Can Dogs Eat Bananas?
And what about that peel? đ

Ever wanted to split a banana with your dog? Or maybe youâre trying not to freak out because he got into the fruit bowl?
Either way, youâre probably wondering: Can dogs eat bananas?
To find out, we spoke with Dr. Cristina Bustamante, an associate veterinarian with Caring Hands Animal Hospital in Florida and founder of Dr. B Vet, who explained whether bananas are good or bad for dogs.
Can dogs eat bananas as a treat?
It turns out that bananas are a human food that dogs can actually eat safely.
âDogs can eat bananas in moderation as treats,â Dr. Bustamante told The Dodo.
Bananas are a safe way to give your pup a taste of something sweet and are a good alternative to feeding your pup grapes or chocolate, both of which are toxic to dogs.
Plus, bananas can easily be stuffed into interactive dog toys to help keep him occupied when youâre a little busy.
They can even be like dog toys all on their own â especially when frozen.
âMany dogs enjoy licking and playing with small pieces of banana,â Dr. Bustamante said.
Why are bananas good for dogs?
âBananas have vitamins and fiber, which can help your dog stay healthy,â Dr. Bustamante said.
Bananas are a great source for things that are good for your pupâs health, like:
- Potassium
- Vitamin A
- Vitamin B6
- Vitamin C
- Folate
- Iron
- Zinc
- Riboflavin (aka Vitamin B2)
- Niacin
Bananas are a great way for your dog to get those key nutrients in and also serve as healthier alternatives to some treats since theyâre low in fat, sodium and cholesterol.
In fact, frozen bananas make a great swap for human ice cream or even puppy ice cream treats.
âMost dogs really enjoy eating frozen pieces of banana,â Dr. Bustamante explained.
Can bananas ever be bad for dogs?
Bananas arenât necessarily bad for your dog.
However, too much of anything is always a bad thing. (Isnât that what your parents always said?)
And this is definitely true if your dog has been packing on the pounds.
âIf you are trying to help your pet lose weight, then bananas arenât the best option as a treat since they are high in sugar,â Dr. Bustamante explained.
And if your pupâs stomach is on the sensitive side, you donât want to risk this sugary snack giving him a tummy ache.
âSome dogs are very sensitive to any changes in their diet,â Dr. Bustamante said. âWhenever trying a new treat, I always recommend trying just a very small piece first.â
Can dogs eat banana peels?
While banana peels arenât necessarily toxic to your dog, youâre going to want to skip them when youâre giving your pup a banana.
âWhen giving bananas, it is best to remove the peel,â Dr. Bustamante explained. âIt is more difficult to digest, which can cause gastrointestinal problems.â
Not to mention, you donât want your dog to choke or possibly develop an intestinal blockage.
So the next time youâre enjoying a banana with your breakfast, you can definitely share a piece or two with your pup.