Food
Can dogs eat bananas? How many slices
Igor, founder of ZoozyJars and maltipoo owner · Updated October 14, 2026 · 3 min read
Can dogs eat bananas? Yes, occasionally and in small amounts. Bananas aren't toxic, but they're fairly high in sugar and calories, so for a small dog that means 1–2 slices, not half a banana.
- Yes: fresh, ripe banana, in slices.
- How much: about 1 slice a day for a 3 kg dog, 1–2 for 5 kg, about 2 for 8 kg.
- No: peel, banana chips, banana in desserts.
- Watch out: if your dog is overweight or diabetic, agree on fruit with your vet.
Vomiting, no poop or a painful belly after eating banana peel is a reason to see a vet. A small dog can get a blockage from a single large piece.
How much banana can a dog eat
Bananas have about 89 kcal per 100 g, three times more than watermelon. Treats shouldn't go over 10% of daily calories, and fruit should take half of that at most.
| Dog's weight | Banana per day | 1 cm slices |
|---|---|---|
| 3 kg | up to 9 g | about 1 |
| 5 kg | up to 13 g | 1–2 |
| 8 kg | up to 18 g | about 2 |
We calculated this for a neutered adult dog (70 × weight^0.75 kcal a day). My maltipoo weighs about 4 kg and gets fruit fairly rarely, more often a piece of apple or a few blueberries.
Banana peel
The peel contains nothing poisonous, but it's tough and fibrous. Small dogs swallow it whole and then vomit or get gut problems. Dogs often pull peels out of the bin, so a kitchen bin should have a lid.
When banana is a bad idea
- Overweight. Bananas pack a lot of calories into a small piece. A cube of cucumber or apple works better.
- Diabetes. Agree on fruit with your vet.
- Constipation. Unripe, greenish bananas can make it worse.
- Dessert. Banana with chocolate, in cake or with yoghurt sweetened with xylitol is dangerous because of what's added, not the fruit.
How to give your dog banana
- A slice as a training reward, cut into 3–4 pieces.
- Mashed banana spread thinly on a lick mat for 5 minutes of activity.
- A frozen slice on a hot day.
Fruit can't replace a meal
A dog on complete food doesn't need bananas. It's a pleasure, not part of the diet. If your dog happily eats fruit but refuses its bowl, read what to do when your dog won't eat.
Check other fruit and foods in what dogs can't eat.
Frequently asked questions
The peel isn't poisonous, but it's tough and hard to digest. A small dog may vomit after eating it, and a large piece can block the intestines. Keep peels in a bin with a lid.
AKC — Can dogs eat bananas?; AKC — Fruits and vegetables dogs can and can't eat; NRC 2006 (RER); WSAVA — 10% of calories from treats. This article is for education only and does not replace advice from a veterinarian.
About the author
Igor, founder of ZoozyJars and maltipoo owner
I run ZoozyJars and live with a maltipoo myself. I write from my own experience and lean on the sources listed under each article.
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