Are apples or bananas better for dogs?

Different strengths. Apple is lower in sugar (10 g per 100 g vs 12 g for banana per USDA FoodData Central), has a slightly lower glycaemic index, and contains seeds that must be removed. Banana is higher in potassium (358 mg per 100 g vs 107 mg for apple), softer in texture, and contains no toxic seeds or core to worry about. Healthy adult dogs can have either. Diabetic and overweight dogs should prefer apple. Active dogs and dogs with cramping issues may benefit slightly from banana potassium.

How much banana can a dog eat?

About half an inch of banana per 10 lb of body weight, two to three times per week. Banana is calorically denser than apple (89 kcal vs 52 kcal per 100 g) and sugar-richer, so the same per-kg portion delivers more calories. The AAFCO 10% daily calorie treat rule still applies. A small slice as an occasional treat is fine; a whole banana for a small dog is excessive.

Can dogs eat banana peel?

Not recommended. Banana peel is not toxic but is very tough, hard to digest, and a choking and obstruction risk. Most dogs that swallow a banana peel either vomit it back up or pass it without incident, but the peel offers no nutritional benefit and presents avoidable mechanical risk. Remove the peel before serving.

Apple vs Bananas for Dogs: Different Strengths

Updated May 2026

Short version

Both safe in moderation. Apple is lower in sugar and calories per gram, requires core and seed removal. Banana is higher in potassium and softer in texture, no toxic parts to remove, but higher in sugar and calories. Either is a good treat; the right answer depends on the individual dog. Per USDA FoodData Central.

Side-by-side nutrition

Per 100g flesh	Apple	Banana
Calories	52 kcal	89 kcal
Sugar	10.4 g	12.2 g
Fibre	2.4 g	2.6 g
Potassium	107 mg	358 mg
Vitamin C	4.6 mg	8.7 mg
Vitamin B6	0.04 mg	0.37 mg
Magnesium	5 mg	27 mg
Glycaemic index	~36	~51
Texture	Firm, crunchy	Soft, creamy

When apple is the better pick

Diabetic dogs. Lower sugar, lower glycaemic index. Apple specifically Granny Smith. See diabetic dogs.
Overweight dogs. Lower calorie density (52 vs 89 kcal/100g). The same treat satisfaction at fewer calories.
Dental cleaning effect. The crunchy texture has mild abrasive benefit; banana does not provide this.
Dogs prone to constipation. Both are similar in fibre but the firmness of apple and lower sugar mean less fermentation gas.
Frozen treat applications. Apple holds up to freezing; banana becomes mushy.

When banana is the better pick

Senior dogs with dental issues. Soft creamy texture is easy on worn teeth; no core or seeds to remove.
Active or athletic dogs. The potassium and quick-absorbing carbohydrate can help post-exercise. Modest benefit; not a sports drink, but a positive note.
Dogs that won't eat apple. Some dogs reject apple texture; banana is often more universally accepted.
Pill-hiding. A small piece of banana mashed around a pill is one of the easier non-medicated pill-disguise vehicles.
Puppies on a slow apple introduction. Banana is sometimes a gentler first-fruit-treat than apple for very young puppies.

Portion comparison by weight

Dog weight	Apple daily max	Banana daily max
10lb	20g (1 slice)	~half-inch slice
30lb	40g (2 slices)	1 to 1.5 inch slice
60lb	80g (4 slices)	2 inch slice
100lb	100g (half apple)	3 inch slice (third of banana)

Mixing both

A small banana slice with a few apple cubes makes a varied treat that combines the crunch of apple with the soft sweetness of banana. Mashed banana with diced apple, frozen in silicone moulds, is a popular pupsicle recipe. See the frozen apple page for ice-cube-tray methods.

Frequently asked questions

Are bananas toxic to dogs in any quantity?+

No. Bananas are safe for dogs in moderation per ASPCA. The concerns are caloric (high sugar, high calorie density) and the peel (mechanical not chemical risk). Large quantities can cause GI upset from sugar overload and can contribute to weight gain over time.

Are unripe bananas safer than ripe (lower sugar)?+

Unripe (green) bananas have more resistant starch and less free sugar than ripe; they are sometimes preferable for diabetic dogs. Texture is much firmer and less palatable to most dogs. Ripe banana is more commonly fed; the sugar content is the trade-off.

Can dogs eat banana chips?+

Plain dehydrated banana chips are concentrated banana, similar 5x sugar concentration to dried apple. Many commercial banana chips are fried in coconut oil with added sugar; these are not appropriate for dogs. Plain unsweetened dehydrated banana in small quantity is acceptable.

What about plantains?+

Plantains are starchier and lower-sugar than dessert bananas. They are typically eaten cooked rather than raw. Cooked plain plantain in small quantity is safe for dogs; raw plantain is rarely consumed by dogs voluntarily because of the tough starch.

My dog ate a whole banana, peel and all. What now?+

Likely outcome: some combination of vomiting the peel back up, passing the peel mostly undigested in stool, and digesting the banana flesh normally. Monitor for 48 hours. Small dogs are at higher obstruction risk from the peel; if you see repeated vomiting, lethargy, or no stool in 48 hours, vet call. The banana flesh itself is well within safety range for any dog over 30lb.

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Sources: USDA FoodData Central, University of Sydney glycaemic-index database, ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center, American Kennel Club. Educational reference only; not veterinary advice.