Dogs and humans have been ideal companions since time began. I can’t think of a truer and more fitting interspecies friendship. If you are like me and my dogs, you share everything. We share long walks and lots of play time outside. We share special occasions and holidays (our favorite is dressing up together for Halloween). We share vacations and day trips and hikes. We even sleep in the same bed and lounge on the same worn out and cozy sofa in the living room.
So, of course, you know that we share food! And, if you are also like me, you may have wondered how good some food that we humans eat is for our constant furry companions.
One food that I have wondered about particularly is bananas. Bananas may be good for people to eat, but can dogs eat bananas? In this article, we are going to explore the potential health benefits and side effects of letting dogs eat bananas, as well as some other questionable fruits.
Can Dogs Eat Bananas?
The very short answer is yes. Dogs can eat bananas, but because of the high sugar content they should be considered a rare treat and not a regular part of a dog’s diet.
Too much banana for a dog may lead to constipation, Pet360 warns. Pet owners should always break a banana up before feeding it to their dogs so they don’t swallow large chunks, which may lead to intestinal blockage. Bananas are not toxic to dogs.
Are Bananas Good For Dogs?
The AKC reports that bananas are a power-packed fruit, high in potassium, manganese, vitamin B6, vitamin C, biotin, fiber, and copper, and pretty tasty, making it an attractive choice as a healthy human snack. But is a banana good for your dog to eat too?
Bananas should be fed to dogs in moderation as a small treat.
Bananas are low-calorie, low-cholesterol, and low in sodium, making one a nice alternative to some saltier, higher-calorie boxed dog treats. In fact, you can even feed your dog a bit of banana every now and then if your dog is experiencing gastrointestinal issues, because they are high in potassium and also because the magnesium in bananas helps promote bone growth, produce protein, and absorb vitamins.
How Much Banana Is Safe For Dogs To Eat?
Banana is safe for your dog to eat in moderation. At most, a small amount of banana can be given to your dog a few times a week. Make sure you give them small chunks so they can digest it and it does not get caught in their digestive tract, or mash it up with their food. You can also try one of these fun ways to feed your dog banana.
- Mash up the banana and mix it with a little yogurt or peanut butter (peanut butter and banana is a classic combination!).
- Mash up the banana and stuff it in the middle of a hollow rubber dog toy and freeze it for some delicious chewing fun.
- Make banana ice pops for a hot summer day.
Consult Your Vet
Remember, as always, consult your veterinarian before changing your dog’s diet or introducing new foods or treats. The size, breed, and age of your dog must be taken into consideration when determining your dog’s diet and your vet is best-equipped to help you make any decisions. Also, keep in mind that some dogs do not like bananas, and some may even be allergic to them.
No Banana Peels
One final note on bananas: Do not feed dogs banana peels. While banana peels are not toxic to your dog, they are very difficult to digest and can lead to gastrointestinal problems such as a blockage, which can be very dangerous.
What Other Fruits Can Dogs Eat?
So, what other fruits can my dog eat? Like bananas, there are many other fruits that are perfectly fine for your dog to enjoy in moderation. Apples, blueberries, and watermelon are just a few healthy fruits to occasionally feed your dog as a treat. However, it’s important to be aware of a few fruits that are toxic to dogs. According to the AKC, you should never feed dogs these fruits:
- Apple seeds
- Apricots
- Avocados
- Cherries
- Grapes
- Tomatoes
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