Can dogs eat green bananas? And what about yellow bananas?

Pets Can Smile – 11 July 2024

So… can your dog eat bananas?

Are they safe for your dog?

And what’s the difference between yellow and green bananas?

And can dogs actually eat green bananas?

The short answer is yes, dogs can eat green bananas – and yellow bananas. 

In fact, green bananas can be really good for your dog. 

This is because green bananas: 

• Are a rich source of vitamins and minerals
• Contain fiber that supports gut health
• Can reduce the duration of diarrhea 

But…

But green bananas can also lead to serious health issues. 

This is why this article will tell you everything you need to know about:

• Which bananas you should give your dog, green or yellow?
• What possible side effects can bananas have for your dog?
• How to give bananas to your dog?

Let’s do this.

Let’s see if you should give bananas to your dog (yellow and green).

Are bananas good for dogs?

So, are bananas good for dogs?

And are they safe for dogs?

Well, that depends on whether we mean green bananas or yellow bananas. 

To clarify: 

• Green bananas are unripe bananas
• Yellow bananas are ripe bananas   

Are GREEN bananas good for dogs? 

Resistant starch

Unlike yellow bananas, green bananas contain resistant starch (pectin).  

In yellow bananas, resistant starch is replaced by sugar (glucose). 

Resistant starch is the main benefit of green bananas. 

Thanks to resistant starch, green bananas can reduce the duration of diarrhea in dogs. 

This is how.

Resistant starch is a type of carbohydrate. 

But unlike other types of carbohydrates, resistant starch is not digested in the small intestine. 

Instead, it’s passed into the large bowel where it is fermented by bacteria into short chain fatty acids. 

These short-chain fatty acids absorb excess fluid making the dog’s stools firmer.

This is how resistant starch reduces the duration of diarrhea.

Resistant starch is found in many foods such as: 

• Green bananas (not yellow or ripened bananas)
• Plantains
• Brown rice
• Beans
• Wholegrain bread and pasta
• Potatoes

Here are the main benefits of resistant starch: 

• Boosts gut health
• Improves insulin sensitivity (better handling of high blood sugar)
• Helps your dog stay full longer
• Eases constipation

Low in sugar

Green bananas are low in sugar. 

This makes green bananas a great food for dogs with diabetes. 

High in fiber 

Green bananas contain high levels of dietary fiber that support gut health

Probiotic bacteria 

Green bananas contain probiotic bacteria that support colon health and absorption of minerals such as calcium and iron.

By the way, probiotics are great not only for better colon health and absorption of minerals. For example, you can add probiotics to your dog’s diet if your pup suffers from itching or dermatitis. We discuss this in more detail in our article on the best dog food for German Shorthaired Pointers.  

Taste and texture 

Unlike yellow bananas, green bananas are not sweet. 

In fact, when cooked, green bananas have the texture and taste of potatoes.  

Too much resistant starch

Too much resistant starch in your dog’s diet can cause health issues such as gas, bloating, and other pains during digestion. 

Low levels of antioxidants

Green bananas contain lower levels of antioxidants than yellow bananas. 

Antioxidants have many benefits for dogs (more on antioxidants later). 

Taste and texture

Yes, some dogs may dislike the taste and texture of green bananas. 

Too much fiber

Although fiber in bananas will improve your dog’s gut health, too much fiber may cause constipation in dogs. 

Low levels of vitamins & minerals

Compared to yellow bananas, green bananas contain only moderate levels of vitamin C, vitamin B6, copper, and magnesium. 

Are YELLOW bananas good for dogs?

Antioxidants 

Yellow bananas have more antioxidants than green bananas. 

Antioxidants prevent or delay cell damage called oxidative stress. Which is great, because oxidative stress can cause cancer, increased risk of infections, obesity, degenerative diseases, and heart disease.

Bananas also contain other antioxidants that destroy the free radicals associated with cancer. 

By the way, the riper the banana the better! 

In other words, the riper the banana the more antioxidants it has. So make sure to occasionally feed your dog bananas with brown splotches or even completely brown.  

Vitamin C 

Yellow bananas have more vitamin C than green bananas. 

Vitamin C supports healthy bones, cartilage, and teeth. 

Vitamin C also boosts the immune system, helps the body absorb iron, and promotes quicker healing of wounds. 

Furthermore, vitamin C functions as an antioxidant that boosts the immune system and helps recover injuries faster. 

Vitamin C can also help your dog’s system fight against diseases like arthritis, glaucoma, infections, kennel cough, and cataracts. 

Vitamin B6 

Yellow bananas have more vitamin B6 than green bananas. 

Vitamin B6 supports mood and cognitive function, boosts the immune system, balances the amino acid levels in the blood, and helps protect against infection. 

Vitamin B6 also plays a critical role in the brain function. 

Vitamin B6 is also essential in the production of hormones such as serotonin and melatonin. 

Serotonin affects your dog’s mood, while melatonin promotes proper sleep.  

Vitamin B7

Yellow bananas have more vitamin B7 than green bananas. 

Vitamin B7 promotes healthy fur and skin. 

Vitamin B7 also supports the digestion and nerve function in dogs.

Potassium 

Yellow bananas have more potassium than green bananas. 

Potassium supports healthy blood pressure and helps regulate the levels of fluid in the cells. 

Potassium also helps in the proper functioning of blood vessels and muscles.  

Potassium is also great at maintaining a healthy heart.  

Magnesium 

Yellow bananas have more magnesium than green bananas. 

Magnesium is great for optimal energy production, anti-inflammatory function, heart health, as well as nerve and muscle function. 

Dogs also need magnesium to absorb other vitamins and minerals. 

Magnesium also promotes bone growth. This is why magnesium is so important in the diet of puppies. 

Speaking of puppies, make sure to feed your puppy food specifically designed for puppies. For example, we recently rated Open Farm as the best dog food for Bernedoodle puppies. Yes, this particular food is also suitable for other dog breeds.

Biotin 

Yellow bananas have more biotin than green bananas. 

Biotin supports healthy hair, skin, and nails. 

Biotin also promotes proper brain function, suppresses inflammation, and boosts immunity. 

Boost immunity 

Yellow bananas provide higher immunity enhancement, compared to green bananas

Easier to digest

Yellow bananas are easier to digest than green bananas. 

High in sugar 

Yellow bananas have more sugar than green bananas (91% of sugar and 8% of starch). 

The high sugar content in bananas can contribute to weight gain in your dog, especially if your dog consumes other high-calorie foods.  

Because of the high levels of sugar, yellow bananas are not suitable for obese dogs or dogs with diabetes.

Too much potassium

Yellow bananas have more potassium than green bananas, which is great. 

But note that too much potassium in the bloodstream (hyperkalemia) can negatively affect your dog’s heart. 

VIDEO: Is banana good for dogs?

Green bananas vs ripe bananas

The ripening process changes the health benefits and nutritional benefits of bananas.

So, what kind of banana should you give to your dog?

Well, that depends on which nutritional benefits you want your dog to receive. 

Green Bananas	Ripe Bananas
Higher in resistant starch	Lower in resistant starch
Lower in sugar	Higher in sugar
More difficult to digest	Easier to digest
Lower in minerals & vitamins	Higher in minerals & vitamins
Lower in antioxidants	Higher in antioxidants
Lower on the glycemic index	Higher on the glycemic index

The glycemic index determines how different foods increase blood glucose levels after they have been eaten by a dog. Foods are measured on a scale of 0 to 100, with 100 representing pure glucose.

Can puppies eat bananas? 

Yes, your puppy can eat bananas, both green and yellow.

Bananas (especially yellow bananas) are high in antioxidants, potassium, vitamin B6, vitamin C, and fiber, which all play essential roles in a puppy’s health and development. 

But note that too many bananas in your puppy’s diet may cause gastrointestinal issues. 

Also, yellow bananas are high in sugar. 

To include bananas in your puppy’s diet, serve bananas in small amounts as treats or mix them with your pup’s regular food. 

Also, don’t feed your puppy banana peels, as these are difficult to digest and can lead to choking.

In short, bananas will provide your puppy with additional nutrients that will contribute to your pup’s healthy growth and development. 

But make sure to serve bananas in moderation and only as a supplementary treat alongside a balanced diet.

Possible side effects of bananas for dogs

Here are some of the possible side effects of eating too many bananas by dogs. 

Dental issues

Bananas contain tons of sugar. 

Bacteria in a dog’s mouth can feed on that sugar and weaken the tooth enamel. 

This can lead to dental issues.  

Heart issues

As mentioned earlier, potassium promotes good heart function. 

However, too much potassium in the bloodstream (hyperkalemia) can negatively affect the dog’s heart. 

In dogs with hyperkalemia, the dog’s heart rhythms are no longer normal. This may lead to serious consequences, including death.  

Constipation 

Bananas can stop constipation. 

But eating too many bananas can also cause constipation, especially if your dog doesn’t drink enough water. 

Headache

Yes, a dog can get a headache. 

And yes, bananas can trigger headaches in dogs. 

Bananas are rich in amino acids, which dilate the blood vessels in the brain and can cause headaches.

As you can imagine, it’s not easy to know if your dog suffers from a headache. 

Allergy 

While it’s rare, some dogs can be allergic to bananas. 

So keep an eye out for any of the following allergy symptoms:  

• Swelling
• Coughing
• Hives
• Diarrhea
• Breathing difficulty 

Luckily, there are already dog food manufacturers that make excellent food for dogs with food allergies. One such brand is Royal Canin, whose dry food we recently rated as the best dog food for Dobermans with allergies. And yes, this food is also suitable for many other dog breeds.   

Diabetes 

Eating too many bananas can lead to diabetes. 

A dog with diabetes needs constant monitoring of blood sugar levels and regular insulin injections. 

Diabetes can also cause further health issues, including kidney damage, cataracts, and heart problems. 

How to feed your dog bananas

My Doberman loves bananas. 

Here are my recommendations on how to feed bananas to a dog. 

• Mash a banana and serve it on top of dog food
• Mash a banana and mix it with dog food
• Mix a banana with yogurt or peanut butter or any other pet-friendly food
• Put a mashed or sliced banana in a puzzle feeder
• Freeze a whole banana, peel it, slice it, and serve the slices as a refreshing banana treat
• Put a frozen or mashed banana into your dog’s KONG
• Make fruit smoothy from blended banana pieces, plain yogurt (sugar-free and xylitol-free), and other dog-safe fruits, such as strawberries and blueberries. 

For my Doberman, I occasionally prepare a delicious peanut butter banana treat.

It’s a delicious, 3-ingredient homemade dog treat made with old-fashioned rolled oats, natural peanut butter, and banana. 

My dog loves it!

Psst – this treat is human-friendly too. 

(The below steps are based on Flora & Vino recipe)

INGREDIENTS

• 1.5 cups of gluten-free old-fashioned rolled oats
• 0.5 cup of natural peanut butter
• 1 large ripe (smashed) banana (or 2 medium smashed bananas)

Step 1

Preheat the oven to 350°F.

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Step 2

Blitz the oats in a blender until you have a fine flour. 

Alternatively, you can use oat flour instead. 

Set aside.

Step 3

Smash the peanut butter and ripe banana in a large mixing bowl. 

Add the oat flour and smash it with a fork until the dough is thick and well combined. 

If the dough is crumbly, add 2-4 extra tablespoons of peanut butter and recombine. 

The dough should be firm, sticky, and pliable.

Step 4

Roll the dough into a thin slab (about ~1/4 inch thick). 

Then cut the dough into shapes with a cookie cutter. 

Alternatively, you can roll the dough into ~1 tablespoon balls and flatten them with your hands into a simple circular cookie.

Step 5

Bake for about 15 minutes until lightly brown underneath. 

Allow to cool for 10 to 15 minutes before serving.

You can store your treat masterpiece in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.

No worries. 

Here is a delicious banana dog treat that I occasionally prepare for my Doberman. 

Two easy steps – no baking required!

INGREDIENTS

• Ripe (yellow) banana
• Scoop of peanut butter (make sure it doesn’t contain xylitol)
• Slice of mild cheese
• Blender
• Dog toy (normal or stuffable)

Step 1

Blend the banana, peanut butter, and cheese in the blender. 

Continue blending until the content becomes smooth.

Step 2

Smear the treat over a dog toy (or insert it into a stuffable toy). 

Freeze it.

Serve when ready. 

How many bananas per day for your dog?

As mentioned earlier, bananas should only be served as treats, not as part of a regular diet for your dog. 

Note that treats should only make up 10% of your pup’s diet. 

The other 90% of daily food intake should come from a well-balanced dog food diet. 

All this means that a whole banana per day is too much for a dog, especially for smaller breeds or younger dogs. 

To help you determine a safe banana amount for your dog specifically, I recommend the following guidelines. 

The below guidelines are based on a dog’s weight. 

Note that “slices” of bananas should be ¼ inch thick. 

Dog weight	Amount of banana	Dog breed examples
Extra-small dog (2-20 lbs.)	1-2 slices	Yorkies, Chihuahuas, Pomeranians, Pugs
Small dog (21-30 lbs.)	2-3 slices	Basenjis, Beagles, Miniature Australian Shepherds
Medium dog (31-50 lbs.)	5-6 slices	Basset Hounds, Border Collies, Australian Cattle Dogs
Large dog (51-90 lbs.)	handful of slices	Pit Bulls, German Shepherds, Labrador Retrievers, Australian Shepherds
Extra-large dog (91+ lbs.)	half of a banana	Newfoundlands, Bernese Mountain Dogs, St. Bernards, Great Pyrenees

Alternatives to bananas

As shown in this article, bananas are great for most dogs. 

But bananas are not recommended for some dogs. 

For example, my German Shepherd is prone to quickly gaining unwanted weight. 

Unfortunately, all that sugar in bananas makes the matter worse for my dog. 

This is why I had to look for alternative treats for my dog. 

Fortunately, there are plenty of fruits and vegetables that are suitable for dogs like my German Shepherd (susceptible to obesity).  

Here are the best alternatives to bananas that I can recommend based on my experience with my dog. 

Strawberries & blueberries

Strawberries and blueberries are packed with antioxidants and essential nutrients. 

They can be served fresh or frozen. 

I always make sure to wash them thoroughly to remove dirt or pesticides. 

Apples

My dog also likes apples, which is great, because apples contain vitamin A, vitamin C, and fiber. 

But don’t forget to remove the seeds and core. This is because apple seeds contain cyanide which is toxic to dogs.

Vegetables

I also recommend carrots and green beans as alternatives to bananas. 

Carrots contain beta-carotene, which is essential for eye health and support for the immune system. 

Green beans come with vitamin C, vitamin K, and fiber. 

Furthermore, both carrots and green beans are low in calories, which is great for my dog who is susceptible to gaining weight.   

You can serve carrots and green beans raw, steamed, or cooked. Just skip seasonings, as these are not good for dogs.

Commercial treats

Both my dogs (German Shepherd and Doberman) love commercial treats. 

Luckily, commercial dog treats are a great alternative to bananas. 

I feed my dogs commercial treats for a number of reasons, including:  

• Training tools
• Stress reliever
• Dental hygiene
• Entertainment

Just make sure to keep the commercial treats in an airtight container to ensure they don’t dry out and lose taste.

Also, always choose high-quality treats that have been approved by the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO).

Peanut butter

I also give my dogs peanut butter. 

Peanut butter is not only delicious but is also high in protein and healthy fats. 

Just make sure the peanut butter is natural, sugar-free, unsalted, and contains no xylitol (an artificial sweetener that is toxic to dogs). 

So yes, always check the label to make sure the peanut butter is safe for your dog.

Frequently asked questions

Can my dog eat banana peels?

While banana peels are not toxic to dogs, they are hard to digest and may contain large amounts of pesticides. 

Banana peels can also cause an intestinal blockage, which may prevent any liquids or solids from passing through. 

Signs of intestinal blockage may include: 

• Loss of appetite
• Abdominal pain
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Constipation
• Weakness and lethargy
• Weight loss

But don’t panic if your dog ate a banana peel. 

It’s highly unlikely your dog will experience any life-threatening symptoms – banana peels are not poisonous. 

Still, if you notice any worrying signs, contact your vet as soon as possible.

Can my dog eat dried banana chips? 

Dried banana chips are not recommended for dogs. 

If not chewed properly, dried banana chips can absorb water, swell, and cause obstruction, which may need surgical intervention.  

Furthermore, banana chips often contain harmful preservatives and high levels of sugar. 

Can my dog eat banana bread?

Banana bread is not recommended for dogs. 

This is because banana bread may contain xylitol, raisins, or nutmeg, which are all toxic to dogs.

Can my dog eat banana pudding?

Banana pudding is not recommended for dogs. 

This is because banana pudding contains plenty of sugar, preservatives, and potentially other ingredients that are toxic to dogs. 

Can my dog eat frozen bananas? 

Giving your dog a whole, frozen banana is not recommended. 

This is because a whole banana is too much as a single serving for most dogs. 

Also, a whole, frozen banana may cause an intestinal blockage.

How many bananas can I give my dog? 

A whole banana per day is too much for most dogs, especially for smaller breeds or younger dogs. 

Note that the amount of bananas you can give to your dog depends on your dog’s weight. 

Follow these general guidelines: 

• Small and toy breeds: 1 to 3 small pieces of banana per day
• Medium and large breeds: half of a regular-sized banana per day (cut in slices)

How often can my dog eat bananas?

Bananas should only be served as an occasional treat, not as part of a regular diet. 

And remember that treats should only make up 10% of your pup’s diet. 

So it’s best to limit your dog’s consumption of bananas to a few times per week.

What are other sources of resistant starch?

As discussed earlier, green bananas contain resistant starch which can reduce the duration of diarrhea. 

But if for whatever reason your dog can’t eat green bananas, here are other sources of resistant starch:

• Oats
• Cooked and cooled rice
• Sweet potatoes
• White potatoes
• Beans

But note that green bananas contain the highest levels of resistant starch.

Which species of bananas have the highest amount of resistant starch?

Lady Fingers contain double the amount of resistant starch, compared to Cavendish and Plantain bananas. 

But remember the bananas must be green (in yellow bananas, resistant starch changes into simple sugar). 

Do I have to cook green bananas? Can I serve them raw to my dog?

Green bananas are best when served cooked (boiled or steamed). 

Consuming cooked bananas allows for better absorption of nutrients.

Can dogs eat green bananas? Are they good for your dog? CONCLUSION

You wanted to know: Can dogs eat green bananas? Are they good for your dog?

As you learned in this article, dogs can eat green bananas. 

Also, green bananas can be really good for your dog. 

This is because green bananas: 

• Are a rich source of vitamins and minerals
• Contain fiber that supports gut health
• Can reduce the duration of diarrhea 

But green bananas can also lead to serious health issues. 

This is why this article also told you everything you need to know about:

• Which bananas you should give your dog, green or yellow?
• What possible side effects can bananas have for your dog
• How to give bananas to your dog

Our team wishes your dog a good appetite!