Many dog owners, sitting at the table and looking into the pleading gaze of their pet, wonder whether it is okay to give their dog a treat from the table. This treat is often fruit. Some of them are safe for pets, others can be dangerous, but what about bananas?
Are bananas good for dogs?
Given occasionally and in not too large quantities…. yes, they are good for dogs! Bananas are high in potassium, vitamin B6 and vitamin C. Sometimes vets recommend this fruit as a healthy alternative to fatty, salty treats. The fruit is also rich in fibre, which can help with gastrointestinal problems, and magnesium, which promotes bone growth and helps the body produce protein and absorb vitamins.
Despite these benefits, however, banana cannot be considered a complete supplement to a dog’s diet. Despite the low risk of digestive problems that a banana can cause (unlike other fruits, e.g. grapes are harmful to dogs), we must feed it in small quantities. This, in turn, means that the amount of valuable ingredients we will provide to the dog in this way is negligible.
Can dogs eat banana peels?
Dogs should not eat banana peels. Although they are not toxic to the dog’s body, they can cause digestive problems. This is because banana peels contain a high amount of fibre. For this reason, the peels are difficult to digest. It is important to remember that the basis of a dog’s diet is meat, and although they are adapted to digest vegetables and fruit, excessive amounts are always inadvisable. Sometimes the eating of a banana peel by a dog manifests as vomiting and diarrhoea.
Are bananas safe for dogs?
Bananas are safe for dogs, but moderation is key. Bananas are high in sugar, so too much can put your dog at risk of developing medical conditions or lead to weight problems. It is sensible to only give your dog a few small pieces once in a while.
If you notice worrying symptoms after giving your dog a banana you should contact your vet. Although bananas are not harmful to dogs, in individual cases they can cause a food allergy in your dog. To be safe, always give bananas without the peel!
Can puppies eat bananas?
Yes, just like adult dogs, puppies can also eat bananas. However, they should not be forced to do so. Small dogs usually have the right diet to support growth and development. The food packaging has detailed instructions on the amount and frequency of feeding. Both the amount and frequency of the dog’s feeding are stated, which fully meets the nutritional needs at this stage of development.
However, if your puppy has a weakness for bananas we can treat them as a nutritious snack. However, be careful with the quantity and limit yourself to a few slices so as not to overtax your puppy’s digestive system.
How do you feed bananas to dogs?
The best way is to peel the banana, cut it up and serve it as small pieces. An alternative is to freeze the banana slices. This method can be particularly appealing in hot weather – the different texture and temperature of the food creates a completely different experience for your pet. A final popular method is to simply add a banana to the daily meal (food).
Banana for your dog – yes or no?
As with any dietary change, it is worth consulting your vet before giving your dog a banana. Especially if your dog has never been in contact with a banana before. If we eliminate possible food allergies to this treat.
