Can dogs eat it?
How much banana can I give my dog?
Last updated 23 September 2026 · How we write and check this
Short answer
Banana is safe for dogs, but it is sweet and fairly high in calories, so portions should be small. A few thin slices suit a small dog, while a large dog can have up to about half a medium banana as an occasional treat. Serve it peeled and plain, and skip it for dogs who are overweight or on a special diet.
Portions by size of dog
A medium banana has roughly 105 calories, most of them from natural sugar. Using the rule that treats stay under 10 percent of daily intake, a rough guide looks like this:
Toy dogs around 3 kg (7 lb): one or two coin-sized slices. Small dogs around 8 kg (18 lb): three or four slices. Medium dogs around 20 kg (44 lb): about a quarter of a banana. Large dogs over 30 kg (66 lb): up to half a banana, not every day.
Fun ways to serve it
Mashed banana smeared thinly on a lick mat keeps a dog busy for several minutes, which is more satisfying than a slice gone in one gulp. Frozen banana coins make a cool summer treat. Dried banana chips from the shop are often fried in oil and sweetened, so they are a poor swap for fresh fruit.
Signs you have overdone it
Too much banana commonly leads to softer stools or constipation, depending on the dog. Unripe green bananas are harder to digest than yellow ones with a few brown spots.
Dogs on a weight-loss plan or with a condition that affects blood sugar should have fruit approved by their vet first.
Banana and puppies
Puppies over about 10 weeks can try a thumbnail-sized piece of ripe banana once they are eating solid food well. Their daily calorie needs are small compared with the energy in fruit, so one or two tiny pieces a day is the limit. Their puppy food supplies everything they need for growth; banana is only a taste.
Key takeaways
- A medium banana carries about 105 calories, mostly sugar.
- Slices, not whole bananas, are the right portion for most dogs.
- Frozen coins or a thin smear on a lick mat stretch a small amount further.
- Shop-bought banana chips are usually fried and sweetened.