Can puppies eat bananas?
If your dog ate some banana off the floor or you couldn’t help but give them a piece of yours, don’t worry. Vets consider bananas a safe human food for puppies, so it’s OK if your pet has a slice or two. In fact, some experts say they are a good alternative to other high-fat or high-sodium dog treats you may be using for training.
Just be sure you peel the banana, as that part of the fruit can cause a stomach ache.
Are there any health benefits to feeding your puppy bananas?
Bananas boast high levels of B6, potassium, fiber, and vitamin C. For humans, this low-calorie food can help boost your immune system, heart health, and digestive tract functioning. You want your puppy to be as healthy as you are, so you may be wondering if feeding them bananas may be nutritious for them too.
Ultimately, an AAFCO-approved dog food is going to give your pet everything they need to thrive. Bananas are more of a treat, but some vets say the potassium may aid in heart and kidney health, and fiber can keep the digestive tract running smoothly.
When Are Bananas Bad For Dogs?
Like most fruits, bananas contain sugar, which can be problematic for dogs in high amounts and lead to gastrointestinal issues, obesity, and diabetes. Your dog would have to eat a large amount of these fruits fairly often to develop these conditions, but it’s best to make sure your dog doesn’t go overboard.
Additionally, the high fiber content can lead to constipation if dogs have too many in one sitting, and some dogs just have difficulty digesting bananas.
Obviously, you should not feed your dog the peel of the banana. The peels aren’t toxic, but they are hard to digest.
As with almost any food, there’s a risk that your dog will be allergic. If you see the signs of an allergic reaction, including swelling, hives, difficulty breathing, sneezing, coughing, or other symptoms, you should stop feeding your dog bananas and contact your vet right away.