to ensure that your dog eats in moderation. So, if the banana bread is specifically made for your doggie — without toxic ingredients — it may be safe. It should, however, not be a diet staple — just a treat.

What Should I Do If My Dog Overeats Bananas?

If you suspect that your dog has consumed too many bananas, the best course of action is to seek veterinary advice. Monitor your dog closely for the symptoms mentioned above as well as any sign of pain or discomfort. Signs of discomfort include restlessness, whining or yelping, dilated pupils, and panting. If your dog displays any signs of discomfort or any of the below symptoms of eating too many bananas, contact your veterinarian immediately.

How Do I Know If My Dog Has Eaten Too Much Banana?

Symptoms in a dog that has eaten too many bananas include straining to pass a bowel movement, pain and discomfort, diarrhea, and vomiting. More serious signs associated with hyperkalemia (high concentration of potassium in the blood) include weakness, disorientation, and collapse.

Should I Give My Dog Bananas?

Bananas for dogs are pretty safe in moderation. Your dog should generally eat most fruits and vegetables in small quantities.

Bananas should be given as a treat, not as a substitute for a healthy balanced diet. Medium to large dogs can be fed up to half of a regular sized banana each day. Whereas, small and toy breeds should only be offered two to three small pieces of banana per day. Working and active dogs who are burning a lot of calories throughout the day, however, can be offered slightly more.

How to Prepare Bananas for Dogs

One way to include bananas in your dog’s diet is to use it as an ingredient in home baked or home made dog treats. The following are a few tasty and nutritious homemade banana dog treat recipes to try:

• DIY Frozen Banana Treats
• Oatmeal Banana Dog Cookies
• Banana and Honey Baked Dog Treats

Let us know if you try them out and your dog enjoys them.

Alternatives to Bananas for Dogs

Now you have the answer to the question, are bananas good for dogs. But what if your dog hates bananas? If bananas aren’t your dog’s thing, don’t worry. There are lots of other fruits and veggies that are safe for dogs in small quantities. You can always treat your little furry friend. These are some of our favorites:

• Apples
• Bananas
• Strawberries
• Pineapples
• Blueberries
• Cucumber
• Celery
• Carrots

Can Dogs Eat Bananas? — Summary

Dogs sure love bananas — and we can’t blame them! But can dogs have bananas? Is it safe for them? As we’ve covered here, dogs can eat bananas safely in small quantities. Too much banana can cause your doggie a variety of issues. These include weakness, discomfort, diarrhea, and vomiting, thanks to the minerals like potassium. The sugar content may also cause obesity if your dog overeats bananas.

Remember to go straight to the vet if you think your dog has overeaten bananas. Do so, especially if they’re showing symptoms. Overall, though, feel free to treat a good dog to bananas when deserved!

So, if you were wondering “can dogs have bananas,” here’s our answer: yes, they can. We hope we’ve answered any questions you might have about dogs and bananas.
Does your dog like bananas? Any scary or happy banana stories? We’d love to hear.

References and Further Reading

• Healthline. Bjarnadottir, A., MS. 11 Evidence-Based Health Benefits of Bananas.
• Banana, Musa paridasiaca.
• Nutrients. Slavin, J. Fiber and Prebiotics: Mechanisms and Health Benefits.

Can Dogs Eat Bananas has been revised for 2019.