What To Do If Your Dog Ate A Banana Peel
Summary
- Bananas are safe and nutritious for dogs in moderation, but the peel is not.
- Banana peels are hard to digest and can cause choking, constipation, or intestinal blockage.
- Small dogs are at higher risk due to their size and digestive limitations.
- Peels may carry pesticides, dirt, or household chemicals that can make your dog sick.
- If your dog eats a banana peel, call your vet and monitor for symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, or lethargy.
- In severe cases, a vet exam, or even surgery may be required.
Bananas can be a great tasty snack for your dog and can provide multiple additional nutrients to the health of your dog. (We talk about this in more detail in our Can Dogs Eat Bananas article.) But banana peels can be dangerous for your dog's health.
In this article, we will talk more about the steps you should take if your dog accidently ingests a banana peel.
What To Do If Your Dog Ate A Banana Peel
Many dogs absolutely love the flavor and texture of bananas and this type of fruit can provide many beneficial nutrients and minerals to them. For example, bananas are a natural source of potassium, vitamin B6, and vitamin C, which support muscle function, energy metabolism, and immune health. This is why bananas are one of the most popular snacks to give to your dog.
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The only part of the banana your dog should eat is the inside soft part of the banana and they should never eat the peel of a banana. The peel of a banana isn't thought to be toxic but because of the firm consistency of the peel, it can be dangerous for your dog to digest it.
A banana peel is firm and tough to break down which can make it a choking hazard for your dog and can cause blockage in their digestive system. According to veterinarians, high-fiber plant material like banana peels can increase the risk of gastrointestinal obstruction. A 2023 survey by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) found that gastrointestinal blockages account for nearly 10–15% of emergency vet visits in dogs.
If your dog is somehow able to ingest the peel, it could cause a blockage in their stomach because the material is difficult for the acids in their stomach to break down. This can cause an upset stomach, constipation, diarrhea, and other digestive issues.
Call Your Vet If They Eat The Peel
If your dog has eaten a banana peel while you weren't looking then it can be beneficial to give your vet a call. Your veterinarian will have a better understanding of the current health status of your dog and will be able to recommend the next steps to make sure your dog digests the peel.
If they have eaten the peel then there is a good chance it will cause them an upset stomach. There's also a possibility that your dog may develop diarrhea or constipation due to what they ate. Depending on what state of matter the banana part left their body, your veterinarian may decide to give you some medication for upset stomachs or to improve the efficiency of the digestive system.
Monitor The Health of Your Dog
Your vet may advise you to observe your dog at home if the peel was small and your dog shows no immediate signs of distress. Keep an eye on:
- Energy levels (watch for unusual lethargy)
- Appetite (refusing food may be a warning sign)
- Bathroom habits (diarrhea, constipation, or straining may signal blockage)
- Vomiting or retching
If symptoms worsen, contact your vet immediately.
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Is A Banana Peel Toxic For Dogs?
The peel of a banana typically won't be toxic for dogs but it will be unsafe for them to consume because of how difficult it is for them to digest. The texture and consistency of a peel is difficult for a dog to chew up and difficult for the acids in their stomach to break down. This can cause blockage in your dog's stomach or can become a choking hazard when they try to eat it.
However, it is also possible that the banana peel has come in contact with something toxic.
Banana peels may carry:
- Pesticides or herbicides used in farming
- Dirt or bacteria picked up during transport
- Household chemicals if the peel was dropped indoors
Final Verdict
Bananas can be a healthy and low-calorie treat for dogs when served in moderation, but the peel is a different story. Banana peels are not toxic, but they can be hard to chew and digest. This makes them a choking hazard and can even cause digestive blockages or stomach upset. On top of that, peels may carry pesticides, dirt, or bacteria that could make your dog sick.
If your dog happens to eat a banana peel, the best thing you can do is call your veterinarian and keep a close eye on their behavior. The safest choice is to share only the soft, sweet inside of the banana and skip the peel. This way your dog gets all the healthy nutrients bananas offer without the risks.
FAQs
1. Can dogs eat banana peels?
No. Banana peels are not toxic, but they are unsafe because they are difficult to digest and can cause choking or intestinal blockages.
2. What should I do if my dog ate a banana peel?
Call your veterinarian right away. Depending on your dog’s size and the amount consumed, your vet may recommend monitoring at home or bringing your dog in for an exam.
3. Are bananas healthy for dogs without the peel?
Yes. Bananas in moderation can provide potassium, vitamin B6, vitamin C, and fiber. They are a low-calorie treat but should be given in small portions.
4. What symptoms should I watch for if my dog ate a peel?
Look for vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, loss of appetite, lethargy, or abdominal pain. These may signal digestive blockage and require immediate vet attention.
5. Can banana peels be toxic because of chemicals?
Yes. While the peel itself isn’t toxic, it may carry pesticide residue, dirt, or household chemicals that can upset your dog’s stomach or cause illness.
6. Are some dogs more at risk than others?
Yes. Smaller breeds and puppies are more likely to choke on banana peels or experience digestive blockages due to their size.
7. What fruits are safe for dogs instead?
Dogs can safely eat fruits like blueberries, watermelon (seedless), strawberries, and apples (without seeds). Check out our blog Fruits and Vegetables Dogs can and can't Eat to know more.