can dogs eat bananas

Can Dogs Eat Bananas?

Dog owners commonly ponder about the toxicity of foods. The questions about the safety of different foods increased after learning that certain foods were toxic which led to a lot of press coverage. The most important foods are Chocolate, Grapes and Raisins, and Peanut Butter. Exposure to the dangers of these foods has encouraged pet owners to ask about other human foods such as can dogs eat bananas. Learn more about what dogs can and can’t eat in this article: The Ultimate Guide to What Dogs Can’t Eat.

Can Dogs Eat Bananas?

A banana is a long curved fruit with a soft pulpy flesh covered by a green skin (when not ripe) or yellow skin (when ripe). They grow in clusters on a banana tree. The banana tree has very large palm type leaves that grow in subtropical and tropical climates. There are over 1000 types of bananas. The most common type that we eat is the Cavendish banana.

The answer to can dogs eat bananas? — is yes. Dogs can eat bananas but in moderation. Dogs often love the soft texture and many enjoy this as a healthy snack. Bananas are high in potassium and a good source of Vitamin B6, Vitamin C, fiber, protein, biotin, manganese, and copper.

However, any food can cause gastrointestinal upset in dogs. What may not bother one dog may cause problems in a different dog. The same can happen in people. Some foods can bother one person but not another.

The Dangers of Bananas to Dogs

Ingestion of large amounts of bananas can cause gastrointestinal upset and ingestion of excessive amounts of bananas can cause constipation.

Ingestion of banana peels can cause a gastrointestinal obstruction. The peels are very difficult to ingest. Signs of problems include vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, abdominal pain, straining to defecate, and/or a decreased appetite.

The other danger of bananas to dogs is the danger of choking – especially when eating the peel. Some dogs are not good at “chewing” their food and the danger of choking can occur.

Please be careful if your dog eats anything banana flavored that contains the sweeter xylitol. Learn more about Xylitol Toxicity in Dogs here.

Do Dogs Need Bananas?

There is nothing in bananas that dogs require. What dogs do need is a high-quality AAFCO approved dog food. Learn more about Nutrition for Dogs here.

The Safest Way to Give Bananas to Dogs

The safest way to give a banana to your dog is to give small pieces of sliced peeled Banana. Dogs should never be fed the banana peel.

Try a Dog Treat Recipe Featuring Bananas

Check out this recipe for a treat made with bananas. Go to Homemade Dog Treat Recipes: Cheese Cookies and Banana Pupcakes.