Dogs can eat almost any type of fruit but can dogs eat overripe bananas? Although one might assume that offering bananas to their dog won’t bring any harm, it isn’t as simple as it seems.
Yes, dogs can eat overripe bananas. However, bananas tend to contain loads of carbs and sugar, especially when they’re overripe, due to which experts suggest that they should be offered on an occasional basis.
As the banana peel changes its color from brown spots to turning completely black, all the starch inside is converted into sugar, and the banana is at its sweetest at this position. So, while humans can eat it but dogs shouldn’t.
Therefore, let’s discuss further and try to discover the potential health benefits or side effects along with how you can feed bananas to your dog.
Are overripe bananas safe for dogs?
Yes, bananas are safe for dogs, but if they are in an overripe condition, you should offer them on an occasional basis.
While bananas are usually safe for dogs even in overripe conditions, you still need to keep in mind that they contain three types of natural sugars: fructose, glucose, sucrose, and carbohydrates. The sugar present in bananas can become troublesome for dogs with underlying health conditions like diabetes.
On the other hand, the fiber content is beneficial as it helps your dog with bowel movements. In addition to that, the vitamins and minerals present inside will help your dog maintain and balance its health. But the sugar content might be too much for regular consumption, and the risks may outweigh the benefits.
What happens if my dog eats too many overripe bananas?
Eating too many ripe or overripe bananas can lead to several health concerns in your dog, such as constipation, weakness, diarrhea, vomiting, and obesity. In a worst-case scenario, your dog might face hyperkalemia, in which the potassium levels in the bloodstream increase to the point where heart problems can occur, which can lead up to a cardiac arrest.
Many fruits are out there that provide several health benefits to both humans and dogs. However, excess of everything is bad. Both humans and dogs are designed to ingest a limited amount of food items at a time.
Most importantly, they need a balanced diet instead of relying on a single food item for essential nutrients and minerals all their life. This is why you need to keep in mind that offering bananas on a regular basis can also lead to weight gain and blood sugar irregularities due to high sugar content.
What to do if my dog eats too many overripe bananas?
If you come to know that your dog has overeaten overripe bananas, you should closely monitor your pup for any symptoms. At worst, it will experience diarrhea, and after a few spells, it should be fine. However, if the problem does not go away, you should seek veterinary advice.
A dog experiencing gastrointestinal problems may also experience vomiting, pain, discomfort, weakness and disorientation.
What are the health benefits of bananas?
Most people offering ripe or overripe bananas to their dogs use them as treats. And while bananas should not replace your dog’s regular diet, there are some benefits that you need to keep in mind.
- Fiber: Bananas contain fiber that will help fix your dog’s gastrointestinal problems like diarrhea.
- Magnesium: The magnesium in bananas helps transport energy throughout the body and build protein within the body. Plus, it also encourages healthy bone growth in both puppies and dogs.
- Vitamins: Bananas also contain vitamin C, which is an antioxidant, vitamin B7 (biotin) which maintains a healthy coat and skin, and vitamin B6, which helps with glucose generation and keeps the nervous system healthy.
- Potassium: There is loads of potassium in bananas which is essential and beneficial for healthy blood vessel function and muscle development.
How can I feed overripe bananas to my dog?
Before you feed overripe bananas to your dog, you should consult a veterinarian, who will suggest the right amount based on your dog’s size, age, and breed. Upon receiving the OK sign, there are several ways of feeding bananas to your dog.
- You can peel, cut, and freeze the banana to offer frozen treats.
- You can mash the banana and add it to your dog’s diet to introduce a bit of sweet flavor.
- You can also mix the banana in a treat recipe.
However, keep in mind that if you are opting for a store-bought banana treat, you should go through the ingredients list to make sure it is free of harmful ingredients.
How much banana is OK for dogs?
If your dog is large, it can eat half a banana a day. Smaller dogs should only be given 2-3 small pieces of banana a day.
Plus, if you are introducing a new food item to your dog, you should always begin by offering a smaller quantity than the recommended to ensure your dog does not display any side effects.
Green bananas vs. ripe bananas for dogs
Bananas are usually available in the form of green and ripe. As the ripening process takes place, the health benefits of bananas change as well. For instance, green bananas tend to have a higher starch resistance and low sugar content. With that said, a dog suffering from diabetes will be better off eating a green banana. Plus, unripe bananas come with probiotic bacteria that help with mineral absorption and colon health.
However, too much starch resistance can lead to bloating and gas in both humans and dogs. Therefore, while green bananas have some benefits to offer, you should not ignore the downsides that come along as well.
When it comes to ripe bananas, the experts suggest they carry better antioxidant value than green bananas. The riper the banana, the better the antioxidant value. As a result, the antioxidants help reduce the chances of cancer, obesity, infections, etc.
Meanwhile, ripe and overripe bananas tend to have a high glycemic index that can rapidly spike the blood glucose levels in dogs.
Related FAQs to whether dogs can eat overripe bananas
Are banana peels edible for dogs?
Even though banana peels are not toxic to dogs, they can be relatively difficult to digest due to the amount of fiber in the peels; if your dog eats a banana peel, it might experience vomiting or intestinal blockage.
What to do if my dog eats banana peel?
If your dog ate a banana peel, observe it for symptoms and call the vet. Your pup will have an upset stomach, and it might even develop diarrhea or constipation in some cases.
Can dogs eat dried bananas?
Yes, dogs can eat dried bananas. However, it is better to feed your dog home-dried bananas rather than store-bought ones. Simple dehydrate the bananas in a dehydrator or an oven at 175 degrees.
What happens if a dog eats a whole banana?
If your dog happens to eat a whole banana, it won’t suffer from serious health concerns. However, you should make sure that it does not overconsume bananas on a regular basis. Food items that are not meant for dogs should always be offered in moderation.
Can I give a banana to my puppy?
Yes, you can give a banana to your puppy, but not more than 2 or 3 slices. Fortunately, banana is not known to carry any serious harmful side effects like other fruits, which makes them a relatively safer option for dogs. However, keep in mind that moderation is key.
Concluding our thoughts on whether dogs can eat overripe bananas
Dogs can eat bananas in almost every form, including overripe, but always in limited quantities. Excessive consumption of bananas can lead to several health concerns that can be easily avoided only by monitoring how much your pup eats.
If your dog has ingested too many bananas, you should wait for the initial symptoms. Upon providing medication, if the dog fails to recover, you should immediately take it to a vet.
