Why
Bananas bring potassium, vitamins and fiber. The catch is sugar: the AKC treats them as a snack, not a regular part of the diet.
How to serve bananas
- Peel it first and cut a few thin slices.
- Mash a little into a puzzle toy or freeze slices for a hot day.
Watch out for
- Too much can upset the stomach because of the sugar and fiber.
- Keep portions small for overweight or diabetic dogs.
How much bananas can a dog eat?
Treats of every kind should stay under 10% of a dog's daily calories, says the World Small Animal Veterinary Association. Here is that daily treat budget by size, and how much bananas it buys if bananas is the only treat that day. Bananas has about 89 kcal per 100 g; 1 medium (7" to 7-7/8" long) (118 g) is about 105 kcal.
| Dog size | Daily treat budget | Max bananas a day |
|---|---|---|
| Small (10 lb) | 26 kcal | 29 g (a quarter of medium (7" to 7-7/8" long)) |
| Medium (30 lb) | 59 kcal | 67 g (half of medium (7" to 7-7/8" long)) |
| Large (60 lb) | 100 kcal | 113 g (one medium (7" to 7-7/8" long)) |
| Giant (90 lb) | 136 kcal | 153 g (about one and a half medium (7" to 7-7/8" long)) |
Less is better for small, overweight or diabetic dogs. Work out your own dog's numbers with the dog food calculator. Calories: USDA FoodData Central, Bananas, raw.
Other fruit: quick answers
| Food | Verdict | Short answer |
|---|---|---|
| Avocado | Avoid | No. Avocado contains persin and is very high in fat. |
| Cherries | Avoid | No. Cherry pits, stems and leaves contain cyanide. |
| Cantaloupe | Small amounts | Yes, in moderation. It is low in calories but high in sugar. |
| Coconut | Small amounts | Yes, in small amounts. Keep the hairy husk away. |
| Cranberries | Small amounts | Yes, a few plain cranberries. Too many can upset the stomach. |
| Mango | Small amounts | Yes, peeled flesh in small amounts. Remove the hard pit. |
| Oranges | Small amounts | Yes, a segment or two of the flesh, without peel or seeds. |
| Peaches | Small amounts | Yes, fresh flesh only. The pit contains cyanide. |
Rules for any new food
- Plain is the rule: no salt, butter, oil, onion, garlic, sugar or sweeteners. Most of the danger in human food comes from what is added to it.
- Keep all treats under 10% of your dog's daily calories (WSAVA). The rest should come from a complete dog food.
- Check labels for xylitol, raisins, chocolate and macadamia nuts, which turn up in baked goods, snacks and spreads.
- If your dog has a health condition, such as diabetes, pancreatitis or kidney disease, ask your vet before adding any new food.
Frequently asked questions
Are bananas safe for dogs?
Yes, as an occasional treat. Bananas are low in calories but high in sugar.
How much bananas can a dog eat?
Treats of any kind should stay under 10% of a dog's daily calories (WSAVA). For a 30 lb dog that is about 59 kcal a day, or roughly 67 g of bananas if it is the only treat that day.
Sources
- American Kennel Club, "Fruits and Vegetables Dogs Can and Can't Eat" (updated Aug 4, 2026)
- WSAVA Global Nutrition Committee, "Feeding treats to your dog"
- USDA FoodData Central, SR Legacy (April 2018 release)
Checked October 17, 2026. We are a reference, not a vet: if in doubt, call yours. How we check.