I was eating a banana the other day and my standard poodle Annie sat there staring at me and seemed to be thinking, “Can I have some of that banana?”. This led me to wonder, “Can dogs eat bananas?” I decided to do some research and find out if dogs can eat bananas. Here’s what I discovered:
Dogs can eat bananas! Bananas are actually good for dogs as long as they don’t eat too much banana. Bananas actually contain nutrients that are healthy and beneficial for dogs. Let’s look further into these benefits and how much banana your dog can safely eat.
***(Be sure and scroll down to see foods dogs can and can’t eat)***
Why Are Bananas Good For Dogs?
Bananas are good for dogs as they can be used as a low calorie treat. Bananas contain the following nutrients:
| Nutrient | Benefit |
| Magnesium | Magnesium promotes bone growth in dogs. |
| Manganese | Manganese is necessary for normal brain and nerve function in dogs. |
| Potassium | Potassium regulates heartbeat and the function of muscles and nerves in dogs. |
| Vitamin B6 | Vitamin B6 is necessary for the development of nerves, brain and skin cells. |
| Vitamin C | Vitamin C helps many body functions including healing and the immune system. |
| Fiber | Fiber maintains bowel health, lowers cholesterol and helps control blood sugar. |
Given in moderation bananas are low in sodium and cholesterol. One medium ripe banana provides approximately 110 calories, 28 grams of carbohydrate, 1 gram of protein, 15 grams of naturally occurring sugar, 450mg of potassium, and 3 grams of fiber.
How Much of a Banana Can My Dog Eat?
As a rule of thumb the amount of a banana a dog can eat will be based on his or her size. Typically a large dog (over 50 or 60 pound) can eat about half a banana a day and small dogs should be limited to two or three small slices a day.
It’s a good idea to slice the banana into small portions before feeding to your dog. It’s recommended that your dog receive 90% of its diet from a balanced dog food. Always check with your vet before changing your dogs diet.
Too much banana for your dog can cause several issues including loose stools and vomiting. Because bananas contain sugar it may cause obesity if your dog frequently eats lots of bananas.
Can Dogs Eat Banana Peels?
No, dogs cannot eat banana peels so be extremely careful to keep them out of your dogs reach. Banana peels are difficult for dogs to digest because of their high fiber content although they are not toxic to dogs. Banana peels present a choking hazard to your dog so please be careful with the peels.
Can Dogs Eat Delicious Banana Bread?
Although many people love banana bread, including me, it is not recommended that dogs eat banana bread. Typically banana bread contains added sugar which can cause obesity in dogs (and people). Also, raisins or nuts in banana bread can be toxic for dogs.
Some dogs may have allergies to wheat or sensitivities to other grains in the banana bread so it’s best dogs avoid banana bread.
Tips About Bananas
Refrigerating green bananas can disrupt normal ripening. If you want to ripen bananas faster store them in a brown paper bag or close to other ripe fruit. Ripe fruit emits ethylene gas that promotes ripening the bananas.
Storing bananas in a plastic bag will trap moisture and may promote rotting.
How to Serve Bananas to Your Dog
Again, before feeding your dog or your puppy any new foods be sure and consult with your veterinarian.
Simply peel and slice the banana into small portions your dog can safely handle – depending on the size of your dog.
Some dogs like my dog Annie, a standard poodle, don’t like bananas, possibly because of their texture. You may want to try freezing bananas after slicing to change the texture and feel of them to your dog. Some dogs may prefer the crunchy, frozen banana instead of a soft, mushy banana. Plus, on a hot day the frozen banana may provide a refreshing treat to your dog – and you!
What Other Foods Can Dogs Safely Eat?
For this section of this article we’ll stay with the category of fruits that dogs can safely eat. As fruit is an important and healthy part of our diet it is also good for dogs. You’ll want to consult with your vet when adding any new foods to your dogs diet. Adding fruit to your dogs diet can give your dog an additional boost of antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, and help with hydration.
You’ll want to recognize that while some fruits are beneficial to your dog not all fruits are good for him. After reviewing this list of fruits dogs can eat be sure and look at the list of foods dogs shouldn’t eat shown at the bottom of this page.
10 Fruits Dogs Can Eat And Why – Handy Reference Chart
| Fruit | Tips | Benefits |
| Can Dogs Eat Apples? | Yes, dogs can eat apples. Apples make great dog treats and small bits can be added to their food. Be sure and avoid feeding your dog apple seeds as they are poisonous. Avoid feeding your dog the apple core as it can present a choking hazard. | Apples help clean your dogs teeth and freshen his breath. (Yay!) Apples contain fiber, vitamin A and vitamin C. |
| Can Dogs Eat Bananas? | Yes, dogs can eat bananas. Bananas are portable low calorie treats. They can be eaten fresh or frozen in small bits or slices. | Bananas contain fiber which may be good for your dog’s digestion. Bananas contain high amounts of vitamin C, potassium, and fiber. |
| Can Dogs Eat Blackberries? | Yes, dogs can eat blackberries. Your dog will probably prefer that you buy sweeter blackberries instead of tart ones! You may want to cut them into smaller bites if you have a small pup. | Blackberries contain fiber and manganese plus vitamins C and K. Blackberries also help support oral health. |
| Can Dogs Eat Blueberries? | Yes, dogs can eat blueberries! Dogs typically love sweet blueberries as they are just the right size treat. | Blueberries are considered a superfood rich in antioxidants. Blueberries also contain fiber and phytochemicals plus vitamin C and B6. |
| Can Dogs Eat Cantaloupe? | Yes, dogs can eat cantaloupe. Cut into small bits your dog can safely enjoy. Do not feed the rind to your dog as it can be a choking hazard. | Cantaloupes are 90% water and help with hydration. Contains vitamin C and B6 plus fiber, folate, niacin and potassium. |
| Can Dogs Eat Cranberries? | Yes, dogs can eat cranberries. Cranberries can be eaten raw, dried, or cooked. Avoid cranberry sauce as it is typically high in sugar. | Cranberries can improve bladder health and reduce tartar and plaque buildup on your dog’s teeth. Contain vitamin C, E, K, and manganese. |
| Can Dogs Eat Papaya? | Yes, dogs can eat popular papaya. Chop papaya into small pieces for your dog. Like other fruits, the seeds should not be ingested as they are considered poisonous. | Papaya contains vitamins A, C, and E which have antioxidant properties. Papaya is also high in calcium, fiber and potassium. |
| Can Dogs Eat Raspberries? | Yes, dogs can eat raspberries. Raspberries can be eaten raw, dried, or cooked. | Raspberries contain folic acid, copper, vitamin C, magnesium and fiber. These antioxidants are believed to help fight cancer and circulatory disease. |
| Can Dogs Eat Strawberries? | Yes, dogs can eat delicious strawberries. Be sure and slice the strawberries into small bits for your pup. | Strawberries contain vitamin B6, C, K, and E plus potassium, manganese, and folate. These vitamins and minerals generate a powerful antioxidant effect. |
| Can Dogs Eat Watermelon? | Yes, dogs can eat juicy watermelon. Again, slice into small bits for your dog. Avoid feeding seeds or the rind as it presents a choking hazard. | Watermelon is one of very few foods rich in lycopene which may have protective effects from certain types of cancers. Watermelon also contains vitamins C, A, and B6 plus thiamin. Great for hydration. |
10 Foods Dogs Should Never Eat – These Are Dangerous to Dogs
Yes, I’ve been tempted to feed my dog Annie different foods. After all if it’s delicious she will probably like it too, right? Don’t fall for it, your dog’s begging and pleading can be dangerous if you feed them the wrong foods.
It’s better to reach for a healthy dog treat or a bit of an apple than to feed them foods in the following table. You and your dog will be glad (and healthier) that you chose not to feed them these foods:
| Food | Why Dogs Can’t Eat This Food |
| Can Dogs Have Alcohol? | Dogs should not have alcohol as it can affect his nervous system which can lead to a coma or death. Alcohol affects dogs just like it does people except the effects are amplified in their smaller bodies. |
| Can Dogs Eat Avocados? | Dogs should not eat avocados as it contains the substance persin. Persin is a natural fungicide that can be toxic to dogs. Make sure your dog can’t get to the bowl of guacamole dip during parties. |
| Can Dogs Eat Bacon? | No, dogs should not eat bacon. As delicious as it is to people, bacon is a fatty food with high salt content that can upset your dog’s stomach causing diarrhea and vomiting. Eating a lot of bacon can cause pancreatitis which can be fatal. It is best that your dog avoid bacon. |
| Can Dogs Eat Candy? | Dogs should not eat candy as it can cause choking or can get lodged in the digestive system. Hard candies can actually crack your dog’s teeth. Sugar can cause obesity and other health issues in your dog. Artificial sweeteners, especially xylitol can cause serious issues for your dog. Xylitol can cause low blood pressure, liver failure, or seizures in dogs. Definitely avoid candy. |
| Can Dogs Eat Chocolate? | Dogs should never eat chocolate as it is made from cacao beans which contain theobromine and caffeine. These are both stimulants that can cause your dog’s heart to race and his blood pressure to rise. Chocolate can even cause seizures and death in your dog. Especially avoid dark chocolate. |
| Can Dogs Eat Garlic? | Dogs should not eat garlic as it contains thiosulfate which is toxic to dogs. Garlic is a member of the allium family and dogs metabolize this food differently than humans do. |
| Can Dogs Eat Grapes? | Dogs should not eat grapes or raisins as they are toxic to dogs and can cause sudden kidney failure or death. The toxic substance for dogs in grapes is unknown. Dogs cannot metabolize the flavonoids and tannins contained in grapes or raisins. |
| Can Dogs Eat Hot Dogs? | Dogs should not eat hot dogs because they contain sodium nitrate which is linked to cancer; sugars which cause obesity, and monosodium glutamate (MSG) which has been associated with various forms of toxicity. |
| Can Dogs Eat Macadamia Nuts? | Dogs should not eat macadamia nuts as they are toxic to dogs and can cause pancreatitis. Pancreatitis symptoms include vomiting, abdominal pain, and reduced appetite. |
| Can Dogs Eat Onions? | Dogs should never eat onions. Onions are toxic to dogs as they contain a toxin called N-propyl disulfide. This toxin causes red blood cells to break down which in turn leads to anemia in dogs. All parts of the onion are toxic to dogs. This includes the leaves, juice, flesh, and powders from onions which are part of the allium family. |
Final Thoughts About Your Dog and His or Her Eating Habits
It’s best to be cautious when it comes to feeding your dog new foods. Always check with your veterinarian before feeding your dog any new food. The goal is to treat each dog as a valued family member as long and as healthy as possible.
Dogs are little comedians providing endless laughter and companionship. Dogs seem to adore us if we’re in a good mood or a bad mood – they’re always happy to see us! Although dogs are sometimes frustrating, just like people, the joy they give us in return far outweighs those moments of frustration. Remember, have fun with your doggies, they are a bonus enriching our lives.
References:
- American Kennel Club: Fruits and Vegetables Dogs Can or Can’t Eat
- Shallowford Animal Hospital: 10 Foods Your Dog Should Never Eat