Can Dogs Eat Bananas?

Yes, dogs can eat bananas. They are a rich source of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin B6, potassium, fiber, magnesium, and manganese, which can give dogs a health boost. The high nutritional value of bananas makes them a healthier alternative to commercial dog treats.

Unlike some fruits with toxic elements, bananas are generally safe for dogs to eat. Even though it is a safe fruit, you should only feed it in moderation and not give your dog the banana when he is on an empty stomach.

Are Bananas Good for Dogs?

Like some fruits and vegetables, bananas are great treats for dogs as they are high in nutritional content. Dogs can gain many health benefits from this sweet fruit, such as:

• Boosts brain function
  Bananas have vitamin B6, which promotes cognitive capacity and improves brain function.
• Boosts immune system
  Antioxidants and vitamin C in bananas enhance resistance to diseases and promotes cell healing and repair.
• Lowers blood pressure
  Potassium and B6 in bananas help regulate blood flow. This promotes healthy blood pressure and heart function.
• Strengthens bones and muscles
  Bananas are rich in magnesium, an important mineral that plays an essential role in muscle maintenance and normal bone growth. This ensures that your dog has strong muscles. Bananas are also packed with potassium, which strengthens the bones and prevents the loss of calcium.
• Improves digestion.
  Bananas have a good amount of fiber, which promotes healthy digestion. It is also a prebiotic, which feeds the good bacteria in the gut, helping them to thrive in the digestive systems of dogs.

Can dogs eat banana skin?

Do not let dogs eat a banana peel. Although the skin is edible, it is a choking hazard. If banana skin is ingested, your dog’s gastrointestinal tract will have a hard time digesting it. This can result in indigestion or intestinal blockage, which may require surgery in some cases.

Can dogs eat bananas every day?

No, feeding your dog bananas daily is discouraged. The fruit is packed with natural sugars and starches. A mid-sized banana contains approximately 14 grams of sugar and 6 grams of starch. Allowing your dog to eat too much can lead to health issues, including diabetes and obesity.

Gastrointestinal problems are also more likely to occur. This is due to the excessive amount of digestive fibers. Unrestricted banana consumption may also result in high levels of potassium. As a result, it will cause hyperkalemia, leading to heart problems.

How much banana can dogs eat?

Feed bananas to dogs in small amounts. Small dog breeds should only consume 2 to 3 small slices of banana. For medium and large breeds, half a banana is enough.

You should follow the 90/10 rule. This means 90% of your dog’s daily calorie intake must come from his normal dog food. The remaining 10% is made up of treats such as fruits.

Can all dogs eat bananas?

No, some dogs are better off without bananas in their diet. This specifically applies to dogs that have sensitive stomachs and others that may be allergic to the fruit.

If it is your dog’s first time eating the fruit, make sure he only eats small quantities. Then, monitor any changes in his body or behavior for signs of allergic reactions:

• Breathing difficulties
• Hives
• Coughing
• Itching
• Swelling

If your dog exhibits these symptoms, do not feed your dog any more bananas. Instead, bring him to the vet for proper treatment.

You may also take this chance to get him diagnosed to confirm that he is allergic to bananas. Once proven, the vet will work with you on the best course of action.

Can puppies eat bananas?

Since bananas are full of sugar, eating them may cause stomach problems in puppies. Keep in mind that young pups have more sensitive stomachs than adult dogs. So, before adding bananas to your pup’s diet, make sure to consult the vet first.

Can dogs eat bananas for an upset stomach?

Can dogs have bananas to cure their upset tummies? Feeding bananas to your dog does not stop your dog’s constipation or diarrhea. Your dog’s condition may even worsen as bananas are very high in fiber.

The digestive benefits of the banana should not be viewed as a medicinal cure.

To alleviate stomach problems, monitor your dog’s food intake and reduce the amount. This will determine what foods he can tolerate. If his condition does not improve or the symptoms become worse within 24 hours, contact the vet.

Can dogs eat banana bread?

Giving your dog commercially prepared banana bread is not advisable. Steer away from other banana-flavored human foods as well. Most of these processed foods often have high sugar content; they can cause diabetes and weight gain in dogs when consumed excessively.

Commercially bought banana bread might also have other ingredients potentially toxic to dogs, such as almonds.

Harmful artificial additives like xylitol, which can cause poisoning, are also found in these foods.

How to Safely Prepare Bananas for Your Dog

Making banana treats for your dog is simple and easy. Here are ways to safely prepare bananas for your dog to prevent choking or digestive issues.

1. Pick organically produced bananas as they have low exposure to harmful chemicals such as pesticides.
2. Completely remove the banana skin.
3. Slice the bananas into small portions and serve them to your dog.
4. You can also mash it or put it in a treat-dispensing toy.

Do not give a banana to a dog on an empty stomach as it increases the magnesium in the blood which is not healthy for a dog’s heart.

Banana-Licious  Special

Dog Treat Recipes

Upgrade plain banana slices into mouth-watering banana treats! Here are two easy banana recipes you can make:

Banana Peanut Butter Pupsicle

Ingredients

• 2 large spotted/brown bananas (230 grams)
• 3 tablespoons sugar-free peanut butter (no additives; no Xylitol)
• 3 tablespoons melted coconut oil

Procedure

1. Use a food processor and pulse the banana until it’s properly broken down.
2. Add the coconut oil and peanut butter to the food processor. Pulse until the consistency is smooth. Allow small chunks of banana to remain.
3. Pour the mixture into silicone molds or an ice cube tray.
4. Place it in the freezer until fully hard and serve it to your pooch.

Banana Honey Biscuits

Ingredients

• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 cups of water
• 2 bananas, mashed
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 4 1⁄2 cups whole wheat flour

Procedures

1. Preheat oven to 350F.
2. Lightly grease two large baking sheets.
3. In a large bowl, mix the egg, honey, mashed bananas, water, and vanilla.
4. Add in baking powder and whole-wheat flour.
5. Put the electric mixer on medium speed and use it to beat the ingredients until well incorporated.
6. On a floured surface, turn the dough and knead until the stickiness is gone.
7. Roll out the dough to 1/4-inch thickness. Cut it into mini shapes with a cookie cutter.
8. Place shaped dough on greased baking sheets.
9. Bake for about 20 minutes or until the cookies are lightly browned.
10. Turn off the oven and wait for 30 to 40 more minutes. This will make the cookies dry and crisp.
11. Remove the cookies from the oven.
12. Allow cookies to cool for about 10 minutes before giving them to your dog.