Can dogs eat banana? Everything you need to know
Can dogs eat banana?
Yes, dogs can eat banana!
If your dog hasn’t tried banana, you can give her a small piece to see if she likes it.
Is banana good for dogs?
Banana in moderation is a healthy snack for dogs. Bananas are high in fibre as well as potassium, vitamin C and vitamin B6. However, they also have a high sugar content, which is why small portions are essential.
Unlike some other common fruits, no parts of the banana are toxic to dogs. However, avoid giving your dog the skin as it is difficult for the stomach to break down and could cause a blockage if swallowed.
How to feed a dog banana
- Sliced or broken into chunks
- Mashed and added to her food
- Squashed into a Kong (which can be frozen for a longer lasting treat)
How much banana can my dog eat?
Because of its high sugar content, banana should only be eaten in moderation, according to following broad guidelines:
- Small dogs should have only 2 or 3 slices or small pieces per day
- Larger dogs should have up to half a banana per day, depending on their size
The nutritional benefit of banana for dogs
- High in potassium, Vitamin B6 and Vitamin C
- High in fibre
- Low in sodium and cholestrol
- Low in calories
Banana recipes for dogs
Banana frozen yoghurt
Ingredients:
- A few chunks of ripe banana
- Unsweetened, pure peanut butter
- Plain, unsweetened yoghurt
Other requirements:
Kong or Licky Mat (or other slow feeder that can hold wet food)
Method:
- Mash a few chunks of ripe banana with a fork.
- Combine it with a couple of spoonfuls of unsweetened peanut butter and/or plain, unsweetened yoghurt.
- Stuff the mixture into a Kong and freeze for a cooling treat.
- Alternatively, spread the mixture over a licky mat for longer lasting enjoyment.
The risks of dogs eating bananas
Don’t let your dog eat the banana skin. Although it’s not toxic to dogs, it is hard to digest and may cause an intestinal blockage.
Giving your dog too much banana at one time may cause a stomach upset, specially if your dog is not used to it. Always introduce a new food slowly and monitor for any signs of allergies or other ill effects.
Too much sugar in your dog’s diet can cause health problems over the long term, including obesity and diabetes. Treats, including healthy ones like banana, should only comprise 10% of your dog’s diet, and are best avoided altogether in dogs that are overweight, diabetic and/or on a prescription diet. Always consult your vet for nutritional advice if you are unsure.
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