Are Bananas OK for Dogs? (Plus — Recipes!)

Does a Banana a Day Keep the Vet Away?

In short, yes, bananas are OK for dogs to eat, as long as it’s in moderation. Fresh bananas possess many appeeling qualities and nutritional benefits!

Bananas are a great source of:

• Potassium
• Vitamin B6
• Dietary fiber
• Magnesium
• Vitamin C
• Manganese
• Biotin

As you can see, bananas are a rather healthy treat! The Clinical Nutrition Service at Tufts University even recommends them as pill pocket alternatives for administering dog medications.

Read on to learn more about the health benefits of bananas for dogs, how they can make a great healthy snack, as well as the potential risks.

Benefits of Bananas

What is it about the listed vitamins and minerals that make bananas so healthy for both humans and dogs? For one, dogs with gastrointestinal problems or constipation can benefit from the amount of fiber content. A pooch with digestive issues or an upset stomach can eat some banana to get things moving.

Magnesium promotes healthy bone growth, regulates blood pressure, and is anti-inflammatory. Potassium also helps lower blood pressure and decreases the risk of heart disease and stroke.

The antioxidant-packed banana is great for a healthy immune system by defending it against free radicals. Bananas can also lower your cholesterol.

Keep in mind that although bananas come with many benefits, they also come with a lot of carbohydrates and natural sugar. The high sugar content of bananas means you should only give them to your dog on occasion in order to avoid weight gain and maintain a balanced diet.

Are Bananas OK for Dogs? Yes. Can Dogs Eat Banana Peels? No.

Can dogs eat banana peels? No, dogs should not eat banana peels or else they will wreak havoc on their digestive system. Banana peels can be a life-threatening choking hazard, especially for small dog breeds. If your dog ate a banana peel, do not let your dog eat anything else until he gets seen by the vet. 

While they are not toxic, they aren’t easy to digest and could cause intestinal blockage. Take your dog to the vet if a swallowed banana peel is causing stomach upset.

Banana Dog Treats: Can Dogs Eat Banana Chips?

​Can I feed banana chips to my dog? There are many commercial dog treats on the market that are made with bananas, but dog owners should read the ingredients before choosing one.

Look for banana dog treats that contain limited ingredients, are low-calorie, and are all-natural like Wholesome Pride’s Banana Bites dog treats. They’re made with just two ingredients: bananas and coconut oil, so you can be comfortable knowing exactly what’s going into your dog’s stomach.

Dried banana chips are safe for dogs with sensitive stomachs or food allergies and contain no additives or preservatives. For an extra special treat, spread a little bit of peanut butter on it!

If you’re wondering if you can share your human banana chips with your furry friend, again, it’s important to read the ingredient list. Many human foods are made with a sugar substitute called xylitol, which is toxic to dogs.

DIY Banana Dog Treat Recipies

There are plenty of tasty ways you can use ripe bananas to make dog treats. Whether you use them for baking, make mashed banana and mush it into a paste to stuff a kong with, or blend some up to use as a doggie ice cream, your pup is bound to love it. It’s a great low-calorie treat beneficial to your dog’s health.

Doggie Banana Ice Cream

Here’s a simple recipe for dog ice cream using bananas. You’ll need:

• 1 banana
• 1 cup Greek yogurt
• 1 tbsp peanut butter
• Blueberries or dehydrated banana chips for toppings

The steps:

1. Blend the banana, yogurt, and peanut butter in a blender. Alternatively, you can mash the ingredients in a bowl with a fork.
2. Put mixture into an ice tray, mold, or puzzle feeder.
3. Top with blueberries or small pieces of banana chips (optional).
4. Put in the freezer for at least an hour.
5. Serve and enjoy!

Gluten-Free Grain-Free Banana Dog Cookies

You’ll need:

• 1 cup smashed bananas
• 1.5 cup coconut flour
• 1/2 cup peanut butter
• 3 eggs
• 1/2 coconut oil, melted & cooled
• Wholesome Pride Banana Bites

Instructions:

1. Preheat the over to 350 degrees.
2. Combine all your ingredients in a large mixing bowl with a wooden spoon.
3. Roll dough out gently onto a cutting board or other clean surface dusted with coconut flour. Roll until the dough is about 1/2 inch thick.
4. Lay parchment paper out across a cookie sheet.
5. Use a cookie cutter to cut the biscuits out of the dough and place them onto the cookie sheet about an inch apart.
6. Top each biscuit with a dog banana chip.
7. Additionally, you can take a Wholesome Pride beef, chicken, or salmon freeze-dried protein treat, crush it, and sprinkle the yummy dust over the biscuits.
8. Bake for about 15 minutes.
9. Remove from oven and cool before sharing with your pup!
10. Store in a sealed container for up to three weeks.

Check out the equally tasty sweet potato version of this recipe!

Are Bananas Good for Dogs?

Yes! Bananas are a great snack for dogs, just not in large amounts. Keep in mind that bananas should just be an occasional treat in small quantities. Your pup’s dog food should be the main source of nutrients in your dog’s diet.

Remember when you ask yourself, can my dog eat this new food? Always do your research or consult your vet.

For more information on fruits like watermelon and veggies like sweet potatoes, check out these posts:

Can My Dog Eat Watermelon Rind?

Sweet Potatoes for Dogs: Sweet Perks in These Sweet Treats