Can dogs eat bananas? And cats?
Safe in moderation. High in sugar, so keep it to a few slices.
Safe, but sugary and rarely interesting to cats.
Bananas are a safe occasional treat, and their soft texture makes them easy for older pets. They are among the more sugary fruits, so treat them like candy: a few slices, not a whole banana, and skip the peel, which is hard to digest and can cause an upset stomach.
Signs to watch for
- Excess: soft stool or weight gain
Sources: ASPCA Animal Poison Control people-foods guidance, Merck Veterinary Manual, Pet Poison Helpline. Verdicts are conservative by design: where evidence is thin we choose the stricter rating.
This is general educational information, not veterinary advice. When in doubt about your own pet, ask your veterinarian.
If your pet just ate something risky, act now: call your vet, ASPCA Animal Poison Control at (888) 426-4435, or Pet Poison Helpline at (855) 764-7661 (consultation fees may apply).