Can Dogs Eat Plantains? Yes, Cooked, Peeled and Plain

Why plantains are safe for dogs

Plantains belong to the same family as bananas, and the ASPCA's plant database lists the banana, with plantain as another name, as non-toxic to dogs. They provide fiber, potassium and some vitamins, and their flesh contains nothing known to poison a dog.

The AKC notes that bananas are safe in moderation but high in sugar, so they work best as a treat. Plantains carry more starch and less sugar when green, and grow sweeter as their skins turn yellow and black.

Raw plantains, peels and frying

Raw green plantain is hard and starchy, and dogs digest it poorly, so large raw pieces can cause gas, stomach upset or a choking risk. Cooking softens the flesh and makes it much easier to digest.

The peel is thick and fibrous and can cause vomiting or a blockage, so always remove it and throw it away where your dog cannot reach. Most plantain dishes are fried in oil and salted or sugared, which adds fat that can upset a dog's stomach or contribute to pancreatitis.

How to prepare plantains for a dog

Peel the plantain, cut it into chunks and boil, steam or bake it with no oil, salt, sugar or spice until it is soft enough to mash with a fork. Let it cool, then mash it or cut it into bite-sized pieces for your dog.

Ripe yellow plantains cook faster and taste sweeter, while green ones are starchier. Either is fine when plain and cooked. Skip mofongo, which is usually made with garlic, and any plantain dish cooked with onion or pork cracklings.

For dogs that gulp anything new, a slow feeder bowl or a lick mat keeps portions small and eating slow.

How much plantain by dog weight

Keep it to an occasional treat. As a rough guide: under 20 lb, one or two small cubes or a tablespoon of mash; 20 to 50 lb, two to three tablespoons; over 50 lb, up to about a quarter cup.

Plantain is calorie-dense, so it is best kept small for dogs that are overweight or diabetic. Its potassium content also means dogs with kidney disease should only have it if their vet agrees.

Puppies and plantains

Puppies can try a small amount of soft, plain, cooked plantain once they are on solid food. Mash it smooth so there are no firm chunks, and give a teaspoon to see how your puppy's stomach handles it.

Keep whole plantains and peels out of reach, since puppies chew on anything and can swallow pieces of peel. Plantain should stay a rare taste while your puppy grows on a complete puppy food.

Signs plantain disagreed with your dog and when to call a vet

Too much plantain, or raw or fried plantain, can cause gas, loose stools, constipation or vomiting within a few hours to a day. Mild signs usually settle once you stop and go back to your dog's normal food.

Call your vet if your dog ate a large amount of peel and is vomiting, straining, refusing food or has a painful belly, which can point to a blockage. Call the same day for repeated vomiting, diarrhea lasting more than a day, or lethargy after a fried or fatty plantain dish.

Other fruits and starches to try

Banana slices are a sweeter alternative, and the AKC also lists blueberries, apples without seeds or core, and watermelon without rind among safe fruits. Plain cooked sweet potato and pumpkin are good starchy swaps.

Rotate a few plain foods rather than relying on one, and keep each serving small so your dog's complete diet still covers its needs.

This page is general information, not veterinary advice, and it cannot replace an examination by the vet who knows your pet.