ChocolateLabs
Can Labs Eat It? Food Safety
Bananas are safe for dogs, and most Labs love them. The catch is sugar and calories, so treat them as a sometimes snack, in slices, not a whole-banana reward.
The good and the not-so-good
According to the AKC, bananas provide potassium, vitamin B6, vitamin C, magnesium and fiber, and some vets suggest them as an alternative to fatty or salty treats. But they’re high in natural sugar, and too much can upset the stomach or add unwanted weight.
How much banana for a Lab?
USDA data put a medium banana (about 118 g) at roughly 105 calories. Compare that with a Lab’s treat budget:
| Lab (neutered adult) | Daily calories (Merck formula) | 10% treat budget |
|---|---|---|
| 55 lb | about 1,250 kcal | about 125 kcal |
| 70 lb | about 1,500 kcal | about 150 kcal |
| 80 lb | about 1,650 kcal | about 165 kcal |
One whole banana uses up most of the day’s treats. A few slices is a better habit, especially for Labs, a breed that gains weight easily (see our Lab weight guide). Get your own dog’s numbers from the calorie calculator.
Banana peels
Peels aren’t toxic, but they’re hard to digest and could cause stomach trouble or, occasionally, an intestinal blockage (AKC). Peel it, and put peels where a Lab can’t raid them.
Easy ways to serve banana
- A few slices as a training reward
- Mashed into a stuffable toy and frozen
- Mixed with a little xylitol-free peanut butter
Skip banana bread and banana desserts, which bring added sugar, fat and sometimes chocolate or raisins.
For lower-calorie fruit, try strawberries, blueberries or watermelon. See every food we’ve checked in the Can Labs eat it? series.