Can dogs eat bananas? Is it safe?

Can dogs eat bananas?

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Updated on May 12, 2022
Written by ESA Pet Staff

fact checked by Dr Chu Little

It’s no surprise that dogs are considered “man’s best friend”. The truth is, dogs show unwavering companionship, support, and protection to name a few. That’s why feeding your dogs nutrient-dense foods that promote health and wellness is crucial.

You may be wondering which grains, fruits, and vegetables are safe for your dog to consume. If you’ve ever asked yourself, “can dogs eat bananas?”, the answer is yes. Bananas are a healthy alternative to processed food and an excellent low-calorie snack for your dog.

Bananas are packed with essential nutrients and vitamins like potassium, vitamin B6, and vitamin C. They’re also low in sodium and high in fiber, making them an excellent choice for dogs with digestive problems or dogs that need to lose weight. Overall, bananas can be a great addition to a dog’s diet and an even better alternative to salty, overly-processed treats.

Can dogs eat bananas

Are Bananas Good for Dogs?

Bananas can be very nutritious for dogs. They contain fiber, potassium, folate, and antioxidants, such as vitamin C. All of these key nutrients support gut and heart health allowing for sustained energy. Bananas are also high in magnesium, which promotes bone growth, protein production, and vitamin absorption. While it’s safe for dogs to eat bananas, they should still be given in moderation.

Can Dogs Eat Banana Peels?

Dogs can eat bananas, but be wary of the peels. Banana peels are not toxic to dogs, but they’re hard to digest. They contain highly concentrated amounts of fiber. Dogs that consume a banana peel, may experience vomiting, an upset stomach, or in bad cases, the peel could cause an intestinal blockage depending on the size of the dog. Bottom line: don’t give your dog banana peels!

Nutrients In Bananas

Bananas are one of the best natural treats for dogs because they contain vitamins and nutrients that provide various health benefits. For example, bananas contain vitamin B6 (which helps to prevent heart disease in dogs by regulating blood pressure and nerve function), Vitamin C (high in antioxidants to improve immune function), Calcium (help maintain cartilage, bones, and teeth). They also contain dietary fiber and prebiotics, which improves digestion, and copper, which boosts their metabolism.

The carbohydrate content makes bananas an excellent food for dogs to consume during exercise or strenuous activity. The rich carbohydrates help to increase energy levels and fuel muscles by quickly releasing glucose into the bloodstream in order for the surrounding tissues to utilize it. In fact, many experts recommend that athletes eat bananas before competing in a sporting event to keep them energized.

Additionally, bananas are an excellent source of potassium which is essential for good health in both humans and animals. Potassium helps maintain normal blood pressure, nerve function, and muscle contraction. A deficiency in the vitamin can cause muscle cramps, weakness, and heart palpitations.

Health Benefits of Bananas to Dogs

Bananas are one of the most popular fruits in the world and provide an array of health benefits for dogs. Although they are not a part of the botanical family of berries, they are still considered a healthy snack for dogs because of their small size.

Bananas are a great source of fiber, potassium, vitamin B6 and manganese. They also contain a small amount of Vitamin C. The potassium in bananas can help regulate your dog’s digestive system and reduce stomach upset. Potassium can also help to manage blood pressure and reduce any strain on the cardiovascular system. If your dog has anemia or any other condition that causes low red blood cell count, Banana treats can help.

Because they are rich in fiber and pectin, bananas can also help with diarrhea and constipation. They also contain vitamins A and C, which improve teeth health, boost the immune system, and help to fight infections in dogs.

You can give bananas to both weaned puppies and adult dogs, but only if their stomach can tolerate it. If they start experiencing problems like diarrhea or vomiting after eating bananas, stop giving them to your dog. Additionally, you should be careful feeding any fruit to puppies or adults if you are unsure if they are toxic such as grapes.

Bananas Are Great for Dogs With Allergies

If your dog has allergies or food sensitivities, bananas may help. Bananas are rich in potassium, which helps reduce inflammation and balance blood pressure levels in dogs. 

They are also known to have anti-inflammatory properties, which can help soothe an inflamed digestive tract caused by allergies or other issues like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Bananas also contain antioxidants that help to reduce inflammation caused by allergies, asthma, or bronchitis.

Bananas Help with Training and Bonding

If you have an older dog, you probably know that they can be challenging to train. Banana treats are some of the most popular training treats you can use because they are healthy and easy to carry around.

These training treats are also great for puppies. They’re soft enough that they won’t hurt the roof of your dog’s mouth or get stuck in their teeth. Bananas also work well for bonding since puppies love their treats! Bananas are especially good for teething puppies because they provide relief from pain and help keep their gums healthy.

For training purposes, you can use the banana as an incentive for your dog to learn commands and perform tricks. Every time your dog does the command or trick correctly, reward them with a piece of banana. This is a great low-calorie, healthy option compared to the salty, highly-processed training treats typically used.

How to Feed Your Dog Bananas

The easiest way to feed your dog banana dog treats is by cutting them into small pieces using a knife or food processor. You can give it to them either raw or cooked, depending on their preference. Remember: avoid giving banana peels to your dog. The peels are not as easily digestible and may even be a choking hazard. If your dog eats banana peels, consult your vet right away.

Overall, the best way to give bananas to your dog is by chopping them into thin slices. You can give your dog these slices as dog treats throughout the day or incorporate them into your dog’s daily meals. Since they’re rich in essential vitamins and minerals, your dog will start to experience the health benefits with consistent consumption.

There are some other ways that you can feed your dog bananas:

  • Mashed bananas: You can mash up small pieces of banana and mix them in with your dog’s dinner or snacks
  • Dog banana bread- You can bake a loaf of dog-friendly banana bread and give your dog a small piece every day

 

How Much Banana Can Dogs Eat?

There is no specific amount of banana that dogs can eat per day. However, remember not to feed too much of anything, including bananas. Overfeeding this fruit may cause diarrhea in dogs since it’s high in fiber.  Also important to bear in mind is the amount of sugar a ripe banana carries versus one that is more green.  

The recommended daily ripened fruit intake for dogs is 1/4 cup per 10 pounds of body weight per day. It should be given just before or after meals to avoid stomach upset or diarrhea problems in dogs. Consider your dog’s weight and size before incorporating bananas into their daily diet.

It’s best to always feed your dog bananas in moderation. Since they contain a lot of sugar and starch, giving your dog too many bananas can cause an upset stomach or lead to weight gain depending on the ripeness of the banana. It’s important to monitor their intake carefully.

Can Bananas Cause Dog Allergies?

Dogs can eat bananas as long as they do not have any allergies or other health issues. Like humans, dogs also have allergies. This can include an allergic reaction to certain fruits and vegetables.

If your dog has suffered from an allergic reaction, it would be best to consult with your vet before feeding them this fruit. The vet will give you an accurate assessment of whether or not this food would be suitable for your puppy’s diet.

Are Bananas a Good Treat for Dogs?

Bananas are good dog treats when given in moderation. They’re low in cholesterol and sodium, making them an excellent low-calorie option. However, because of the high sugar content, bananas should only be given as a treat. They are not meant to be a part of your dog’s main diet.

Other Fruits That Are Safe For Dogs

Dogs can eat strawberries, apples, pineapples, pears, blueberries, and other non-citrus fruits. Just make sure the fruit is ripe (not overripe) and free from pesticides before giving it to your dog!

Apple

Apples are low in calories and high in fiber, so they help reduce cholesterol levels in dogs. Apples also prevent constipation caused by other high-sodium diets that include chicken or beef.

Berries

Berries, such as blueberries, raspberries, strawberries, cranberries, and blackberries, are great for dogs. They contain high sources of antioxidants, which make them great for fighting against cancer.

Banana Recipes For Your Dog

You can add bananas to other food items like oatmeal, yogurt, or cottage cheese. The combination will give your dog a yummy, healthy snack! For a summer treat, freeze them into cubes.  Bananas also go well with meat-based foods like beef sticks and chicken jerky.

You can also mix bananas with other fruits and vegetables, like apples, strawberries, carrots, sweet potatoes, and squash. Bananas can even be added to your dog’s food, such as homemade treats or kibble. Bananas are delicious and work well in many recipes.

It would be best to be careful feeding weaned puppies bananas due to their immature digestive systems.

Below are some banana recipe ideas for your dog:

Banana Pupcakes

Banana Pupcakes are great vegan, gluten-free treats for your pup. The recipe calls for bananas, oats, and peanut butter. You can also use a grain-free flour blend instead (such as coconut flour) or wheat flour. If you want to prepare these treats ahead of time, store them in the refrigerator until ready to bake. Then heat them in the oven or microwave before serving!

Peanut Butter Banana Dog Treats

Peanut butter banana dog treats are super simple and less expensive than the store-bought options. You’ll need peanut butter, banana, oats, and eggs. Blend all of the ingredients together until the dough-like mixture is uniform. Then, you can roll out the dough and cut it into individual treats. Finally, place the treats on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for around 20 minutes or until golden brown.

Cost Savings of Feeding Dogs Bananas

Bananas are very affordable compared to processed dog treats. You may even save money on vet bills by feeding your dog fresh whole foods instead of processed food that may contain chemicals and preservatives, which may be harmful to your dog’s health over time.

Where Can You Get Bananas For Your Dogs?

Most grocery stores sell bananas year-round, but they’re usually in season during the summer months. You can also find organic bananas at many health food stores. Organic bananas are more expensive than conventional ones, but they don’t have any pesticides, so they’re safer for humans and animals alike!

You can also buy bananas online at sites like Amazon and Thrive Market. Just make sure that you get them from a reputable seller. You don’t want to purchase rotten bananas! Bananas are also available in canned form at most pet stores and online retailers.

Treat Your Dogs With Tasty and Healthy Bananas Today

Can dogs eat bananas? Yes. They are healthy, tasty, and very affordable. You can use bananas as treats, but you can also add them to your dog’s meal every so often. Try it today and watch your dog’s overall health and wellness improve.