When feeding your dog fruit, a little goes a long way. Though dogs can’t digest cellulose (the main substance in plant cell walls), they can digest fruits and vegetables. So can dogs eat bananas? If so, are bananas good for dogs? 

The answer is yes, dogs can have bananas. Some dogs even consider bananas a special treat. In this article, we’ll analyze the benefits of bananas for dogs.

Fruits have phytonutrient antioxidants, and studies have demonstrated that dogs with cancer can benefit from an antioxidant-rich diet. Phytonutrients can even slow down the effects of aging in dogs. A 2012 study adds that bananas can be as beneficial as a sports drink for humans because they’re rich in potassium and other nutrients. 

Can dogs have bananas?

So can dogs eat bananas? Absolutely – bananas are extremely nutritious, even if you walk on four legs. But dogs only require small portions to reap the benefits of this fruit. 

Ripe bananas provide glucose, fructose, and sucrose, and they yield little protein or fat. An average-sized banana will have approximately 103 calories. Bananas also are natural probiotics and can help regulate natural intestinal flora.

Food For Thought

Fresh organic foods are sometimes forgotten in canine diets, even though fruits and vegetables are necessary for your pup’s health. A diet that is high in fresh, organic, and whole produce is key to providing optimal health for all dogs, whether they’re seniors or pups. Diets like Sundays for Dogs provide this type of fresh food for dogs in an air-dried, shelf-stable product. 

A dog’s body has over 1,300 different enzymes, each with a different function. Some digest food or process waste materials found in blood. Enzymes are essential to life. All raw foods have enzymes, which are produced by living organisms.

“There is a connection between the strength of our immune system and our enzyme level. The greater the amount of enzyme reserves, the stronger our immune system, the healthier and stronger we will be,” adds Humbart Santillo, author of Food Enzymes: The Missing Link.

Enzymes are only found in raw food. Any food that is heat-processed, roasted, fried, or baked does not contain enzymes. This is why it’s necessary to feed all dogs a diet containing some raw and fresh fruits and vegetables – like Sundays. 

If your pup’s food doesn’t have fresh fruit ingredients, consider feeding them as snacks or food toppers. You can prevent nutrient deficiencies by supplementing your dog’s diet with safe fruits and veggies. 

Dogs that don’t eat a complete and balanced diet can develop nutrient deficiencies. If your pooch has a nutrient deficiency, they may suffer from chronic health issues such as:

• Skin issues
• Excessive shedding
• Stool eating
• Frequent vomiting
• Allergies
• Diarrhea
• Weight Loss
  

We always recommend chatting with your vet before adding a new food to your dog’s diet. They will walk you through portion sizes and serving instructions. 

Are bananas good for dogs?

We know dogs can eat pretty much anything. But are bananas good for dogs health? 

Bananas are great for dogs because they are naturally rich in essential vitamins and minerals. Potassium, magnesium, vitamin B6, vitamin C, manganese, biotin, fiber, and copper are just a few of the key nutrients in bananas. 

This fruit can also be beneficial to dogs suffering from gastrointestinal issues like diarrhea and nausea. Your pup will find this age-old remedy yummy and helpful to their health.

Bananas do have a high sugar content. Dogs don’t require a lot of sugar in their diet. That being said, you should serve them as an occasional treat or light snack. 

If your dog has these symptoms, they may benefit from some mashed banana to help ease their discomfort:

• Nausea
• Diarrhea
• Lack of appetite
• Drooling
• Abdominal pain
• Bloating
• Shock
• Dehydration
  

Consult your veterinarian if your dog is suffering from abdominal pain. Abdominal pain symptoms can be mild or severe, and they may also include the following symptoms:

• Whining
• Panting
• Pacing
• Abnormal postures with forelimbs stretched out and chest resting on the floor
• Lack of appetite
• Licking of lips or air to combat nausea and reflux

Can My Dog Eat Too Many Bananas? 

Can dogs eat bananas in large quantities? No, dogs should only eat this fruit occasionally and in small servings. 

Dogs with a vitamin deficiency will benefit most from eating bananas. A piece of this fruit can boost their potassium levels and level out other nutrients. With that said, if you overserve bananas to your smaller dog breed every day, you may put them at risk for over-consuming calories and sugar.

Many dog parents think that their dogs benefit only from meat, but they also benefit from eating fruits and vegetables. These foods can improve overall well-being. Fruits and veggies can even help prevent cancer, autoimmune diseases, metabolic issues, and cardiovascular problems. 

Fruit for dogs can also help prevent cognitive decline in seniors. The natural phytonutrients found in fruits and veggies slow down oxidative damage and help fight aging.

How to Feed Your Dog Bananas

Studies show that dogs with lots of fiber in their diet have better gut microbiome diversity compared to dogs that eat meat-only diets. Pureed fruits and veggies can help their digestion. Add the puree to their meals, scoop it in a bowl for a midday snack, or you can even freeze it to make a lasting treat.

Some pups might enjoy the soft texture of a plain ripe banana. Try mushing it with a fork and adding it as a topper for their normal diet. 

Always discard the banana peel before serving this food to your pup. The peel isn’t necessarily toxic to dogs, but it can block digestion.