Can dogs eat bananas? Yes you can in very small amounts, but as with any new food, you should consider a few other factors before introducing them into your doggy’s diet.
Bananas offer a wealth of vitamins and nutrients but you need to be mindful of how much they can have due to the high sugar content and the potential to cause digestive upset, along with other issues.
Other safety concerns, like whether to eat them frozen, fresh or dried, as well as the issue of the peel, need to be considered too.
So, are dogs allowed bananas? Are bananas good for dogs? You’re about to find out.
Are dogs allowed bananas?
Can dogs have bananas? They can, but moderation is key and the way you feed them, as well as the size and state of the fruit, matters.
Unlike avocados for dogs, bananas necessarily don’t cause an issue if fed in suitable portions. Depending on your dog's size, breed, allergies and dietary intolerances, a couple of slices a day may be ok. Bananas are high in sugar content, so overfeeding them or allowing consumption of whole bananas could cause digestive upset such as discomfort, vomiting or diarrhoea and long term feeding of them as a snack may lead to health issues like obesity.
Additionally, excessive feeding might cause issues like an upset stomach or general lethargy. As with all types of food, it’s always best to consult your vet before feeding your pet anything new.
So, can dogs eat bananas? Is the fruit good for your pet? Find out…
Are bananas good for dogs?
Are bananas good for dogs? Well, just like celery for dogs, in some case they can be. Bananas are packed with nutrients that are beneficial to your canine, but because of their nutrient density, it’s important to only feed one or two small slices as an occasional treat so as not to upset the balance of nutrients from your dog’s main-meal food.
Fibre is key in digestion. It helps regulate bowel movements and is generally great for a healthy gut. Potassium supports the healthy functioning of the heart, aids in blood pressure, and is important for bone health.
Then there are vitamins C, B6 and magnesium, which deliver immunity support, a brain boost, and help in converting food into energy.
Are dogs allowed bananas in excess? They can be a low-fat treat for your best friend, but overfeeding can lead to potential problems, like weight gain and digestive issues like constipation and diarrhoea.
When are bananas bad for dogs?
So, can dogs have bananas? Not always. If you consider that just like humans, any dog can be allergic or intolerant to any food. Even peanuts for dogs can be healthy, provided they don’t react to them anything in addition to their main-meal food should be given in very small amounts and only occasionally because any food, if overfed, can lead to issues.
The high sugar content can lead to health issues if bananas are eaten excessively, some small and others significant in nature.
Too much potassium. Bananas are packed with potassium, which, while a benefit when moderated, can lead to hyperkalemia. Hyperkalemia affects the healthy functioning of your pet’s heart and kidneys.
Choking or blockage. Can dogs eat banana peels? While a random munch of banana peel is ok, that and larger pieces of the fleshy part can cause your dog to choke or block up their digestive system. So we’d advise against it.
Digestion doubts. Too much of the fruit could lead to gastrointestinal issues (GI) like diarrhoea, vomiting, constipation, or an upset stomach in general.
Weight worries. Too much sugar and eating too much banana or too frequently could lead to your dog gaining weight.
Diabetes risk. Consistent overfeeding of this high-sugar snack might induce diabetes in your dog.
Can dogs eat bananas at then? If your pet is already experiencing any of the above, then introducing bananas to their diet probably isn’t the right way to go. However, we advise always to chat with your vet for advice that suits your canine.
How much banana can a dog eat? (PAA)
Can dogs have bananas, then? Much like when you consider barley for dogs, moderation is key to ensure a healthy intake. But just as important is your dog’s size.
Smaller pets, like Pugs or Pomeranians, should be eating no more than a thin slice a day. Whereas larger dogs like German Shepards or Saint Bernards can potentially consume a few slices a day.
However, it’s important that, whatever your pet’s size, you realise the fruit should only ever be an occasional treat, whether fresh, dried or frozen.
Your next step may be wondering, “Can dogs eat banana peels?” or “Can dogs eat dried bananas?” Ahead is your answer.
Can dogs eat bananas peels (PAA)
Are dogs allowed bananas plus peel? Unlike when you debate whether raspberries are for dogs - which can be toxic in high amounts - banana peels are non-toxic to dogs. However, due to the unusual texture, peels can be difficult to digest, which may result in your dog becoming constipated or experiencing general stomach issues or gastrointestinal blockages. So we advise against offering them banana peel.
Depending on your dog's size, they could also lead to choking. Always remove the peel before feeding your dog any type of banana.
There you go, now you know the answer to “can dogs eat banana peels?”. A one-off event won’t harm your pet, but we recommend removing the skin and only allowing your dog to consume a small piece of the fleshy part of the fruit.
What next? Can dogs eat dried bananas? It’s a good question…
Can dogs eat dried bananas? (PAA)
Are bananas good for dogs when the fruit is dried? It depends on the type of dried banana and what ingredients it includes. Plain and unsweetened dried banana can sometimes be a nice treat for your pet when given in smaller amounts.
However, due to the higher sugar content in dried bananas when compared to their fresher cousins, they should be moderated. That higher sugar inclusion can also be boosted, in a negative way, when dried banana products hike up the sweet and salty factors with added sugar, salt, and preservatives which are unclear in their origin or make-up.
In summary, can dogs eat dried bananas? Unlike dried blueberries for dogs, which can be a nutritious snack for your canine, dried bananas don’t offer the same level of benefits as their fresher fruit type and therefore we don’t recommend it.
Understanding the vital items in your pet’s diet is crucial to a happy and healthy canine. To that end, we’ve compiled a list of what dogs can and can’t eat so you never have to again ask the question “Can dogs eat bananas?”.
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