Are bananas good for dogs?
Bananas contain potassium, vitamin B6, vitamin C and fibre. As an occasional snack they're a better choice than many processed treats, which are often high in fat and salt. Most dogs also love the sweet taste, so banana works well as a training reward or a way to make a boring task more fun.
Your dog doesn't need bananas, though. A complete dog food already contains everything they need. Treat bananas as a snack, not a meal.
What's in a banana
| One medium banana (about 118 g) | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | about 105 |
| Natural sugar | about 14 g |
| Fibre | about 3 g |
| Potassium | about 420 mg |
The sugar is the reason to keep portions small. It's natural fruit sugar, but a dog's treat allowance is small, and banana uses it up quickly.
How much banana can my dog eat?
Vets often follow the 10% rule: treats, including fruit, should make up no more than about 10% of your dog's daily calories.
Here's how that works out. A 10 kg dog eats roughly 500 calories a day, so its whole treat allowance is about 50 calories: about half a banana. But that allowance has to cover every other treat, chew and training reward too. That's why the guide below is deliberately smaller.
How much banana, by dog size
Daily maximum, as a share of one medium banana. Treats stay under 10% of daily calories.
Show as a table
| Dog size | Per day |
|---|---|
| Extra small, under 5 kg | 1–2 thin slices |
| Small, 5–10 kg | 2–3 slices |
| Medium, 10–25 kg | A quarter |
| Large, 25 kg+ | Up to half |
Start with less the first time and check how your dog's stomach handles it.
Risks to watch for
- Too much sugar: can lead to weight gain and isn't a good idea for dogs with diabetes. Ask your vet first if your dog has a health condition.
- Upset stomach: too much banana can cause constipation or diarrhoea.
- The peel: not toxic, but hard to digest and can cause a blockage. Always remove it.
- Choking: cut bananas into small pieces, especially for small dogs and fast eaters.
- Banana products: banana bread, chips or desserts can contain sugar, chocolate, raisins or xylitol (a sweetener that's very dangerous for dogs). Plain fresh banana only.
4 easy ways to serve bananas
- Frozen slices on a hot day.
- Mashed into a lick mat, a calming activity.
- Stuffed into a chew toy with plain, unsweetened yogurt, then frozen.
- Homemade treats: banana, oats and xylitol-free peanut butter, baked into small biscuits.
Other fruit dogs can eat
Blueberries, apple slices (no core or seeds), seedless watermelon, strawberries and pears are all fine in small amounts. Grapes and raisins never are. Check any other food in the Dog Food Checker.
FAQ
Can puppies eat bananas?
Yes, a tiny piece is fine for most puppies, but their stomachs are sensitive, so keep it very small.
Can dogs eat banana peels?
No. They aren't poisonous, but they can cause a stomach upset or a blockage.
Can dogs eat dried banana chips?
Better not. Store-bought chips often have added sugar or oil and are hard and chewy.
Can bananas help with an upset stomach?
Some owners use a little banana for mild tummy trouble because of the fibre, but if your dog has diarrhoea or vomiting, ask your vet rather than treating it with food.
Can dogs with diabetes eat bananas?
Ask your vet first. Bananas are high in natural sugar, which can affect blood sugar control.
