On the journey toward a more eco-friendly home, many find that their first stop is the kitchen, where opportunities to shift consumption habits, review shopping practices, and cut down on food waste abound.

Since learning from a veterinarian that bone scraps are unsafe for dogs, we wanted to explore other alternatives for treating your dog to a delicious snack. And that lead us to asking the question: Can dogs eat bananas?

The natural snack is a no-brainer for humans, boasting a wealth of nutritional benefits and its own biodegradable and protective peel. As such, it’s natural to wonder if your dog can benefit from snacking on them too, especially considering how quickly the fruit can turn from perfectly ripe to less-than-appealing.

Less waste for us and a snack for our four-legged friends is a win-win situation. Here’s everything you should know before treating your pup.

Can Dogs Eat Bananas?

Yes, dogs can eat bananas. Bananas are packed with nutrients that are great for dogs in moderation, such as potassium, fiber, magnesium, vitamin B6, and vitamin C. That said, peels shouldn’t be fed to your dog, as they can be hard to digest and may result in health issues like vomiting or intestinal blockages. Leave them for the composter, or consider cooking up some banana peel bacon for yourself.

While bananas are safe for dogs to eat, they shouldn’t be a recurring part of your dog’s diet. Bananas are high in sugar, which can cause adverse health effects in dogs if consumed in excess. As different dogs have different dietary and health needs, always consult with your veterinarian to see what amount is recommended for your dog’s breed and size.

Different Ways to Prepare Bananas for Dogs

When it comes to bananas for your dog, preparation ranges from simple (peel the fruit and allow your dog to do the rest, or mash it directly into their food) to involved.

One easy option is to peel the banana, cut it into thin slices, and freeze them so that your dog (and perhaps you) can enjoy a cool and refreshing summer treat. Even banana chips can make for a good dog treat, though these are best prepared from scratch so you can monitor sugar content and other additives.

If you’re feeling creative, a homemade recipe, like this peanut butter banana dog treat recipe, offers a perfect opportunity to incorporate this newly considered ingredient. No matter what you decide to cook up, just make sure that every ingredient is proven dog-safe.