Can dogs eat bananas?

Bananas are a snack both you and your pup can enjoy the nutrients and taste together. Bananas are rich in fiber, vitamins, and minerals, which help strengthen immunity and support nerve and muscle health. As healthy as they are for humans, for dogs they can be particularly harmful if fed too much due to their high sugar content. Unripe green bananas can also be fed to your dogs, with the added benefit that they are high in resistant starch and low in sugar. Remove the skin from the banana and cut it into bite-sized pieces before serving. Human food snacks are always recommended in moderation.

What are the benefits of bananas for dogs?

Bananas are rich in dietary fiber, which can help with digestive problems and promotes healthier bowel movement. In addition, bananas contain various minerals, most popularly associated with potassium, also contain magnesium, vitamin C, and vitamin B6, which boost the immune system, promote heart and bone health, and support healthy blood pressure. They are also low in sodium, cholesterol, and calories, which makes them a healthy weight management snack. If your dog has hyperkalemia or diabetes, consult your veterinarian before feeding.

 

Key nutritional facts for feeding bananas to dogs

• Rich dietary fiber

  Bananas are high in fiber, which helps your dog's digestive system and can help with diarrhea or constipation. Fiber-rich diets can help you feel fuller for longer, help manage weight for obesity, and help prevent heart disease and certain types of cancer. However, too much fiber can cause the opposite effect.

• Vitamins

  - Vitamin C: Helps your pet's immune system. Vitamin C is known to act as an antioxidant, reduce inflammation, and help with cognitive problems caused by aging.

  - Vitamin B6: Helps your pet's body produce red blood cells, hemoglobin, and insulin. It is an essential nutrient for the proper functioning of red blood cells and the nervous system.

• Minerals

  - Potassium: Helps your pet’s heart and kidneys function and their muscles work efficiently.

  - Magnesium: Needed for muscle and bone development and for absorbing calcium in your dog's body. It helps promote muscle and nerve function and energy production as well.

• Biotin

  Biotin not only promotes hair, skin, and nail health, but it also boosts the immune system and brain function and helps with inflammation.

 

Is it okay for dogs to eat unripe green bananas?

Unlike other fruits, bananas can be fed unripe and provide added benefits. Green bananas contain more resistant starch than ripe yellow bananas, making it easier to feel full with less. They are also lower in sugar than fully ripe bananas, which makes them great for weight management. However, too much resistant starch can cause digestive problems such as bloating and gas, and antioxidants in bananas are richer as they ripen.

Best way to serve bananas for your dog

How to safely serve bananas for your dog

When preparing bananas, you do not want to overfeed them according to their size. While bananas are one of the few fruits that are not entirely toxic to eat whole, it is better to peel and feed bananas in small slices.

You may also mash the servings of bananas into a pulp and at it to their food as a meal topper. Another fun idea is to blend bananas and other healthy fruits for dogs, such as strawberries and blueberries, and serve as a smoothie for a nice summer treat.

If your dog has not tried any bananas before, it is always recommended to test with a small amount and monitor closely for any allergic reaction or digestive symptoms.

How much banana is too much for my dog?

Bananas should be given as a treat and should not exceed 10% of your dog's recommended daily calories.

When serving in slices, 2 to 3 slices a day for small dogs, 5 to 6 slices a day for medium-sized dogs, and half a banana for large dogs are recommended. (Slice thickness: 6mm, based on 1/4 inch)

If you suspect that you fed too many banana slices, you should keep an eye on these symptoms and call a vet.

• Decreased appetite
• Lethargy
• Drinking less water
• Gulping or licking their lips or the air

Precautions when feeding bananas to dogs

Feeding too many bananas as a snack can harm your pet's health. Excessive fiber can cause constipation, and too much sugar can lead to several health problems, including weight gain and diabetes.

Since bananas are rich in potassium, if your dog has a disease such as hyperkalemia, it is recommended to consult with a veterinarian before feeding, and in the case of diabetes and obesity, it is recommended to discuss the appropriate amount of feeding with a veterinarian.

Can dogs eat banana peels?

Banana peels are not toxic but may contain pesticides during cultivation and distribution. Also, it is not easy to digest and can cause stomach or intestinal blockage if swallowed incorrectly.

Food allergy

As with any other food, the first time eating any new food may cause an allergic reaction and show intolerance. It is recommended to give a small amount of a banana to be tested and monitored for signs of allergy. If your puppy shows any signs of an allergy, it is recommended to stop feeding and contact your veterinarian immediately.

Signs of an allergic reaction to look out for:

• Skin problems: hives, facial swelling, itchiness
• Digestive problems: vomiting and diarrhea
• Shortness of breath

Can I feed banana chips, dried bananas, and other banana products to my dog?

Dried bananas and banana chips can cause your dog to absorb water and swell after eating them. After drying, the fruit has a higher calorie and sugar content which is not necessarily healthy for our pets. In addition, it is recommended not to feed processed foods as much as possible because they may contain ingredients that are toxic to dogs, such as artificial sweeteners. It is always a good idea to check the label before giving any human food to our pets.

Ever wonder what other fruits can dogs eat safely?

Does your dog also look up at you with those puppy dog eyes whenever you are snacking on something? You know foods like chocolates should not be shared with them but do you search the Internet every time if it’s okay to share a bite of whatever you are eating? The Buddydoc Food Dictionary provides information on hundreds of foods that we consume and informs you whether it is safe for them to consume and the nutritional benefits for your pet. If you're curious about other foods, try searching on Buddydoc!