As soon as you sit down to eat something, your dog comes close to you with those adorable puppy eyes and looks at you with an expression that is almost impossible to ignore. What do you do in such a situation? Obviously, you start ‘Googling’ whether feeding this particular food is safe for your dog because none of us wants to give them anything that proves to be toxic for them.
In this article, we are specifically going to talk about feeding your dog bananas and whether bananas are healthy for them or not. Apart from fresh bananas, we will also provide insight, from a dog owners’ perspective, of feeding the dogs bananas in other forms, such as banana peels and banana chips. So, let us dive straight into our topic:
Are bananas good for dogs?
Bananas are a great source of essential nutrients and vitamins, but they should only be given to dogs as treats, not as meals. The reason behind this is that even if bananas are considered to be healthy for your dogs, due to their high levels of potassium, vitamins, biotin, fiber, and copper, and low levels of cholesterol and sodium, there is no denying the fact that they are also high in sugar. A high in sugar eatable should only be given as a treat or a snack, as it is not a healthy alternative for a proper, balanced meal.
Apart from the health perspective, bananas can be used to motivate, reward, and encourage your dogs, as not only is it inexpensive, but is also available all year round. So overall it provides all the essential nutrients, by being a better and healthy alternative to the packaged and high-processed treats that contain excessive additives and fats, while also not compromising on the delight of your dog!
Which nutrients are present in bananas and why are they important?
We understand that the health of your dog will be your first priority always, no matter what. Because of this, let us look into a detailed insight into the nutrients that form a major part of bananas, so you are fully aware of what you are feeding your dog and why is it important:
Biotin:
Biotin is a water-soluble Vitamin B, which your dog cannot produce on its own. Therefore, bananas act as a source of Biotin and cater to the issues of dry and flaky skin.
Magnesium:
Magnesium aids in energy production at a cellular level, hence it is necessary for your dog to perform its everyday actions, whether it be wagging its tail, munching on a treat, or even moving a muscle.
Fiber:
Fiber absorbs excessive water content in your dog’s body, regulating its digestive system and inhibiting the growth of undesirable bacteria in your dog’s gut.
Potassium:
Potassium regulates the acidity of bodily fluids in your dog’s body and also improves the functioning of muscles and blood vessels.
Vitamin B6:
Vitamin B6 looks after your dog’s nervous system, hence it is accountable for its immune response, red blood cells generation, glucose production, and hormone regulation.
Vitamin C:
Vitamin C fights all the harmful germs present in your dog’s body, thus ensuring good health and reduced inflammation.
Can puppies eat bananas?
Bananas act as a great and nutritious snack for your puppies, providing them with all the essential nutrients they need for their healthy growth. However, as is the case with dogs, puppies should only get bananas as a snack or an occasional treat, but never as a substitute for their meal.
Also, like every other food, bananas should be given to your dogs and puppies in moderation. The recommended amount of banana for a puppy is only about two to three small pieces per day. You should not exceed this under any circumstances, no matter even if you get to see those iconic puppy eyes!
Are banana peels safe for dogs?
Banana peels are made up of roughly 60 percent carbohydrates, 30 percent fiber, and the remaining 10 percent is a mix of water, proteins, and fat. Due to the high fiber content, it is not ideal to feed it to your dog, although it is also not toxic. This means that your dog can eat a banana peel, but it is not encouraged to feed it to them.
The fiber in the banana peel makes it hard to digest, which might cause a blockage in your dog’s digestive system, leading to constipation and other complexities. In more severe cases, consuming it can also induce vomiting in dogs due to the banana peel being difficult to digest. Hence, it is better to keep the peels away from your dog.
Can dogs eat dried banana chips?
Banana chips are bananas slices that are either dried, baked, or deep-fried. Your dog can eat banana chips if they are dried or baked, without any added sweeteners or preservatives. However, it is advised not to feed sweetened (either coated with honey or sugar) or deep-fried banana chips to your dog, as they not only contain a high sugar level and fat content but can also increase your dog’s cholesterol, leading to further health issues in the long run. Remember, banana chips are not toxic for dogs, but they are not recommended.
When are bananas bad for dogs?
Bananas are great for your dog. They provide essential vitamins and nutrients, but there are some circumstances where it is recommended not to feed any more bananas to your dog. These generally include:
- Your dog has a history of diabetes, obesity, or high cholesterol: Bananas have high sugar and fat content, so they are not the best choice if your dog has an existing medical condition.
- Your dog has constipation: Bananas are high in fiber, so they can either aggravate constipation or block your dog’s digestive system. In the worst case, it might also induce vomiting.
- Your dog is allergic to bananas: Before introducing any new food into your dog’s diet, make it a habit to check for any allergies. If an allergic reaction occurs, such as swelling, hives, difficulty breathing, sneezing, coughing, or other symptoms, contact a vet as soon as possible.
Bananas are a great snack choice, not only for humans but for your dogs too. Offer your dog a piece next time you eat a banana in front of them and see them go crazy with all the happiness and excitement!
