Adding fresh fruits and vegetables to your dog’s diet in moderation can be a great way to get extra nutrition, and they’ll probably love trying something new!
So can dogs eat bananas? Keep reading to find out if it’s safe, how bananas can be beneficial, any potential risks, and different ways to offer bananas to your dog.
Can Dogs Eat Bananas?
As it turns out, bananas are absolutely safe for your dog to eat in reasonable amounts. There is nothing inherently dangerous about letting your dog try bananas.
Banana peels aren’t poisonous so it’s okay if your dog manages to get a little bit of the peel, but they can be harder to digest and can cause digestive problems. It’s best to avoid giving your dog banana peels just to be on the safe side.
Bananas can be a great healthy treat to give your dog in moderation and there are a lot of different ways they can enjoy them.
If you’re ever not sure and want to be on the safe side, ask your veterinarian if they think it’s okay to give your dog bananas. Not only will they know if it’s safe in general, but they’ll be familiar with your dog’s medical history. If there’s any reason your dog specifically shouldn’t have bananas, they can help you figure that out.
It’s even more important to check in with your veterinarian if you’re curious about bananas for puppies. Young, growing dogs need the right nutrition to keep them healthy, and before you start introducing extra treats, you want to be sure they’re getting everything they need to thrive.
Health Benefits of Bananas for Dogs
Bananas aren’t just great for humans, they’re also a great healthy treat to give your dog.
Bananas are rich in potassium, vitamins B6 and C, magnesium, and fiber, all of which are beneficial to your dog’s diet. They also help encourage healthy bone growth, which is especially important for large breed dogs who grow quickly.
Another benefit of bananas for dogs is that they help the body absorb nutrients more efficiently and build protein.
Some dog owners have found that feeding bananas to dogs can even help soothe an upset stomach. Be careful with this though, and if your dog’s symptoms don’t improve or worsen, drop the bananas and give your vet a call.
Overall, bananas can be a healthier option than other foods that are fattier or have more calories.
Risks to Be Aware Of Before Feeding Bananas to Dogs
Just like any other extra treats, be sure that dogs eat bananas in moderation.
While they do contain many great nutrients, they also have a lot of sugar. Fruits in general are sweeter than other foods, so you have to be careful that they don’t eat too much.
Banana peels are best to avoid. While they aren’t toxic, so you don’t need to stress if your dog manages to grab a whole banana before you get a chance to peel it for them.
However, they can occasionally cause digestive problems. If they aren’t chewed properly you’ll want to make sure the peel doesn’t cause a blockage. Peels are also high in fiber, which could potentially cause a bit of stomach upset.
It’s very easy to overfeed treats of any kind, and the same is true when it comes to bananas for dogs. They’re unlikely to cause serious problems, but too many bananas can add more calories that your dog doesn’t need.
Another important factor to consider when you give your dog treats is what your dog might be learning from you. Giving your dog foods that people usually eat, such as bananas, should be done carefully so they don’t pick up bad habits. Any time you give your dog food from the table, use it as an opportunity to reinforce good behaviors.
Finally, any time you give your dog something new to try, monitor them closely afterward. If you notice that they aren’t feeling well, it could be that they just don’t tolerate bananas like other dogs might.
Do Dogs Like Bananas?
Any dog owner knows most dogs aren’t too picky when it comes to trying new things. Let’s be honest, plenty of dogs will happily eat straight out of the trash can if given the chance.
While every dog is an individual with their own preferences, if your dog likes fresh foods and especially fruit, they’ll probably love bananas.
Most dogs will at least give it a try! If they don’t go for fresh bananas, try putting them in the freezer. They might be more interested in them when they’re frozen and the texture is interesting to them.
Different Ways to Feed Your Dog Bananas
The first time you give your dog bananas, try offering them a small piece to see if they like it.
Use small chunks of banana as a training treat, especially frozen. You can also top-dress your dog’s meals or mix bananas into them.
For longer-lasting enrichment activities with bananas, put bigger pieces in the freezer to make a healthy and simple bone alternative. Using bananas mashed into lick mats and in treat-dispensing toys is also great, and these can go in the freezer too for easy entertainment that will take your dog a little while to work through.
Bananas for dogs are perfect for homemade treats! You can use them to bake with or even for doggy ice cream with other dog-safe ingredients, like peanut butter or plain yogurt.
See If Your Dog Likes Bananas
If you’re like so many other households, bananas are a fresh fruit you often have on hand. Now you know that you can give your dog bananas too!
As long as you don’t overfeed them, your dog can enjoy the taste and even some great health benefits from eating bananas.
Check out our Banana Trees page for more great information about this delicious fruit!
- About the Author
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Hope Schwartz-Leeper is an avid reader, writer, and lover of all things nature with degrees in English and Philosophy.
Born and raised in the Northeast, Hope has always had an affinity for spending time outside. Growing up and attending college in New York, then living on Cape Cod and finally settling in Rhode Island has given her plenty of experience with the climate and environment of these areas.
She loves growing her own food and plants and is always trying to grow something new. She’s hoping her apple trees will one day bear fruit, but for now she’s excited about anything that comes from the garden.