If you love bananas, your pet has probably seen you eat one and been interested. Is it safe for dogs to eat banana peels? Dogs often want to eat what we do.
Dogs can eat bananas and get a lot of good nutrients from them, but the peel is a different story. Many dog owners aren’t sure if it’s okay for their pets to eat banana peels. In this full guide, we’ll tell you the truth about giving banana peels to dogs, including the health risks and what to do if your pet eats one by mistake.
Before you throw the banana peel at your dog, let’s go over what you need to know!
Can dogs eat the peels of bananas?
So, can dogs eat banana peels? The short and simple answer is no. Dogs should not eat banana peels.
Banana peels are not poisonous, but they are very hard to digest. The fibrous outer layer can cause vomiting, an upset stomach, or intestinal blockage, especially in smaller dogs.
Why are banana peels hard to digest?
Banana peels have a lot of insoluble fiber in them. A little fiber is good for digestion, but too much of it, especially from something rough, can make your dog’s stomach hurt.
If a dog eats banana peels, these things might happen:
- Diarrhea or a stomachache
- Constipation
- Pain or bloating in the stomach
- Loss of appetite
These problems happen because dogs’ digestive systems can’t break down thick, fibrous plant materials like banana skin.
Are Banana Peels Safe for Dogs to Eat?
It’s a good thing that banana peels aren’t poisonous. So, unlike grapes or chocolate, they won’t hurt your dog. However, the amount of fiber they have and the way they feel can still be very uncomfortable.
If your dog accidentally eats a small piece, it should be fine. But if they eat a lot of it, the peel could get stuck in their intestines, which is a dangerous blockage that needs to be looked at by a vet.
Signs That Your Dog Has Eaten a Banana Peel
If your dog eats a banana peel after getting into the trash, keep an eye out for these signs:
- Throwing up or gagging
- Having trouble going to the bathroom
- Loss of appetite
- Swelling in the stomach
- Being lazy
If you notice any of these signs, call your vet right away.
The health benefits of bananas (without the peel)
Bananas are one of the safest fruits for dogs as long as you take the peel off.
This is why:
- Vitamin B6: Good for the brain’s health.
- Vitamin C: Boosts the body’s defenses.
- Potassium helps control the activity of the heart and muscles.
- Magnesium helps bones get stronger and makes energy.
- Fiber: Eating it in moderation helps your digestion stay healthy.
Dogs can’t eat banana peels, but they can eat the fruit inside in small pieces that are easy to chew.
Cut bananas into small pieces or mash them into your dog’s food for a tasty and healthy snack.
What happens to a dog when it eats a banana peel?
Stay calm and then do something.
If your dog just ate a banana peel, don’t panic; do what you need to do.
Here’s what you need to do:
- Check your dog’s throat and mouth. Check to see if any parts are stuck.
- Look for signs of pain, choking, or throwing up.
- Do not make your pet throw up unless your veterinarian tells you to.
- If your dog ate a lot of food, call your vet for advice.
When to Call for Help in an Emergency
If your dog does any of the following, take them to the vet right away:
- Can’t stop throwing up
- shows signs of pain
- Has a belly that sticks out
- Not eating or drinking.
- Looks weak or slow.
Your vet might use an ultrasound or X-ray to see if your intestines are blocked.
Why dogs shouldn’t eat banana peels?
Even though banana peels aren’t poisonous, they can make your stomach hurt. Dogs are more likely to eat big pieces of peel because they don’t chew their food as well as people do.
Also, the peel’s high fiber content doesn’t give dogs much, if any, nutrition. It’s not worth the risk.
Think about this: your dog can get all the health benefits of bananas without ever touching the peel.
How to Give Your Dog Bananas Safely
Are you looking for a safe way to give your dog a banana as a treat? These are some basic ideas:
Frozen Banana Bites: Cut up small pieces and freeze them for a refreshing snack.
Mix plain yogurt and mashed banana to make a simple dessert called banana mash.
Banana Dog Cookies are a healthy baked snack that you can make yourself. They are made with oats, bananas, and eggs.
Rules for the Size of Portions
- For small dogs, one or two thin slices
- For medium-sized dogs, give them half a banana without the peel.
- Big dogs get one banana, which they sometimes get as a treat.
The key is not to overdo it! Bananas have natural sugars and fiber in them, so eating too many of them could make you gain weight or get constipated.
How to Feed Bananas: Advice from a Vet
- Always peel the banana all the way.
- Serve only small amounts to avoid the risk of choking.
- Don’t give your dog bananas every day; only give them as a treat.
- Don’t peel at all, no matter how much your dog begs you to.
- Talk to your vet before giving your dog new fruits to eat.
Can dogs eat banana peels? The answer is still no, but peeled bananas are fine in small amounts.
FAQs About Dogs and Banana Peels
1. Is it okay for dogs to eat banana peels?
No, it is not safe for dogs to eat banana peels. The peel isn’t bad for you, but it can upset your stomach and block your digestive system.
2. What if my puppy ate a banana peel?
Puppies are even more fragile. The peel could cause a blockage in the intestines or choking, so call your vet right away.
3. Do banana peels help dogs?
No way. Dogs can’t digest banana peels well enough to get the fiber and antioxidants they have.
4. Is it okay for dogs to eat bananas every day?
You should only give bananas as a treat now and then, not every day. If you eat too much sugar, you could get problems like obesity or an upset stomach.
5. What fruits should dogs not eat?
Dogs can’t eat cherries, avocados, raisins, or grapes because they are all poisonous to them.
To sum up
So, can dogs eat banana peels?
The final answer is no. Banana peels are not poisonous, but they are hard to digest and can cause nausea, constipation, or blockage. Always peel bananas before giving them to your pet.
Bananas are a healthy fruit that is good for dogs and full of vitamins and minerals when eaten in moderation.
In the end, put the peel in the compost bin instead of your dog’s bowl. When it comes to banana sweets, they only need the inside fruit.
