Are Bananas Safe for Dogs?
Can dogs eat banana? Yes, bananas are high in vitamin B6, vitamin C, potassium, fiber, and magnesium. In fact, bananas are sometimes recommended as a substitute to fatty, salty treats by veterinarians. Bananas help control vomiting and diarrhoea in pets. They can also aid in bone growth and help the body absorb protein and vitamins.
Although many people think that bananas are good for dogs, they do have a negative drawback, as they contain quite a fair bit of sugar to be eaten regularly. It should be treated more as a reward or treat as opposed to a meal substitute.
Can dogs eat banana peels?
While banana peels aren’t toxic to dogs, they are hard to digest and may cause a blockage in your pup’s stomach. Regardless whether your dog has eaten peels or not, too many bananas can upset your dog’s stomach and stomachs are fragile things. If you have any questions about how much to feed your pup, consult your veterinarian.
Banana health benefits
Let’s take a closer look at the health benefits of bananas. Are bananas a viable vitamin supplement as bananas contain many important vitamins and nutrients that can keep your dog healthy
Fiber
Bananas is a rich source for fiber. Fiber helps move food through your dog’s digestive system, preventing problems like constipation and other intestinal blockages.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that can help the body fight free radicals and inflammation. By reducing oxidative stress and inflammation, it also helps with cognitive aging. Dogs can make vitamin C on their own in their livers, but in some cases, they may need extra supplementation to restore antioxidant levels.
Magnesium & Potassium
Both Magnesium and Potassium helps supports kidney and heart functions. It also promotes healthy bone density while helps regulates fluid levels. Further, potassium is essential in muscle development and bone growth.
Biotin
Dogs of all ages can benefit from biotin, which is a water-soluble vitamin that helps keep the dog’s skin healthy and promotes proper coat quality.
Vitamin B6
Vitamin B6 is an essential chemical responsible for hundreds of functions in the brain and body. It regulates fluid balance, builds proteins, supports your dog’s hormones, and regulates neurotransmitters.
How much is too much banana?
Most dogs love bananas. But giving them too much of bananas can cause serious problems due to bananas having high sugar content. Thus, making it a perfect occasional treat. The general rule is that large dogs can eat ½ of a banana per day, and small dogs should only have 2-3 small pieces each day.
If you are in doubt, always consult with your vet on the daily intake allowance your dog can handle with bananas as a daily treat.
What happens if your dog has too much banana?
You may notice your dog experiencing upset stomach if they eat too much bananas. Another common symptom is if your dog is straining while pooping, this could lead to being constipated. If peels were also eaten, a blockage could develop. A gastrointestinal issue would be a serious problem requiring immediate vet attention.
If your pet has underlying issues with their kidneys or diabetes, too many banana treats can dump an overload of potassium in its blood. The symptoms of this would be weakness, disorientation, or even collapse. Talk to your vet about bananas as treats for your dog because he or she knows its health and can advise you accordingly.
How to feed your dog banana
Slices
The simplest way to feed your dog bananas, simply slice up the fruit, throw away the peel, and give your dog a nutritious snack.
Frozen
Cut bananas into slices and brush with lemon juice before placing in the freezer to make a delicious treat suitable for your dog on especially hot days.
Mashed
You can also try mixing sliced bananas with dog-safe ingredients such as peanut butter and yogurt. Both are delicious combinations with bananas as part of novel, tasty snack ideas. Even freezing the mixture works wonders for doggie ice cream treats too.
Use fillable dog toys: Another idea is to use dog toys filled with treats. By having mashed bananas inside treats your dog loves such as frozen Kong treats then freezing it for a snack.
