While some fruits are harmful to dogs, bananas are good for dogs. They make a great snack option!
Before you start adding this yummy fruit to your dog's diet, you might want to learn how bananas can benefit your dog.
I'll also share a couple of ways that you can incorporate them into your dog's everyday life.
Benefits of Bananas for Dogs
Everyone wants their dog to live a long, happy, and healthy life. Adding bananas to your dog's diet is one simple step to take towards that goal.
The benefits of bananas for humans are actually very similar to the benefits for dogs.
1. Bananas are high in potassium and vitamin B6 which are two nutrients that can help regulate your dog's blood flow. Because of this, bananas can help promote and maintain healthy blood pressure. Low blood pressure means healthier heart function.
2. Bananas are full of magnesium which plays a major role in muscle maintenance and help to strengthen your dog's muscles. Meaning bananas are a great option for active dogs.
3. The potassium in bananas can help to reduce calcium loss from bones while magnesium helps to promote healthy bone growth. The two of these together is what gives bananas the ability to increase bone strength.
4. Vitamin B6 not only helps to enhance heart health but it can also promote cognitive capacity, helping to improve your dog's brain function and mental sharpness.
5. Bananas contain vitamin C which is an antioxidant that helps dogs to heal and repair AKA it can increase your dog's resistance to sickness by boosting the immune system.
6. Bananas are a prebiotic which helps to feed probiotics AKA the good gut bacteria.
Source: Dogs Naturally Magazine
How to Feed Banana to Your Dog
There are basically endless ways that you can feed banana to your dog but here are a few ideas to get you started:
- Dehydrate bananas to make banana chips
- Puree bananas to make a smoothie for your dog and feed it as is or pour it on top of their food
- Mash bananas into a toy like a classic Kong
- Slice them up and freeze them to make a nice cooling treat
Related: DIY Dried Banana Dog Treat
As with anything you feed your dog, don't overdo it with bananas. Moderation is key. Too much of any one thing can be a bad thing, the same goes for bananas.
Also, if you're just introducing bananas to your dog, take it slow at first and see how your dog's body reacts to the fruit.
Is there another food you want to know if it's safe to feed your dog? Let me know in the comments and I'll create another blog post about that food item.
Related: Safe and Toxic Food for Dogs
For more safe foods for your dog, check out our line of species appropriate dog treats - we only use ingredients that actually benefit your dog.
Beef Liver | Dog Treat Sample Pack | Turkey Pumpkin Bites |