People eat bananas in many forms. They’re tasty and rich in health benefits, but are bananas safe for dogs to eat?
Are bananas ok for dogs?
Yes! Dogs can eat bananas safely, and there are actually quite a few healthy benefits of bananas for dogs. Read on to learn about the benefits of bananas for dogs (along with a few risks to watch out for).
Health Benefits of Bananas for Dogs
Bananas should be at the top of every dog owner’s list of healthy treats. They’re rich in vitamins, minerals, as well as antioxidants. Not only that, but they contain low levels of cholesterol and sodium, which can boost heart and kidney functions.
Check out all the nutrients that bananas provide your dog:
- Potassium: aids in digestion and boost muscle and kidney health
- Magnesium: plays a major role in metabolism
- Fiber: maintains a healthy digestive tract and proper digestion
- Vitamins: mainly vitamin C and B6
How Many Bananas Are Safe for My Dog to Eat?
How much banana can a dog eat? As with all treats, bananas should be 10% of a dog’s daily diet. They’re best offered as an occasional snack or treat rather than regular food.
Vets usually recommend giving large dog breeds about half a banana per day. If your pooch is small, only a couple of banana slices will be enough.
One idea you can try is to cut up a peeled banana into portions, then freeze them. Offer your dog several slices in the summer as a yummy, cold treat. You can also make yummy dog-friendly banana splits!
Another great idea is to mash them and stuff them in a puzzle feeder (like a KONG). Add some peanut butter and you’ll have one happy pooch!
Bananas are also great in baked dog treats, like these vegan dog treats!
Risks of Bananas for Dogs
While they may be delicious and healthy, bananas aren’t always a smart choice when it comes to certain dogs.
High Sugar Intake
Their one downside is that they contain high amounts of sugar. This can pose a problem for puppies or dogs suffering from diabetes or obesity.
Talk with your vet about whether bananas are safe for your pooch before offering any. If your vet gives you the all-clear, start with small portions.
Keep the Peels Away
It goes without saying, but we’ll say it anyway: keep banana peels away from your dog. While they aren’t toxic, banana peels can cause gastrointestinal problems due to their high fiber content.
Avoid Green Bananas
Also, avoid offering your pooch green bananas. They can cause problems in your dog’s digestive tract, such as tummy aches or diarrhea.
Allergies
While it’s rare, there’s always the chance that your dog could be allergic to bananas. Keep an eye out for any of the following symptoms of an allergic reaction:
- Difficulty breathing
- Swelling
- Hives
- Coughing
- Diarrhea
Can Dogs Eat Bananas?
Yes, they can! Bananas provide a wonderful source of vitamins and minerals that boost your dog’s health. Just remember to serve everything in moderation and keep an eye out for adverse reactions when introducing new foods.
Have more questions? Here are some frequently asked questions:
While banana peels are not toxic to dogs, they are very high in fiber and can cause gastrointestinal upset.
Yes, dogs can eat dried bananas and banana chips!
Frozen banana is safe for dogs, as long as it is not cut in a way that could pose a choking hazard (such as large chunks). Try mashing bananas on a lick mat and freezing them that way!
Banana bread is high in added sugar and fat, both of which can be harmful to dogs.
Banana pudding is high in added sugar and fat, both of which can be harmful to dogs.
Despite the similar name, banana peppers are not related to bananas. Banana peppers are safe for dogs to consume.
