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Can dog's eat... Bananas?

Can dogs eat bananas? 

 

By Dr. Rebecca MacMillan BVetMed BSAVA PGCertSAM MRCVS 

Yes! Dogs can definitely eat bananas if you’re sensible and offer them in moderation.

Lots of dogs enjoy the sweet creamy taste of bananas, just like us! Bananas can make a great treat for dogs, but it’s important not to overdo things. We’re going to take a closer look at the potential health benefits of bananas, the best way to offer them to your pet and the potential pitfalls. Let’s look at some of the most commonly asked banana questions. 

#Are bananas poisonous to dogs? 

No, bananas are not poisonous to dogs. Bananas are a non-toxic fruit that dogs can enjoy on an occasional basis. Other pet-safe fruits include: 

  • Blueberries 
  • Raspberries 
  • Apple 
  • Melon 
  • Pear 
  • Strawberries  

The fruits to steer clear of are grapes (plus raisins and sultanas), rhubarb and avocado. These can be toxic to dogs so call a vet if your pet has consumed them. 

#Are bananas good for dogs? 

As well as being low in fat and high in energy, bananas contain plenty of nutrients which help us to perform essential functions in the body. However, it’s important to recognise that bananas also contain a lot of natural sugar and are more calorific than many other fruits. 

Dogs should get all the nutrition they need from a good quality, complete diet, so you shouldn’t need to top them up with extras. But it’s always nice to know a little bit more about the treats you give your pet. 

The key nutrients found in bananas are: 

##Potassium in dogs 

Bananas are rich in potassium, an electrolyte that is vital for muscle and nerve function. 

##Fibre for dogs 

This fruit is a good source of fibre which can help with healthy digestion, as well as making pets feel fuller. 

##Vitamin C for dogs 

Bananas contain vitamin C, which is actually not essential for dogs as they can make their own. However, they’re also a good source of vitamin B6 which is for brain heath and a well-functioning immune system. 

#Can dogs eat banana skin? 

Banana skins are tough and can be tricky for our pets to digest. They could also be a choking hazard so you should avoid giving them to your dog. 

If your dog accidentally eats some skin, then small pieces may be able to pass undigested through their intestines and be passed into the stools. But if your dog has swallowed a whole banana skin or large chunks of it, then there’s a chance they could suffer from a bowel obstruction. Due to their size, smaller dogs and puppies are more at risk than larger breeds. 

The risks of eating banana skins include 

  • Choking 
  • Digestive tract obstruction 
  • Stomach upsets 

If you suspect your dog has eaten a whole banana skin, or large chunks of it, please speak to your vet.  

#How much banana can a dog eat? 

Treats like bananas should make up no more than 10% of your dog’s daily calorie intake. Offering too many extras on top of their normal diet could lead to weight gain as well as causing stomach upsets. Overindulging in fruit or vegetables could lead to mild vomiting or diarrhoea. 

So, offering your dog a slice or two of bananas now and then will do them no harm, but eating a whole bunch of bananas in one sitting could be very problematic! 

If your dog has never had bananas before, then offer them a small amount to begin with and monitor for any side effects. Allergies to bananas are rare, but still a possibility.   

If you notice any issues after your pet eats a banana, please contact your vet. 

It’s best to serve your dog plain bananas, but if you are looking for an extra special treat, why not try our banana and peanut butter recipe? 

#Can puppies eat bananas? 

Puppies can safely enjoy bananas, in moderation. Treats and extras should still not make up any more than 10% of their daily diet. Offer them small amounts of plain banana at a time. 

Processed human foods containing other ingredients, such as banana bread or banana milkshakes should be avoided in both puppies and adult dogs. Banana chips are also much too hard to give to your pet and could be a choking hazard. 

#What to do if your dog eats a banana 

Don’t panic! All parts of the banana are non-toxic to dogs. A small amount of banana is unlikely to cause any issues at all. If your pet has consumed large amounts of bananas, then they may experience some mild stomach upset. 

You should stop them from eating any further bananas and monitor them closely. Some dogs will develop a stomach upset after eating something outside their normal diet, while others will experience no ill effects at all. In rare cases, dogs can be allergic to bananas. 

Always contact your vet for advice if you are concerned about your dog’s health. 

##My dog has eaten a banana skin, what should I do? 

While blockages due to banana skins are uncommon, owners should watch out for the following symptoms 

  • Vomiting 
  • Diarrhoea or constipation 
  • Reduced appetite 
  • Abdominal pain 
  • Lethargy 
  • Collapse 

Always speak to your vet if your dog has eaten something they shouldn’t have, to get the best advice possible for your pet. 

#Conclusion – Can Dogs Eat Bananas? 

Let’s recap the key points  

  • All parts of the banana are non-toxic to dogs, but banana skin should never be fed to your pet 
  • Plain bananas can be enjoyed as an occasional treat 
  • Too many extra fruits or veggies could make their diet unbalanced and cause stomach upsets 
  • Call your vet if you have any concerns about your dog 

So next time your dog is staring at you when you’re enjoying a banana, feel free to offer them a slice. As long as you stick to our guidance, you and your pet can both safely enjoy this fruity snack!