Your pooch loves to eat human food and the more you can share with them the happier they feel. So, can dogs eat bananas? Yes. Bananas are a highly scented fruit snack that attracts your dog’s attention and causes them to crave this tasty treat. It’s the perfect go-to snack to give your dog that will fill their need for human food.
Bananas are healthy and safe to give your dog. They are so safe that you can give them the entire banana including the peel. However, there is a limit and it’s important to give your dog bananas in moderation to avoid stomach upset.
Puppies have sensitive stomachs and specific nutritional needs. The calories found in bananas can cause weight gain during puppyhood and interfere with development and growth. If you want to feed your puppy bananas, consult with a veterinarian first to ensure it’s in your pup’s best interest.
Chances are you might be able to let them taste a small bite or the veterinarian could recommend waiting until they are a bit older.
The following information will help you decide if a banana is the right treat for your dog and how much is the perfect amount for their needs.
Can Dogs Eat Bananas
How much banana can my dog eat?
The general rule for feeding pets bananas is ½ a banana a day for large dogs and up to three tiny pieces for small breeds. It’s best to remove the banana peel and only feed your dog the pulp of the banana, which is the same part you eat. The peels are not toxic and dogs can eat them.
However, the peel is difficult to chew and it can cause a blockage in the digestive system. It’s important not to exceed ½ banana per day to avoid causing digestive issues unless otherwise instructed by a veterinarian.
Health Benefits of Bananas
Bananas contain vitamin C, potassium, biotin, manganese, vitamin B6, and copper which helps maintain overall good health for your dog. They also help promote the following:
- Healthy bone growth
- Maintains strong muscles
- Regulates blood flow and maintains healthy blood pressure levels
- Promotes cognitive capacity
- Boosts the immune system
- Regulates the digestive tract and improves digestive health
While feeding your dog bananas in moderation produces health benefits, there is a downside when bananas are consumed in high quantities.
- High in sugar
- Weight gain
- Constipation
- Diarrhea
- Upset stomach
How to Feed Bananas to Your Dog
Every dog has its own specific dietary needs so it’s best to seek approval from a veterinarian to ensure bananas are an ideal snack for your dog. Professional advice is especially helpful if your dog already suffers from health ailments such as obesity.
However, when you get the green light to add bananas to your dog’s diet, here are a few creative ways to introduce them into their feeding regimen.
- Mashed bananas – Place a banana in a blender or mash it with a fork to create a soft mashed consistency then add it to your dog’s regular kibble meal. Mashed bananas are also excellent for elderly dogs that are missing teeth and those recovering from a jaw injury.
- Frozen bananas – Make bananas a cold sweet treat on hot summer days. Just slice a few pieces of banana and place it on a plate or flat surface in the freezer and serve anytime. Avoid placing the banana slices in a plastic container or zip lock bag until they are fully frozen otherwise it can turn into a mushy frozen mess.
- Homemade banana treats – Mix a few pieces of banana with some peanut butter in a blender and serve as a gourmet treat in their bowl. Avoid serving too much peanut butter because it can become a choking hazard. Instead, create consistency of mostly banana with a small amount of peanut butter just for flavor.
- Add them to interactive toys – Place either mashed bananas or the peanut butter and banana mixture into an interactive toy where your dog can reach it without too much difficulty. This tasty reward will help entice your dog to play with their interactive toys more often and keep their minds stimulated during play.
Banana Products to Give Your Dog
The pet industry understands how much dogs love bananas so they have worked closely with manufacturers to produce a wide range of banana-flavored treat options for dogs such as the ones listed below:
- 100% vegan banana bite dog treats
- Banana and wheat biscuits
- Crunchy peanut butter and banana treats
- Pumpkin and banana low calorie treats
- Oven-baked banana and sweet potato treats
- Peanut butter and banana treats
- Banana and yogurt dental chew treats
- Grain-free banana wafer treats
- Banana and bacon crispy treats
- Natural crunchy banana-flavored wellness bars
- Chicken wrapped banana treats
- Puffy banana and chicken treats
- Banana fruity snacks
There are a variety of brands that produce tasty banana doggie treats in unique ways. Finding the right choice for your dog might take some trial and error. The best way to get started choosing a banana treat product for your dog is to start with a similar product they already love.
For example, if your dog enjoys crunchy treats, try the crunchy banana options. It’s fun to try a little bit of everything until you find your dog’s absolute favorites and stick with those as the main banana treats.
It’s also fun to add a little surprise for your dog by offering them a banana wrapped in chicken treat to really get their taste buds going. These convenient little treats are also great for training rewards and easy to carry snacks during walks and hikes.
The next time you eat a banana and see your dog sniffing in the air, share a bit with them or give them other tasty banana treat options. The good news is bananas are safe and healthy for your dog to enjoy in moderation. It’s up to you to decide how much is the right serving size for your dog.
Bottom Line
Keep in mind that every dog is different and their digestive systems can tolerate a specific amount of fruits which includes bananas. While dogs don’t receive the same amount of nutritional benefits from bananas that humans do, they still receive some health benefits.
If your dog loves bananas and can’t get enough of them, control the amount they receive per serving. You don’t need to give your dog the entire banana to satisfy their taste buds. Half a serving or smaller can do the trick. You can even choose to mash up a banana and serve it dry kibble to encourage your dog to finish their meal.
Bananas are an affordable tasty treat that dogs enjoy! You can start introducing bananas to your dog’s diet today! It’s best to start in small serving sizes and increase until you see fit. Avoid overfeeding your dog and a great rule to follow is to avoid feeding your dog more than one full banana per day. Consult with a veterinarian if you have any doubts about introducing bananas into your dog’s diet.
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