Key Points:
- Yes, dogs can eat bananas, but they should be offered in moderation.
- Bananas provide dogs with vitamins C and B6, potassium, and dietary fiber.
- Some dogs might not like the mushy texture or sweet taste of bananas.
- While not toxic, the banana peel can be hard for dogs to digest.
- Too many bananas can cause upset stomach in dogs due to high sugar.
If that puppy-eyed pooch of yours is begging for a bite of your banana, or has just gobbled one up off the floor, you may be wondering, “Can dogs eat bananas?”
The short answer is yes, bananas can be safe for your dog to eat so long as they’re served plain, peel-free, and in moderation.
Health benefits of bananas for dogs
Bananas provide excellent sources of essential vitamins and nutrients like potassium, magnesium, and Vitamin C, supporting your dog’s overall health. They are high in fiber and low in fat and cholesterol, which is more than we can say about many packaged treats that contain excessive fats or preservatives.
Tasty ways to feed your dog bananas
Bananas can serve as a great dog treat every once in a while. Plus, they’re great when you’re on the go! Here are a few ways you can serve your dog bananas.
- Slices: Slice up the fresh fruit into small pieces, discard the peel, and offer the slices to your dog.
- Frozen: Slice fresh bananas, brush them with lemon juice and freeze.
- Mix with dog-safe ingredients: Add peanut butter or yogurt to sliced bananas or freeze the mixture for doggie ice cream treats.
- Use fillable dog toys: Fill a dog toy with mashed bananas and freeze it for a snack that keeps your dog mentally stimulated too!
- DIY banana treats: Commercially prepared banana chips may contain sugar and preservatives your dog doesn’t need. Try these Oven-Baked Banana Chips for a tasty, crunchy pup snack you can make at home.
FAQs
Can my dog eat banana peels?
Banana peels are not toxic to dogs but contain high fiber that isn’t easily digested. If your dog eats the peel, it could cause blockages in the digestive system requiring immediate vet attention.
How much banana can my dog eat in a day?
Since bananas contain high sugar content, they should only be an occasional human food and not a regular treat in your dog’s diet. Feeding your dog banana once in a blue moon can help prevent weight gain, stomach upset, or constipation in your dog.
Large dogs can eat half a banana daily, and small dogs should only eat two to three slices daily. Always watch for choking or upset stomach when you offer this fruit.
Dogs with kidney disease or diabetes can get an overload of potassium in their blood from too many bananas. Symptoms can include weakness, disorientation, or even collapse.
Can puppies eat bananas?
Puppies have specific diets that support their growth and development, so bananas might not be the best snack for them quite yet. Ask your vet how much banana your puppy can have.
How will I know if my dog eats too much banana?
Watch for vomiting or stomach upsets. Straining to poop may signal constipation. Banana peels may cause a blockage requiring immediate veterinary attention.
The bottom line: if served in a healthy portion and in a bite-size, peel-free, form, bananas are a fine snack for dogs.
Safe ways to feed your dog pumpkin
Raw pumpkin: When steamed or roasted and cut into small pieces, raw pumpkin can be a great treat for your dog.
Canned: You can find organic canned pumpkin in the supermarket that only contains fresh pumpkin. Not only is this a healthy addition to your pup’s kibble but is also known to help slow or stop diarrhea in dogs.
DISCLOSURE
