Can dogs eat bananas? A simple guide for owners and sitters
A practical guide to banana treats, everyday feeding and agreeing snacks with your dog sitter. Includes a handover message you can adapt.
Updated on
Yes, dogs can have a little peeled banana occasionally. It contains sugar, so keep portions small; too much may upset their stomach.
Preparing a banana treat
Remove the peel and cut or mash the flesh into small pieces. The peel is hard to digest and could cause a blockage. There is no single portion that suits every dog: ask your vet if you are unsure.
American Kennel Club: bananas for dogs
Treats alongside everyday meals
A complete dog food supplies the nutrients your dog needs. Fruit and supplements are not necessary additions. Remember to account for all the extras your dog gets throughout the day.
LICG: complete dog food (in Dutch)
The Petbnb handover: one snack plan
A treat at breakfast, another after a walk, then something when you collect your dog: several people can offer food during a stay. Agree one plan for the whole day. Put the permitted snacks together and tell the sitter what your dog has already had.
Try this handover message: “These are the snacks we have agreed. My dog has already had … today. Please only offer … and let me know what is left.” Fill in the gaps for your own dog; this is a way to share instructions, not a suggested serving size.
Never tried banana before?
We suggest keeping the first day with a sitter familiar. Pack treats your dog already knows and save trying something new for a day at home. This also gives the sitter a clearer picture of your dog’s normal eating habits, without having to work out what has changed.
What if my dog has a special diet?
Check with your vet before adding extras to a special diet, then pass those instructions to the sitter. A banana-flavoured human snack is a different question from plain fruit: avoid added ingredients.
PDSA: your dog’s diet and treats