Q: Can Dogs Eat Bananas?
A: Yes. They can.
However, do not allow your dog to binge on bananas as this is detrimental to your dog’s health. Bananas are very nutritious. We eat bananas because they do not only taste good but also give lots of nutrients to our body. They are good for our health as long as we do not eat too much. The same is true for dogs. They can also be very good for dogs as long as they are given with caution.
Give bananas in small proportions.
Amazingly, sucrose, fructose and glucose are all present in bananas. That is why they have a pleasant smell, which can attract dogs. With that being said, you will less likely have a hard time feeding your dog with bananas. However, you have to take note that bananas should only be given to serve as your treat to your dog but not often because of the great amounts of sugar that are present in a banana.
Consider the nutrients.
It is important to include bananas in your treat options for your dog since they are way better than salty or fatty dog treats. Also, since they contain very few amounts of sodium and are a good source of antioxidants, they can help improve the quality of your canine pet’s coat or skin. They are one of the healthiest treats for dogs, so it is best to reserve some for your dog. Your dog will not only be delighted with the taste but will also become healthier and stronger. Below are some of the nutrients that your dog can get from eating bananas:
- Vitamin C: This will strengthen your dog’s immune system and prevent cell damage.
- Vitamin B6: This can prevent anemia.
- Manganese: This can help calm your dog.
- Fiber: This can address gastrointestinal issues and prevent bowel movement problems.
- Potassium: This will help prevent problems pertaining to blood vessels and can also promote muscle development.
Prepare bananas in different ways.
Although a single banana straight from the supermarket is already an interesting treat, you can do more to spice up your preparation. Check out the following ways below:
- Serve it cold. After putting it in the fridge for a while, remove its skin and slice it into bite-sized pieces.
- Mash the banana and add it to your dog’s food.
- Pair it with some peanut butter or yogurt.
- Add it in recipes used for dog treats.
Observe the don’ts very carefully.
It is true that bananas are okay for dogs, but that does not mean that you can just give them as much bananas as they like and anytime they want or you wish. There are certain things you need to take note so that you can feed your dog the right way at the right time.
- Do not use bananas as an alternative for a regular meal. They are only recommended to be eaten as a snack and should be given once in a while.
- Do not let your dog eat the whole piece all at once as this might cause choking. Besides, bananas take time to digest. Be sure to slice the banana into several pieces so that your dog can eat comfortably.
- Do not include the skin. Be sure to peel the banana before giving it to your dog to prevent any blockage in the intestines.
- Do not mix bananas with just about any food or treat since not all foods can go well with bananas.
- Do not give a lot of bananas in one day. Basically, the recommended daily banana consumption for canines is very limited, depending on how much your dog weighs. If you have a medium-sized or large-sized pet, just eat half of the banana and give the other half to your dog. The quantity is even smaller for small-sized dogs or puppies. They can only eat a few bite-sized banana slices.
Take note of the bad effects.
Although bananas are safe for canines, bad effects are possible if they are given way more than what is required. Here are the following bad effects:
- Your dog can have constipation.
- This can worsen the bowel issues or colitis.
- This can increase potassium levels, which can affect the heart of your canine pet.
Watch out for the signs.
There are actually some obvious signs that you can see when your dog is not responding well to bananas. It is important to keep them in mind so that you can take your dog to the vet as soon as you see these signs.
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Allergies
- Constipation
Bananas are indeed healthy, but they may not be good for other dogs. There might be some adverse reactions when dogs eat bananas. Therefore, if you really want to make sure, it is a wise idea to consult your dog’s veterinarian prior to giving any slice of banana to your adorable canine pet.
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