Can Dogs Eat Bananas?
If you’re wondering if dogs can eat bananas, here’s the short answer:
Yes, dogs can eat bananas in moderation, and they’re good for them too. You can give your dog bananas by mixing them in with your dog’s regular food or as a special treat.
In general, increasing the variety of food you feed your dog is a fantastic idea. By adding a variety, you are increasing your dog’s enthusiasm and work ethic. When introducing new foods, please do so slowly. Start by offering a small amount in the morning and gradually increase the amount if there is no reaction.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Are Bananas Healthy For Dogs?
- Do Bananas Help Dogs With Diarrhoea?
- Can Bananas Make Dogs Sick?
- Do Bananas Cause Constipation In Dogs?
- Can Dogs Eat Bananas Every Day?
- How Many Bananas Can I Feed My Dog?
- Can Dogs Eat Banana Peels?
- Are Banana Plants Toxic To Dogs?
- Can Dogs Eat Banana Bread?
- Can Dogs Eat Banana Chips?
- Can Dogs Eat Banana Pudding?
- How To Feed Bananas To A Dog
- Banana Dog Treat Recipes
- Alternatives To Bananas For Dogs
- Bottom Line
Are Bananas Healthy For Dogs?
Yes, bananas are healthy for dogs. Keep in mind that they contain fruit sugar, so only feed bananas in moderation. There are many benefits of bananas for dogs.
Bananas are high in Potassium (great for muscle and blood vessel function), Vitamin C (protects cells from damage), Vitamin B6 (helps metabolise proteins and regulates blood cell functions), and Magnesium.
Magnesium promotes bone growth and helps the body produce protein and absorb vitamins. Bananas are also high in fibre, which can help if your dog has gastrointestinal problems.
Do Bananas Help Dogs With Diarrhoea?
Yes, feeding bananas in moderation can help dogs with diarrhoea. That’s because bananas are high in fibre, which can help if your dog has gastrointestinal problems.
Bananas aren’t a magic cure-all for dogs with diarrhoea though, and if your dog isn’t used to them, he might not tolerate them well. If you’re worried about any symptoms that your dog is showing, it’s best to call your vet.
Can Bananas Make Dogs Sick?
Yes, bananas can make dogs sick. As you can see, it really depends on several factors, whether bananas are good and bad for your dog. To avoid your dog from getting sick, get your dog used to bananas when he’s overall healthy and never feed too many bananas.
Do Bananas Cause Constipation In Dogs?
Yes, bananas can cause constipation in dogs. Bananas are high in fibre, and fibre soaks up water and can cause hard stool when there’s not enough water. If your dog is not drinking enough water, try adding a little bit of homemade bone broth to your dog’s water bowl.
Can Dogs Eat Bananas Every Day?
Yes, but only in small amounts. Bananas should considered as a treat, not as a substitute for a healthy balanced diet.
How Many Bananas Can I Feed My Dog?
It depends on your dog how many bananas you can feed them. A big dog has different requirements than a small dog, so it’s best to ask your vet for a recommendation.
Can Dogs Eat Banana Peels?
No, it’s better not to feed Banana Peels to dogs. They’re not toxic to dogs, but the skin of bananas is hard to digest and may cause a blockage, so it’s best to avoid feeding banana peels.
Are Banana Plants Toxic To Dogs?
No, ingestion of the banana plant will not harm your dog, but it can cause adverse symptoms, which are primarily gastrointestinal.
Can Dogs Eat Banana Bread?
Yes and No. Banana bread in moderation is unlikely to harm your dog, but it’s not exactly a healthy treat for your dog. Many dogs have sensitivities to wheat, and most banana bread contains added sugar, which dogs should avoid.
Can Dogs Eat Banana Chips?
Yes and No. It Depends on how the banana chips are produced. If it’s just air-dried banana, you can feed them in moderation as a special treat if your dog tolerates them. Be cautious of store-bought items and check the labels for added sugar, which you should avoid.
Can Dogs Eat Banana Pudding?
No, dogs shouldn’t eat banana pudding. It contains lots of sugar and milk which dogs should avoid.
How To Feed Bananas To A Dog
Bananas can be added to your dog’s diet in many different ways.
- You can feed them as a special treat when you’re training your dog
- If your dog needs to take oral medication, you can squeeze pills into pieces of bananas to trick your dog
- Add some banana to your dog’s regular food
- Freeze the whole banana, then peel it and slice it. Doing this will promote your dog to lick the frozen banana, which is good because licking releases feel-good endorphins and can help your dog to relax.
Banana Dog Treat Recipes
Other than using some raw banana pieces as an occasional treat, you can also make easy homemade treats with very few ingredients.
Easy Banana Dog Treat Recipe
All you need is four ingredients and an oven, so this dog treat is super easy to make.
Ingredients:
- 4 cups of oats (old fashioned, steer clear from processed oats)
- Two ripe bananas (mashed)
- 1/4 cup peanut butter (use peanut butter with no added sugar)
- 1/4 cup coconut oil
Directions:
- Preheat oven to 180 degrees Celsius
- Combine all ingredients in a large bowl and knead the dough until it comes together
- Take small amounts of the mixture and roll to a ball
- Place into oven and bake for 10-15 minutes (this will depend on the size of your balls, take treats out of the oven when the outside surface becomes golden brown)
- Let cool
Easy Frozen Banana Dog Treat Recipe
All you need is three ingredients, and a mixer will make things easier. Don’t worry if you don’t have one, just mash all the ingredients together as good as possible with what you have available in your kitchen.
Ingredients:
- Two ripe bananas
- 1/2 cup peanut butter (use peanut butter with no added sugar)
- 1/4 cup melted coconut oil
Directions:
- Add bananas to mixer and mix until they break down
- Pour in melted coconut oil and peanut butter and mix until well combined
- Fill ice cube tray with the mixture
- Pop them into the freezer for 2-3 hours to firm up
Alternatives To Bananas For Dogs
Have you tried to feed your dog bananas but he’s not interested? Don’t worry; there are lots of other fruits and vegetables you can safely feed your dog in moderation. Check out the list below or learn more about pet nutrition here.
Fruits and Vegetables for dogs
There are many fruits and vegetables you can feed to your dog in moderation, as part of his regular balanced diet. If you’re unsure what to feed your dog, speak to your vet about their recommendation as this will vary based on your dog’s age, weight, and breed.
Fruits for dogs
You can feed your dog fruits in moderation and on occasion to supplement their regular, balanced diet.
Apples
Apples aren’t just a great source of fibre, Vitamin A and Vitamin C; they can also help clean residue off your dog’s teeth. Make sure to take out the seeds and core before feeding to your dog.
Blueberries
Blueberries are full of antioxidants and provide the same benefit to your dog’s body that they give yours.
Pear
Pears can be a yummy treat for your dog. Don’t forget to take out the seeds before feeding pear.
Vegetables for dogs
You can feed your dog vegetables in moderation and on occasion to supplement their regular, balanced diet.
Broccoli
Broccoli is high in fibre, and Vitamin C. Small pieces without the large stems can make a good dog treat.
Cucumber
Cucumbers are a great low-calorie crunchy snack for your dog. Just don’t feed a whole cucumber, but instead cut them into bite-sized chunks.
Carrots
Carrots are a healthy snack for dogs. Similar to feeding cucumber, cut the carrot into bite-sized chunks before feeding it to your dog.
Pumpkin
Pumpkin is a fantastic treat for your dog. It’s full of vitamins, minerals, and fibre, and often helps dogs that suffer from constipation or diarrhoea.
Sweet Potatoes
Sweet Potatoes are loaded with nutrients and high in fibre. The best way to feed your dog sweet potato is to steam or boil them.
Bottom Line
Yes, it’s safe and healthy for dogs to eat bananas in moderation. As we’ve learned in this article, bananas are high in Vitamin C, Potassium, Vitamin B6, and Magnesium. They’re also full of fibre, which can help with digestive issues if your dog tolerates bananas.
If you’re unsure about the number of bananas you can feed your dog, it’s best to consult your vet, as this will depend on the size of your dog.
You can easily make homemade banana treats, and overall, increasing the variety of fresh food you feed to your dog is a fantastic idea.