Can Dogs Eat Bananas?

Bananas are a tasty treat for humans. We use the yummy yellow fruit in cereal, smoothies and as a healthy snack between meals. But are bananas safe for dogs? The short answer is yes. Dogs can eat bananas in moderation.

Bananas are a good source of potassium, manganese, vitamin B6, vitamin C, fiber, biotin and copper. Bananas are low in sodium and cholesterol, but due to the sugar content in bananas, dogs should only eat them as a treat, and not as a regular part of their diets.

Side Effects of Bananas for Dogs

Bananas fed in excess can lead to constipation and dog owners should never feed their dog a banana peel. Kerri Marshall, DVM and chief veterinary officer for Trupanion Pet Insurance,  explains that bananas aren’t toxic to pets. However “they are difficult to digest and can create a blockage if eaten whole or in large pieces,” she says.

As with any new addition to a dog’s diet, take a moment and speak with your veterinarian about your dog’s nutritional needs.  When you add bananas as a treat for your dogs, Dr. Marshall suggests watching for allergies, weight changes and possible signs of a sensitive gastrointestinal system.

“From practical experience, some dogs love bananas and some hate bananas,” says Cathy Alinovi, DVM. “As long as bananas are just a snack, not the whole meal, and the dog isn't allergic to the banana, then there's no reason not to feed them.”

Enjoy the following easy peanut butter and banana dog treat recipe
Peanut Butter and Banana Dog Treats

Ingredients:

- 1 egg, beaten
- 1 peeled and mashed banana
- 3 tablespoons of peanut butter
- 1 cup of oat flour (alternate: coconut flour)
- 2/3 cup of rolled oats (alternate: coconut flakes)
- 1/2 cup dried parsley
- 1 tablespoon of honey (optional)

Cooking:

Preheat oven to 300°F.

Mix all of the ingredients in a bowl and let sit for approximately 5 minutes.

Using a tablespoon, spoon out enough dough to roll into 24 balls and set on a baking sheet lined with wax paper.  Use the back of the spoon to press the balls down to a 2” “flat” disc.

Bake for approximately 40-45 minutes and allow to cool when done.
Storage:

Store your dog treats in a seal tight storage container in the refrigerator or freeze for a treat on a later date.