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Bananas are not really a food we associate with dogs. Monkeys, sure! However, what if your dog manages to snaffle some banana off the floor? Or how about when you’re snacking on a banana and your dog gives you those puppy dog eyes- are they safe to share?
Let’s take a look at the good and bad of bananas, as well as the potential risk of allergies or reactions. We also explore whether or not puppies can eat bananas and even share some dog safe recipes.
In the human world, at least, bananas are known as a health food. How about for your four-legged friend?
There are some nutritional benefits that have to be considered. Bananas are a rich source of potassium, fiber, Vitamin C, and B vitamins including B6. The fiber is particularly useful for dogs prone to diarrhoea or anal gland issues.
Compared to other snacks or treats, like burger meat or rawhide, they are much lower in calories and fat. This is great news for those doggos on a diet, and for owners who are conscious of not over-indulging their pooch.
I’m personally a big fan of bananas in situations like training, where they can be used as incentives and given alongside other reward foods like chicken and cheese. They would be a lower-value treat, as dogs generally do not like them as much as meaty snacks. Still, they have value and many dogs do enjoy eating them.
Although classed as a healthy food for us humans, are there any negatives when it comes to our furry friends and bananas? Certainly, there is the potential to overdo it, and they need to be fed in moderation.
Although they are natural sugars, bananas contain lots of sugars, just like other fruits. Dogs should have a more meat or fish based diet, and too much sugary food can lead to obesity, diabetes, or stomach upset.
It would not be unusual for a dog to develop bloating, flatulence or even diarrhoea if they are given lots of bananas. This is especially true if they’re not used to eating them.
Banana is a soft and mushy food, meaning it is usually easy to eat. For smaller pups- who do not yet have their adult teeth- it shouldn’t pose them any challenges. There is a possible choking risk in very young dogs, but when compared to other foods, this risk is really low and not one you need to worry about.
There are going to be certain dogs who should not be fed bananas at all. This includes dogs who are obese and dogs with underlying health issues, like diabetes or IBD. These pets do not need high-sugar treats in their diet. For them, stick to protein-based options like lean chicken or turkey.
Puppies have more sensitive stomachs than older dogs and we need to be extra cautious with them. They also have much lower calorie needs. You don’t want them filling up on foods like bananas- which are not nutritionally balanced- when they still have their whole bowl of puppy chow waiting for them in the kitchen.
It is best to avoid bananas until a pup is at least 3 months of age. At this point, you could try a very small amount. Just the tip of your little finger is a good starting point. This way, you can check that your puppy tolerates it and it does not cause stomach upset.
When introducing a new food to your pup, make sure it is the only new food of that day. This way, if he does react, you know what the culprit is. Take note of any symptoms - like runny poo or vomiting, as this could be a sign that they do not tolerate bananas well.
If they like the taste of banana and it causes them to have no reaction, keep it in their diet. Still, stick to small amounts. It is not something they need to eat a lot of. This can mean, for example, a few small pieces once a week.
Don’t forget to consider the size of your pup. A large breed puppy can eat much more than their smaller compadres. For a Chihuahua pup, stick to small chunks no bigger than your pinky tip.
For a large or giant breed, they’ll happily eat much larger slices.
Banana peels are usually not something that humans eat, but what about Fido? Well, banana peels should be given the slip when it comes to dogs too.
Peels are pretty thick and indigestible. They do not have a particularly pleasant taste, so your dog may not be interested anyway.
It is not very likely at all that a banana peel is going to cause a gut blockage. Although not the easiest thing to digest, they will be broken down by the strong stomach acids. Even small and young dogs will be quite capable of chewing them and of passing them in their stool, without any real trouble.
Still, a peel is not very nutritionally valuable and could cause gas and cramping. For this reason, best to only offer bananas after they have been peeled.
If your dog does manage to eat a banana peel, there is no need to panic. Monitor them, but be reassured that there is not likely to be any negative repercussions. If they do happen to develop a stomach upset, signs should remain mild, and you will likely be able to manage them from home.
Bananas and their peels are in no way toxic, and you would certainly not have to induce vomiting if a peel were eaten.
There is no exact science when it comes to dogs and bananas. As bananas would not be the preferred food of most dogs, it is really unlikely they’re going to be over-indulging. The same cannot be said for cheese or bacon!
If we think of a good portion size for a small dog being a few little pieces, then a medium dog could have half of a banana while a large or giant adult dog could eat a whole one.
You would not want to be giving bananas every day. It is best to offer them just once or twice a week. This is because they are not the best nutritional option for your dog, and we want to make sure they eat their own, balanced dog food.
As a rule of thumb, stick to 10% of your dog’s calories from treats and snacks, and the remaining 90% should be made up of their dog food. A complete dog food contains all of the macro and micro nutrients your dog needs to be healthy, so it is crucial you make sure they are actually eating it.
There are loads of ideas for incorporating bananas into your doggy’s diet, so let’s take a look at some of the most popular:
Fresh sliced banana.What’s better or easier, than quickly unpeeling a banana from your fruit bowl, and popping some in your dog’s food bowl? Better yet, you can add them to a food puzzle like a Kong. When very ripe, they are good to add as the ‘licky layer’ on the bottom, if you mash them in.
Frozen banana pieces for summer.Another nifty idea is to freeze the banana and then to give it, like it were a popsicle. Remember, once frozen, it can be really tricky to chop the banana. So, it is best to freeze it after it has been portioned.
Homemade banana dog treats. And if you're a baker or a chef, there are lots of recipes you can be using bananas in. A really simple but tasty suggestion is to mix bananas, oats, and peanut butter into balls. You can bake them in the over for 15 minutes, or leave them raw. Give your dog a couple of small balls as a reward during their training section.
A banana allergy is pretty uncommon. In fact, the top allergens when it comes to foods would be chicken, beef, dairy, eggs, grains, and peas. However, any ingredient has the potential to be an allergen, so be aware that it is possible.
An immediate (anaphylactic) reaction tends to occur within a few minutes of eating the food. Thankfully, dogs are very rarely anaphylactic to a food. Signs can include hives on the skin, labored breathing, neck swelling, weakness, persistent vomiting, and pale gums. Should signs commence, contact an emergency vet right away.
A sensitivity to bananas would cause less severe and less obvious signs. This can mean mild itching, runny poop and bloating. These signs are trickier to spot and can appear over the next few days. If your dog does have waxing and waning signs like this, keeping a food and reaction diary can help pinpoint the cause.
Are bananas good for dogs with diarrhea?
You may have heard of people who eat bananas when they have diarrhoea. This is not really ok for dogs, who do better with a more protein rich diet, like chicken or fish with white rice.
Can dogs eat banana chips or dried bananas?
The issue with these sorts of convenience foods is that they tend to be processed with ingredients like sugar or honey. There is even the risk of them containing the dog-toxic sweetening ingredient called xylitol. Best to stick to the real deal- plain old banana.
Can dogs eat banana bread?
No, banana bread is not safe for dogs. It can contain toxic ingredients like chocolate, macadamia nuts or raisins. Even those with no toxin ingredients are usually too fatty, due to the butter and oil content.
Can dogs eat banana pudding?
Again, sadly for Fido, banana pudding is not something to be splitting with them. There is generally too much sugar and dairy to make it a dog-safe treat.
Can dogs eat frozen bananas?
Yes, for sure. As mentioned above, putting a few slices of banana in the freezer is a great summer snack idea. Not only do they offer enrichment while they melt, they are also a lovely way for your dog to stay cool.
Can dogs eat plantains?
Plantains are similar to bananas but not the same. They are fine for dogs to eat, as long as they have not been fried or seasoned with spices or salt.
Bananas are a great occasional snack that some dogs enjoy the taste of. They should be fed in relatively small amounts, and not if you notice any adverse effects. A neat idea is to offer them frozen as a summer time treat.
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