Can Dogs Eat Banana Peels – Do They Get Sick?

Can dogs eat banana peel

Dogs love the sweet yummy taste of ripe bananas.

So much so that they will find themselves chewing at the peels too.

But are banana peels bad for dogs?

 

Your dog will not get sick from eating banana peels. But banana peels have no health value to your dog. They contain too much fiber which can upset your dog’s stomach or choke him.

 

Bananas are a dog’s favorite thing; right after frisbees, chew toys, and peanut butter.

Dogs can taste the natural sugars in bananas which explains why they might want to gobble up the peels as well.

If you have always wondered if banana peels are healthy for your dog, then read on.

 

Are bananas good for dogs?

dog with banana peel

Bananas are one of the healthiest fruits your dog can enjoy.

They contain loads of vitamins and minerals that directly benefit your dog’s health.

 

Bananas are rich in;

  • Vitamin B
  • Vitamin C
  • Manganese
  • Potassium
  • Fiber

 

Health benefits of banana for dogs

 

Vitamin B

Your dog needs vitamin B to maintain healthy cells in their body.

B vitamins also promote the production of red blood cells and improve digestion.

 

Other benefits of vitamin B include;

  • Maintain good eyesight
  • Promote healthy nerve function
  • Improve brain function
  • Regulate carbohydrate metabolism for energy production
  • Catalyze neural tissue ion channels
  • Maintain optimal enzyme function

Want your dog to be smart? Let them have a banana!

 

Vitamin C

Vitamin C is a vital antioxidant in both humans and pets.

In dogs, this vitamin gets rid of destructive free radicals in the body.

This slows down aging and the onset of tumors in your dog.

 

Vitamin C boosts your dog’s immune system and gives him a better chance of fighting inflammation.

Healthy dogs synthesize vitamin C from their liver.

But there is nothing wrong with a little supplementation from a banana.

 

Manganese

Manganese is one of the important minerals required by dogs.

It helps dogs burn carbohydrates and produce energy.

 

Also, this mineral is vital in the metabolism of proteins.

Manganese is the secret ingredient that helps dogs synthesize healthy fats in their bodies.

 

It also aids in enzyme function and helps maintain healthy bone mineral density.

If you want your dog to have healthy joints, give them lots of manganese from bananas.

 

Potassium

Potassium improves heart and kidney function in your pup.

This mineral also helps in digestion and maintains healthy muscles in dogs.

Potassium levels in the blood are regulated by both magnesium and sodium.

 

Fiber

Dogs need fiber in their diet to improve digestion.

Bananas pack enough fiber to maintain a healthy gut in your dog and stave off constipation or gut diseases.

Your pooch is having problems with potty training?

Maybe some bananas will help!

 

Are banana peels bad for dogs?

The simple answer is No.

Banana peels are not toxic when ingested by your dog.

But your pup is likely to get an upset stomach if they consume too many banana peels.

 

Bananas pack the right amount of fiber required by your pup.

But banana peels have way too much fiber which your dog will struggle digesting.

 

In most cases, your dog will develop vomiting and diarrhea after gulping way too many peels.

Toy breeds are vulnerable to choking if they ingest banana peels without chewing.

 

How can you feed bananas to dogs?

Are bananas good for dogs

It is easy to serve bananas to your dogs.

Just peel one, slice it into bits and toss some to your pup.

 

You could also;

  • Mash the banana and let your dog slurp away
  • You could also slice bananas, freeze them, and serve them as healthy pupsicles

 

But if you want to go the extra mile with loving your canine friend, then you have to fix him some banana dog treats.

Here is the best part, you get to use one of his favorite ingredients; you guessed it right, peanut butter!

 

Banana Peanut butter dog treat recipe

These banana peanut butter treats are a healthy alternative to store-bought dog cookies.

They are delicious and very nutritious to your pup.

Without further ado, let’s get cooking.

 

Ingredients

  • One and a half cups of rolled oats (gluten-free)
  • 1 large ripe banana (mashed)
  • Half a cup of peanut butter

Method:

  1. Preheat your oven to about 350°F
  2. In a large bowl, mix the rolled oats, ripe banana, and peanut butter
  3. Knead the mixture until you achieve a perfect dough
  4. Roll the dough on a flat surface to about 1/4inch thick
  5. Use a cookie cutter to cut the dough into various shapes
  6. Line your baking tray with parchment paper and arrange the cut dough
  7. Toss the tray in the oven and bake for 15 minutes
  8. When the treats turn light brown bring the tray out
  9. Allow the treats to cool for 15 minutes before letting your pup sample them
  10. Store the remaining treats in an airtight jar

Tips

  • If possible make your oat flour with a food processor
  • Homemade natural peanut butter is the best!
  • In case the dough breaks while kneading, add two more scoops of peanut butter to strengthen it
  • Cut the treats into various shapes. Bone-shaped treats are Bingo’s favorite
  • Storing the treats in airtight containers keeps them fresh for 2 weeks

 

VIDEO: DIY Peanut and Banana Dog Treats

 

Conclusion

Banana peels are not toxic to dogs but they are not beneficial either.

Stick to feeding your dog bananas minus the peels.

Slice the banana into small chunks that are easy for Bingo to gobble up.

If you feel a little inspired, whip up some tasty banana treats with simple ingredients in your kitchen.

 

See Also


Frequently Asked Questions

Bananas are healthy for your dog if served in moderation. A few banana slices are enough for Bingo to enjoy and rip healthy benefits from. Letting your dog eat a whole banana can cause stomach problems.

Peanut butter is a rich source of protein and healthy fats for your dog. Natural peanut butter is the best as it contains no artificial flavoring. Some peanut butter products contain Xylitol (a chemical in chocolate) which is toxic to pets.

Fruits like peach, apricots, and cherries have a chemical called amygdalin in their peels. This chemical reacts with stomach acids to form cyanide. Such fruit peels are, thus, harmful to your pet when ingested.

Dogs cannot digest the high fiber in banana peels. They will mostly vomit or diarrhea if they eat too many banana peels. Small dog breeds can easily choke on banana peels if they gobble them up without chewing

Russel

A pet owner who loves to share useful facts and information about a variety of animals.