If you’ve ever eaten a banana in front of your dog, you may have noticed an adorable pair of eyes begging for just one tiny bite. However, because some foods can be dangerous for dogs, it’s always important to check before you share your favorite meal.
So can dogs eat bananas? The good news is that yes, dogs can eat bananas. You may want to limit the amount of banana they get until you know how they react to eating the fruit however.
Bananas actually have many nutritional benefits for dogs; if they like the taste, you and your pup can enjoy a wide variety of banana-related treats.
All About Bananas
Bananas are a type of fruit grown in the tropics and imported across the entire world. Many people love eating this tasty and nutritious fruit for breakfast, lunch, or a midday snack.
The bananas you typically find at the store are called cavendish bananas. These bananas are sweet and creamy. They’re usually eaten straight out of the peel, but they’re also frequently included in various dessert recipes.
Another type of banana is called the plantain. Plantains are slightly less sweet; they’re often eaten fried alongside savory meals. Plantains are a traditional dietary staple in many parts of the world.
Luckily, dogs can eat almost every kind of banana. From banana bread to fried plantains, your pet might really enjoy the different foods you can make with this classic and delicious fruit.
How Dogs React to Bananas
Bananas are safe for dogs to eat. In fact, bananas can actually be a healthy part of a dog’s diet, especially if they’re fed in moderate portions. For many dogs and their owners, sharing a banana together can be a wonderful bonding experience.
However, it’s important to realize that bananas really can’t make up the center of a canine diet. It’s not that different from how humans interact with bananas; they’re great as a snack, but you’d go crazy if bananas were the only thing you had to eat.
As long as they’re fed in moderation, bananas have many benefits for your canine friends. Dogs love bananas because they:
- Contain fiber and other important nutrients
- Add variety and interest to your dog’s diet
- Taste sweet without containing too many processed sugars
- Go well in simple, dog-friendly recipes
The Nutritional Benefits of Bananas for Dogs
One of the main reasons to feed bananas to your dog is that they’re a good source of fiber. Vets note that fiber is important for the health of your dog’s digestive system.
Although many dog foods are designed to meet your dog’s minimum nutritional needs, feeding them fruits and veggies is a great way to make sure they’re getting a well-rounded diet.
Bananas also contain a wide variety of vitamins and minerals that your dog needs to be healthy. Again, although these nutrients may be present in dog food, there’s no competing with the amount contained in a real piece of fruit.
- Magnesium is necessary for bone health and vitamin absorption. Dogs who don’t get enough magnesium might not benefit from the vitamins present in their kibble.
- Potassium is important for your dog’s heart health and muscle recovery. Bananas are one of the best sources of potassium in existence, so they’re an easy choice for this essential nutrient.
- Vitamin B6 maintains your dog’s energy levels and helps them run and play for hours. It also helps them have a well-regulated sleep schedule.
- Vitamin B7 is also known as biotin, and it’s important for your dog’s coat. Adding bananas to your dog’s diet might be a good way to improve the softness and shine of their fur.
- Vitamin C keeps your dog’s immune system strong and active. As your dog gets older, supplementing their diet with Vitamin C becomes more important.
Can Dogs Be Allergic to Bananas?
Some dogs are allergic to bananas. Potential allergic reactions can range from mild itching to severe breathing problems; that’s why, if you think your dog is having an allergic reaction, you need to take them to the vet immediately.
Vets say that signs of an allergic reaction include unusual swelling, itchiness, agitation, or hives shortly after consuming the fruit.
With that said, banana allergies in dogs aren’t that common, so don’t be afraid to let your dog sample this delicious household snack. Just always keep an eye on them when its their first time.
Try feeding them a very small bite of banana; then, wait an hour, and see if they have any negative effects. If you don’t see any swelling or itching, it’s probably safe to assume that your dog doesn’t have a banana allergy.
Sharing Bananas with Your Dog
Since both you and your dog can eat bananas, there’s no reason not to try this treat together with your best friend. Eating bananas is easy – and if you have a hard time with it, your dog will probably be happy to help you figure it out. (jk 🙂
If you do plan to share your banana, split the banana into pieces and offer a few little bites. I would not each take turns biting into the banana itself as its not very sanitary to do so and the shared bacteria could make one or even both of you sick.
How Much Banana Should a Dog Eat?
The amount of banana your dog can safely eat depends on how large they are and how big their stomach is. A hungry lab could easily eat an entire banana on his own, but a terrier probably only needs one or two slices.
Start by feeding your dog a small bite of banana. Wait for a moment to see how they react; some dogs love this fruit, while others will treat it with suspicion.
If your dog likes the banana, you can give them another bite or two. As with feeding anything to dogs, make sure you pay attention; otherwise, you’ll never know if the food gets along with their digestive system.
Some dogs really love bananas and want to eat them regularly. Remember that bananas are not an appropriate meal replacement for pets. They’re also surprisingly high-calorie; if your dog is overweight, they don’t need more than one or two banana treats a day.
Can Dogs Eat Banana Peels
While banana peels are not toxic to dogs, they should not be feed the peel. They are not easy to digest and can cause some intestine pain or even blockage.
Your dog might also suffer from diarrhea or an upset stomach if they ingest too much. For your pup’s safety, always throw the peel away in a dog proof trash can.
 If you have any questions or concerns about your dog eating banana peels, consult your veterinarian
The Best Way to Serve Bananas to Your Dog
The very best way to introduce your dog to bananas is to share a piece of fruit with them. Peel open the banana so your dog can have a look at the new food.
Then, break off a small piece, and offer it to your best friend. Take a bite of the banana yourself; dogs love it when their owner wants to share their treat.
Small dogs may really appreciate it if you cut a tiny slice of banana for them. Banana disks are easy for little dogs to get their mouths around; just remember not to cut them too thick.
If your dog is very little or is having a hard time with the banana, try mushing up a small piece and letting them lick it off a spoon or plate. Once they get used to the taste, your dog will start eating entire pieces of banana before you know it.
Bananas are usually served fresh, but they are also delicious frozen. Frozen banana slices are the perfect way for your dog to cool down on a hot summer day.
Although it’s possible to cut banana slices in advance and refrigerate them, this is not recommended. Bananas start to go brown as soon as they are cut; if you store the slices, you’ll find them mushy and strange when you return.
Simple Dog-Friendly Banana Recipes
Bananas are often paired with dog-friendly foods like strawberries, peanut butter, and yogurt. Remember that bananas are a sweet food and should not be served with savory things like peas or cheese.
Bananas are a common ingredient in dog-friendly recipes across the internet. You’re also welcome to come up with your own recipes; just make sure that everything you include is safe for dogs to eat.
- Banana ice cream is an excellent frozen treat dogs, especially if they have problems digesting dairy. Mash and whip a banana until it gets a fluffy texture. Then, freeze in a cup or Popsicle mold. Try adding blueberries or strawberries for a more interesting snack.
- Banana treats can be made with mashed bananas, peanut butter, coconut oil, and oats. Combine the ingredients into a dough, cut into the desired shape, and bake in the oven for about 10 minutes. These treats are hypoallergenic, assuming that your dog isn’t allergic to bananas. Always make sure your peanut butter does not contain Xylitol – this is extremely toxic to dogs.
- Banana bread is safe for your dog as long as it doesn’t include nuts, chocolate chips, or other ingredients that are dangerous for dogs to have. Only share one or two bites; little dogs really shouldn’t eat a lot of bread.
The Final Word on Dogs and Bananas
Some dogs really love bananas and other human foods, but its always important to check if dogs can eat these certain foods. Some pups will absolutely love the taste of banana, while others will take a bite or two before losing interest.
Always listen to your dog’s opinion about the food they are eating; they will tell you if they’re excited for another bite.
Dogs are more likely to enjoy bananas that are fully ripe. Green bananas are difficult for both humans and dogs to digest; if the banana tastes a little raw, you might not want to share it with your pup.
Luckily, most pups will let you know if the banana is too green for their tastes.
No one likes to eat too much of the same thing, so remember not to replace your pet’s normal snacks entirely with bananas. Olives, watermelon, and other fruits and vegetables can be good for your dog in small amounts so feed them these treats on occasion.
Like everyone else, pets need variety to be happy. Supplement their kibble with occasional bites of fruits, vegetables, meats, and cheeses. If you do it right, bananas can simply be a part of your dog’s balanced nutritional lifestyle.
Resources:
https://blog.entirelypets.com/informative/health/the-health-benefits-of-bananas-for-dog
https://vetgirlontherun.com/how-to-treat-the-common-allergic-reaction-in-dogs-vetgirl-veterinary-continuing-education-blo