Are Bananas Good for Dogs?

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Bananas are delicious. They come in a natural wrapper, so they don’t need to be specially packaged in plastic bags. They are a fantastic snack when you need a boost of energy, so don’t be surprised if you see many professional athletes eat bananas. But what about dogs? Can dogs eat bananas? Luckily, the answer is - YES. Dogs can eat bananas, and here is what you should know about feeding your dog this delicious fruit.

Can dogs have bananas?

Yes, dogs can eat bananas. But like with any other natural food, you need to be careful when giving it to your dog. Dogs can get sick even if they eat too much of their usual kibble, so make sure you are careful when portioning your dog’s food. However, bananas can be used as a treat, especially if your dog seems to like them a lot. Dogs don’t get the same nutritional benefits humans get from bananas. Still, if you use bananas for dog training, they can become a highly motivational dog treat.

Are bananas good for dogs?

Unfortunately, dogs cannot reap all the benefits we can from eating bananas, but that doesn’t mean they are not good for them. Bananas are packed with healthy nutrients, and if you give some to your dog, they will get some health benefits. Some of the best things bananas can offer our dogs are;

• Dietary fiber - Dietary fiber is essential for healthy digestion and overall diet. Fiber is great for dogs with diarrhea and for dogs with constipation. It restores balance to their digestive system and can speed up or slow down the passage of foods. Check out this article for great fiber sources for dogs.
• Minerals - The two most beneficial minerals bananas are packed with are potassium and magnesium. These two minerals are vital for many body functions, from heart, kidney, and liver functions to bone growth and muscle development.
• Vitamin C - Vitamin C is vital for different body functions. It helps with the growth, repair, and healing of all body tissue.
• Vitamin B6 - This is one of the most essential vitamins in the dog’s body. It helps control fluid balance, brain functions and helps neurotransmitters work correctly.

Can bananas be bad for dogs?

Unfortunately, too much of a good thing, in this case, can become bad. Bananas are also packed with natural sugars, so you should make sure you don’t feed too many bananas to your dog. If your dog eats too much, they might experience some gastrointestinal issues like vomiting, diarrhea, and loss of appetite.

Foods with high sugar content can lead to tooth decay and weight gain. Weight gain might not sound like a serious issue, but more than 60% of American pets are overweight, and obesity is becoming a growing problem. You can read all about the harmful effects obesity can have on your dog here - Dog obesity.

Here is another delicious fruit dogs might love - Pineapple for dogs.

Rules for feeding your dog bananas

When it comes to giving your dog foods that are not usually in their diets, you should follow a few rules. In the case of bananas, the first rule says you should not feed your dog bananas too often. Don’t get your dog used to getting fruits and other foods they should not be eating too much.

The second “golden” rule says you should keep the alternative calorie sources below 10%. That means that your dog should get 90% of their daily calories from their usual kibble, and only 10% should come from things like bananas or treats. The third rule says you should treat fruits and veggies like a treat. Give small amounts to your dog and not too often. If you want to get healthy treats for training, check out these suggestions - The best dog training treats.

Can puppies eat bananas?

Puppies should have a special diet that will support their development and growth. They should not eat too many treats, and if you want to give your puppy some bananas, you should talk to your vet before you do that.

Can dogs eat banana peel?

No, dogs shouldn’t eat the banana peel. If your dog eats banana peel, they can get blocked. The peel will cause constipation that might require veterinary intervention. It is best not to give your dog banana peels because the fiber in it is not as easily digestible as it is in the banana fruit.

World Dog Finder team