One of the fruits every dog parent has asked everywhere, whether on the Internet or with their dog-owning friends or veterinarians, is whether dogs can eat bananas. We all know bananas are rich in vitamins and minerals, and it is an excellent alternative to salty and fatty treats. Bananas are also rich in fiber, which is beneficial to the gastrointestinal aspect of your dog’s health.
But can dogs eat bananas? Indeed, they can eat them, but feed it in moderation to avoid exposing your dog to particular health problems, like food indigestion or hypertension. If you are planning to feed your dog with banana, it is best to serve them in smaller bits and never overfeed them with it to prevent any health problems.
What essential nutrients are there in bananas that are beneficial for dogs?
Bananas are fruits filled with vitamins and minerals. These are some of the nutrients a dog can get in bananas that are good for their growth and development:
Fiber – The two types of fiber found in banana flesh and peels, the soluble and insoluble fiber, are essential in the overall digestion activity inside your dog’s gastrointestinal systems (i.e., their gut, stomach, intestines, and excretory organs). These fibers are also important in maintaining an optimal blood sugar level and cholesterol. The two of them help prevent circulatory diseases and digestion problems, which are some of the common illnesses experienced by dogs.
Vitamin B6 – This vitamin is responsible for keeping a healthy brain and nerves, promoting the production of red blood cells, and metabolizing fats and carbohydrates, which is the reason why our dogs stay active, alert, and more enthusiastic than ever.
Vitamin C – we all know this is the vitamin for the immune system. Vitamin C also works the same for dogs. It also helps absorb iron better in the digestive tract, protects cell and tissue damages, and is beneficial for the development of stronger bones, healthier skin, and overall brain health.
Potassium – This mineral is essential in maintaining a healthier dog heart and optimum blood pressure, no matter how active or playful they can get. It also strengthens the heart and circulatory organs from cardiovascular problems.
Manganese – this mineral may be unknown among regular dog owners. Still, it is essential in the development of healthier skin and bones that, in turn, promotes sturdier posture and shinier coats.
What parts of the banana can a dog digest?
Dogs can digest the fleshy part of the banana, but not so much with the peels. Can dogs eat bananas skins? They can absorb it, but too much ingestion of banana peels may cause blockage in their digestive tract, and it can lead to dog constipation and other digestion problems.
Can dogs eat dried bananas?
If they are chunky and a bit soft to chew, they can be ingested. Banana chips that are thin can be digested, but its edges can cut through the dog’s gut which can be dangerous. You can serve dried bananas in smaller servings, but do not share them too often with it.
How should I serve banana to my dog?
You can serve tidbits of the banana flesh to your pet dog, and they will enjoy it. Most of them would like to lick it first because of the sugar, but they will chew them eventually. Serving bananas to your dog after a hearty meal, or as an in-between-meals treat, promotes better digestion of food particles and sources nutrients that are beneficial to the overall growth and development of your pet dog.
There are other dog treat recipes your dog will surely enjoy as well. You can serve mashed banana flesh with peanut butter or have them as frozen treats that they’ll like to munch during the warmer seasons. If they are given in moderate servings, your dogs will enjoy bananas after meals as much as we all do.
What happens if I feed my dog bananas beyond moderation?
It’s a cross-finger situation, and no one wants to get beyond what could harm our furry best friend. However, dogs who overeat banana will experience upset stomachs, digestion problems, and difficulty with excretion if they have ingested too much banana peels or have gut cuts from large chunks of dried bananas. That is why it is a must to exercise moderation in giving them this hearty fruit to let them enjoy it without exposing them to any unwanted dog health issue.
Can bananas be served with other fruits as dog treats?
Bananas with small amounts of orange bits or some pineapple tidbits can be a healthy and hearty after-meal dessert or dog snack they would enjoy. However, grapes wouldn’t do well with these dog fruit mixes, or you’ll get them poisoned. If you are trying to add some fruity snack diet regimen to your dog’s regular food intake, it is best to talk to a veterinarian for better recommendations on this subject.
Conclusion
Dogs, like humans, enjoy varying their food diets with other food types, like bananas. However, it is still best to remind yourself as a dog parent to stay careful and knowledgeable about the kind of food your dog is receiving. While we all think they are smiling so well because they like it, chances are your pet dog can be exposed to risks if they get too much of something and can lead to health complications, which is no fun for your pet dog.