We all know about the health benefits of bananas. They’re rich in fiber and many vitamins. But how about our dogs? Can dogs eat bananas? And if yes, how much is enough?
Some human foods have side effects for our pets, so it’s crucial to know which ones are safe.
Let’s find out:
- Bananas Are Healthy
- What’s the Recommended Dosage?
- Delicious Banana Meal Options for Dogs
- Interesting Facts About Bananas
Bananas Are Healthy
Are bananas good for dogs? They are. Aside from being tasty, this fantastic fruit is rich in many essential vitamins for dogs, like vitamin C, potassium, biotin, and magnesium.
Here’s why bananas are so good:
- Vitamin C is an excellent antioxidant, and B6 is the much-needed coenzyme for brain and body function.
- Potassium supports kidney and heart function and helps muscle development.
- Biotin is great for healthy skin and coat.
- Magnesium is ideal for bone growth.
- Bananas are also rich in fiber, which is great news for dogs struggling with gastrointestinal problems.
So can dogs eat bananas as a treat? Yes, the fruit is even low in calories. That makes them an excellent treat for your pooch, especially if your pet’s dealing with obesity.
Keep an Eye on the Recommended Amount for Dogs
As healthy and nutritious as this fruit is, you should keep an eye on how much you give to your dog.
Bananas are very rich in sugar. That’s why vets say they shouldn’t be an everyday treat. If your dog is dealing with diabetes or obesity, it’s crucial to talk to your vet before handing one to your pooch. They can give you the best advice on proper diabetic dog food.
Then, how much banana can I give my dog? It mostly depends on your dog’s size. But in any case, it should be in moderation.
How Much is Too Much?
According to vets, the recommended banana dosage is:
- Little dogs — One-third of a banana or less
- Large dogs — Half a banana per day
Any dosage of banana for dogs that’s more than the recommendation can cause trouble. Keep an eye for any signs of constipation or diarrhea. If you see these signs, you’ve given your dog too many bananas.
If you have doubts about the dosage, you can try a ready-made snack like Wheat-Free PB-Banana Dog Treats on Amazon. Dogs love it. Just follow the dosage on the back of the package, and you won’t have to worry about it.
Be Wary of the Peels
Can dogs eat bananas peels? You wouldn’t offer your dog something you wouldn’t eat, right? It’s the same with banana peels. Although they’re not toxic, they can cause blockage in the digestive system of your dog.
To prevent this, be careful where you leave the peels. Due to their high fiber content, they cannot dissolve properly and can cause many problems for dogs. When ingested in small doses, it’s usually not a problem. But what happens if your dog eats too much banana peel?
May Hurt the Tummy
As much as bananas are good for your dog, you shouldn’t feed the peel.
So are bananas healthy for dogs? Yes, if you give them in moderation and without the peel. But if your dog already ate it, you should watch out for the following scenarios:
- Choking hazard, especially for small dogs
- Can upset the stomach
- Might cause vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Constipation
If you notice any of these signs, talk with your vet. They’d know best how to help your dog. In some situations, your pet might need medications.
How to Feed
Now that you know bananas are safe for dogs, here are several ways you can offer this healthy fruit to your pooch:
- Mix it with peanut butter. Dogs love peanut butter, are peanuts and peanut butter bad for dogs? The one peanut butter you can be sure with (and we strongly recommend) is Ruff Ruff Raw on Amazon. Aside from being delicious, it’s safe and xylitol-free.
- Stuff it into fillable toys. An awesome playful way to give a banana to your dog is to smash it and put it in fillable toys. That way, your pet can enjoy the treat and work to get it. We recommend trying that with KONG (a timeless classic) and Frosty Cone Dog Toy on Amazon.
- Freeze it. Can dogs eat frozen bananas? Yes, it’s the best option for more peaky eaters. Once frozen, bananas change their texture, turning into a whole new treat experience. Your dog will surely enjoy this, especially on a hot summer day.
- Mix the banana with yogurt and freeze it. Dogs and yogurt are a great fit. Yogurt is an excellent and natural probiotic, so it’s perfect for the digestive system.
Bonus tip: If your dog loves bananas, keep in mind that it’s a great way to hide medications. So, if you’re struggling to give your dog its medicine, put it in a banana and serve it as a treat!
Bananas 101 — A Peel of Nutrition
It’s now clear that dogs eat bananas, and they’re good for them. Let’s learn some more pawsome facts about this fruit.
Musa Sapientum — ”Fruit of the Wise Men”
Did you know that bananas are called the “fruit of the wise men”?
It’s the only fruit that contains the amino acid tryptophan and vitamin B6. They help your body produce serotonin, otherwise known as the happiness hormone.
The peel is great, too. But don’t offer it to your dog. The inside of the peel helps reduce itching and redness from mosquito or other bug bites.
They Don’t Grow on Trees, but on Plants
Aside from curious facts about dogs and bananas, you’ll be surprised to learn that this fruit doesn’t grow on trees. Bananas grow on plants.
Banana plants are herbs, just like orchids or lilies. They can grow 30 feet in height, but they’re technically not trees. Also, they grow upwards, not downwards.
Bananas Are Actually Berries
Berries are a subcategory of fruits. To be more precise, they’re botanically berries. Fruit is considered a berry if it develops from a single ovary and has a soft exocarp and fleshy mesocarp. Bananas fulfill all three requirements.
Due to Their Potassium Content, Bananas Are a Bit Radioactive
But are bananas good for dogs? Before you ditch them out of your or your dog’s meal plan just because they’re radioactive, consider that we’re radioactive, too. Science says that an adult contains around 140g of potassium, making you 280 times more radioactive than a banana. So, the fruit still doesn’t pose a threat to you or your dog.
Conclusion
Let’s summarize what we’ve learned so far.
Can dogs eat bananas? Yes, dogs can eat bananas but in moderation. The fruit has great benefits as it’s rich in multivitamins for dogs, minerals, and fiber. That said, it should never replace your dog’s full meal.
Be careful if your dog’s dealing with obesity or diabetes, as bananas are very rich in sugar. Last but not least, say no to banana peels for your dog. They’re not toxic, but they can cause blockage in the digestive tract and present a choking hazard for smaller breeds.
