Let’s talk about bananas for dogs.
Dog lovers are confused about what dogs can and cannot eat. Some seemingly apparent fruits, such as grapes, are not healthy dog snacks.
Part of the problem is that many owners give their dogs foods that are not good for them. While they may not be healthy for the dog, they are also not toxic.
Because they only give them these foods in small amounts, their dogs don’t immediately get sick. This can lead many owners to believe that certain foods are suitable for dogs.
For the sake of your dog’s health and longevity, it’s time to clarify whether or not dogs can eat bananas.
Are bananas good food for dogs?
Can dogs eat bananas without any drawbacks or side effects? The answer is a resounding yes. Bananas are pleasant to chew and mash and relatively sweet (depending on their ripeness).
The content material of bananas additionally makes them nutritious, much like peanut butter. If used in moderation, the bioactive compounds in bananas help soothe a dog’s stomach.
Infographic “Can my dog eat?
Benefits of bananas in dog food
It contains vitamin C: An antioxidant that reduces inflammation, which can cause cancer in the dog.
A good source of B vitamins: bananas contain B6, which is crucial for energy levels, brain function, and eye health.
High in potassium: Potassium is a crucial nutrient for regulating brain and heart function and muscle activity in humans and dogs.
Rich in fiber: A diet rich in fiber contributes to regular bowel movements and easy digestion, which keeps dogs happy and healthy.
Part of the BRAT diet: “BRAT stands for bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast. This is the diet recommended by veterinarians for dogs with stomach problems.
A source of carbohydrates for your dog’s energy: A dog needs carbohydrates for energy. Bananas are an excellent treat when your dog is playing or if you are reward-training him.
An additional source of magnesium: Bananas are a treat rich in magnesium. This contributes to your dog’s bone growth and ability to absorb protein and micronutrients.
The reasons bananas are good for humans are also suitable for dogs.
How to feed bananas to your dog
When feeding your dog a fruit like bananas, you need to consider his weight, size, and current calorie intake. Some furry parents like to give their pets small bites of fruit and vegetables as healthy treats. Others like to give their dog the food in their dish at dinnertime, and that’s fine as long as it’s safe for their dog.
For small dogs – Some small dogs have big appetites. They will happily accept fruit as a treat and may even try to eat the whole thing out of excitement. This is a bad idea, as they may also throw up too much food too quickly. For small dogs, a few slices of banana during the week are more than enough to cover their nutritional needs.
For medium-sized dogs – Medium-sized dogs accept without problems half a banana every three days. This is the correct part. Please don’t give them more than one whole banana a week.
For large dogs – Some large dog breeds, such as Labradors, are known for always being hungry. They have an endless appetite for treats. However, this predisposes them to gain weight quickly, as they are willing to eat anything. In their old age, this affects their bones. One or two whole bananas are an excellent limit, providing them with all the necessary vitamins.
Can dogs eat bananas? Yes, but there are also cases of pet owners whose dogs do not like bananas at all. It’s a matter of taste.
So if you want to incorporate bananas into your dog’s diet, or if your vet suggests you feed bananas for better nutrition, try giving bite-sized pieces as a treat:
Mix small pieces of frozen banana into a small bowl of applesauce.
Add a layer of peanut butter on top of the banana pieces so your dog will go for the peanut butter and end up eating the banana.
Add the banana to your dog’s other food (without the skin).
Do bananas cause diarrhea in dogs?
Instead of causing diarrhea, bananas can help soothe a dog’s stomach. Besides the boiled chicken, soft and mushy rice, applesauce, and toast, bananas are an excellent food to ensure he gets all the essential vitamins, such as potassium and vitamin C.
How much banana can a dog eat?
There are matters to hold in mind when feeding your pet a banana, but be careful:
How much to give him?
How much can he eat?
When it comes to his diet, you must incorporate balance: everything in moderation is the best rule for food, including vegetables and treats.
You can give your dog a whole banana, but you want to ensure it’s not overripe. As the banana ripens, it contains large amounts of sugar, so find a middle ground.
You can give your dog banana peels, but this is not the best idea. They are not toxic to your dog but are undoubtedly hard on his stomach. Banana peels are tough and stringy, which can cause digestive problems.
However, don’t worry too much if they end up with a peel while going through your garbage.
Conclusion
The canine digestive system explains why a dog can eat bananas as a treat, while something as trivial as a grape is toxic to their body. The way humans digest food, our energy expenditure, and our overall caloric needs differ from dogs.
