Bananas are a tasty, healthy treat for humans, but while the superfood is good for humans, can dogs eat them? The short answer is yes, dogs can eat bananas, but there is some important information you should know before feeding them to your canine companion.
Like most things, bananas are best enjoyed in moderation. They are full of important vitamins, minerals and fibre. Bananas are low in sodium and cholesterol; however, their high sugar content can be bad for dogs in excess.
Fun Facts About Bananas
Before we start, let’s look at some interesting facts about bananas. Bananas date back to 500 BC and there are over 1,000 different types of bananas grown in 150 countries globally. While bananas are undoubtedly classed as a fruit, the plant they grow on is technically regarded as herbaceous (herb) rather than a tree, as the stem does not contain true woody tissue.
Are Bananas Good for Dogs?
We now know that dogs can eat bananas, but what are the benefits of feeding them to canines?
Bananas are a great source of Vitamin B6 and Vitamin C, which are essential to your dog’s health. Additionally, they are rich in potassium and low in sodium cholesterol, making them a healthy choice when compared to salty or fatty foods.
The high fibre content of bananas is great for a dog’s digestion system and can help with gastrointestinal problems. Bananas are also loaded in magnesium, which helps to promote bone growth and aids protein and vitamin absorption.
Here Is the Nutrition Stats of the Average Banana
- 105 calories
- 27g carbohydrates
- 1g protein
- <1g total fat
- 0g saturated fat
- 3g fiber
- 14g sugar
- 422mg potassium (12% DV)
- 32mg magnesium (8% DV)
- 3mg vitamin C (17% DV)
- 433mg vitamin B6 (20% DV)
What Are the Side Effects of Bananas for Dogs?
Just like most things, bananas should be fed to dogs in moderation. Bananas contain sugar, which can be problematic for dogs in large quantities. Too much sugar can lead to health issues like diabetes, obesity and even gastrointestinal problems. To develop these issues your dog would need to eat a large quantity of bananas regularly, but it is still best to keep this in the back of your mind.
While the high fibre levels in bananas is great for dogs, too much fibre can cause constipation. Some dogs also struggle to digest bananas as well, which can lead to constipation or diarrhea.
When adding bananas to your dog’s diet, you should keep an eye out for any changes in weight and possible signs of gastrointestinal issues.
Can Dogs Eat Banana Peels?
Banana peels should never be fed to dogs. While they are not toxic, banana peels are difficult for dogs to digest and can create a blockage if eaten whole or in large pieces.
Dogs Can Be Allergic to Bananas
As with almost any food item, dogs can be allergic to bananas in rare cases. The signs of an allergic reaction may include difficulty breathing, swelling, hives, sneezing, coughing and other symptoms. To limit the risk of an allergic reaction, give your dog a little bit of banana and see if they have any reaction to it.
If you notice any of the symptoms above, stop feeding your dog bananas immediately and see your vet as soon as possible.
How Do I Feed Bananas to Dogs?
Depending on the size and breed of your dog, they may have different dietary requirements. The amount of banana you feed your dog will vary, so you might want to check with your vet to see what they would recommend. If your vet gives you the go ahead, or you are comfortable feeding your dog bananas, we’ve listed a few different ways you can feed them to your canine companion.
Sliced Banana
The easiest way to feed banana to your dog is to simply peel and then slice them into smaller pieces. Feed your dog a couple of pieces as a treat and have some yourself as well! This can be a great reward if you are training your dog.
Frozen Banana
Your dog can get pretty hot in the summer, especially if you live in a warmer climate. Frozen banana pieces can be a great treat for your dog that cools them down when they are hot. Freeze and peel the banana, and then slice them into smaller pieces to feed to your dog.
Mashed Banana
Mash up a banana and then mix them into your dog’s food. The sweet flavour and smooth texture may be a welcome change to your dog’s regular dinner.
Put Them in A Toy
There are so many food products you can stuff in a KONG or puzzle toy, and mashed banana is another one. This will keep your dog entertained and will help to reduce boredom.
Try A Treat Recipe
Another great way to feed banana to your dog is to mix them into a treat recipe. There are so many different banana dog treat recipes online such as this one. You can then use these treats to reward your dog when you are training or for good behaviour.
Summing Up Can Dogs Eat Bananas
Bananas are perfectly safe for dogs to eat, but just remember to peel them and don’t give them too much. There are plenty of health benefits and they make a great treat for your dog!
Now check out this video on how to make a banana dog!
Check out : The Ultimate Guide To What Dogs Can Eat
