When your dog looks up at you and begs for a bite of what you are eating, it can be pretty darned irresistible. But, it isn’t always a good idea to give your dog what you are eating. Luckily, if it is a banana he is begging for, you can let him enjoy some in moderation. In fact, bananas are actually extremely healthy and good for dogs – not just humans. There are even loads of recipes for dog treats with bananas among the main ingredients. Here’s a complete guide to dogs and bananas!
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Health Benefits of Bananas for Dogs
Bananas are loaded with health benefits for both humans and dogs. They are high in a number of vitamins and minerals that dogs need to be healthy and happy. One thing to keep in mind is that bananas are high in sugar, so even though they are healthy for dogs, they shouldn’t be an all-the-time food for them. Basically, like anything dogs can eat, it is best to give them these treats in moderation. Some of the health benefits of giving dogs bananas for treats occasionally include:
- Potassium – This helps to build strong bones and keep the blood vessels functioning properly.
- Manganese – This is a mineral that aids in keeping blood pressure levels regulated, and it can help to calm hyper dogs.
- Vitamin B6 – This vitamin helps to keep dogs from developing anemia.
- Vitamin C – This vitamin helps dogs (and humans) to maintain a strong and healthy immune system.
- Fiber – This helps to promote regular bowel movements.
Side Effects of Bananas for Dogs
Even though bananas are healthy for dogs to have in moderation, it doesn’t mean that they should be given to your dog every day. For one thing, even though they are high in fiber, eating too many bananas can cause constipation. Also, large amounts of potassium are not good for dogs.
If you have been giving your dog a lot of banana, watch for the following signs:
- Constipation
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Lethargy
It is probably not a good idea to let your dog have banana peels. While they are not toxic, they are not easy for dogs to digest. Eating banana peels can lead to blockages, depending on how much is eaten and how big or small your dog is. If you think that your dog has gotten into banana peels and is sick as a result, contact your vet.
How Much Banana Can Your Dog Eat?
How much banana should you feed to your dog? That really depends on the size of your dog. For instance, if you have a Chihuahua, Yorkie, Poodle, or other small breed, you should only give them a few small bites, maybe once a week. Medium to large breed dogs can be given up to a half a banana, once or twice each week. You can also make your own healthy dog treats that include banana. In fact, most dog treats you find in pet stores have bananas in the ingredients.
Here is an easy dog treat with bananas that you can make yourself.
Banana Dog Treats
Check out this awesome recipe for homemade banana dog treats!
Ingredients
- 1 ripe banana
- ½ C peanut butter (without xylitol)
- 2-3 tbsp. raw honey
- 1 slice processed cheese, mild
- Fillable dog toy or ice cube tray
Directions
Combine all ingredients in a blender and puree until smooth. Fill the dog toy or an ice cube tray, and freeze. Give these frozen treats to your dog on hot summer days.
Yes, Dogs Can Eat Bananas in Moderation
There are lots of human foods that we can’t give to our dogs, but bananas aren’t one of them. As long as your dog isn’t getting a steady diet of bananas, they can be a great source of added nutrients to their diets. Look for dog treats that contain bananas, and give them a little bit of fresh banana once or twice per week as a healthy and tasty treat.