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Can Dogs Eat Banana Chips?

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Crispy banana chips sure do make a delicious snack, but can we share them with our dogs? Read on to find out if pups can have banana chips and when is too much! 

homemade banana chips in a bowl next to other banana chips

Bananas are an affordable, accessible, and portable form of nutrition. Us humans have found a wide variety of ways to use bananas, but could those uses also extend to feeding our dogs?

Bananas come in many colors, shapes, and sizes. In fact, there are over 1,000 varieties of bananas, categorized into 50 different groups. Cavendish bananas are the most common variety sold in U.S grocery stores and are the ones you likely use every day. But other varieties of the banana family are available in stores such as red bananas and plantains.

Dogs are able to eat many types of healthy fruits besides bananas such as pineapple, kiwi, papaya, and more. The nutritional benefits of all these fruits in dogs is similar to humans: a daily dose of potassium, vitamin b, vitamin C, dietary fiber, biotin, magnesium, and copper. Fruits are also known for their anti-inflammatory properties.

One whole banana contains around 110 calories, 28 carbs, 1 gram of protein, 15 grams of natural sugar, 450 milligrams of potassium, and 3 grams of fiber.

According to the American Kennel Club, bananas are perfectly healthy for dogs in moderation. It is advised to be given as an occasional treat rather than part of a daily diet due to the high sugar content, however, they are low calorie as well as low in sodium and cholesterol.

Can Dogs Eat Banana Chips?

So, a banana is a healthy snack for your dog. But there is so much variety to what can be done with a banana, so does that extend to the things made with bananas as well? What about banana chips, or dehydrated chips of fruit in general? It really depends. Many times, the dehydrated or dried fruit that you purchase from the grocery store is high in added sugar, fried in inflammatory oils, or has banana peel particles in them.

All of these factors give the dog a highly sensitive stomach, especially in smaller breeds. It is therefore recommended that if you do want to feed dehydrated or dried fruit chips to dogs, that they are homemade. Making them at home eliminates the heavy processing keeping them healthier and without as many additives. This extends to anything else that may be included with bananas as well, if it is highly processed it is best to stay away.

When feeding them homemade banana chips, only give them 4-6 slices at a time and on a weekly basis at most.

Will Dried Bananas Hurt Dogs?

If dogs consume too much sugar or things made in inflammatory oils (canola, sunflower, corn, peanut) it often upsets their stomach, causing them to vomit or have diarrhea. In addition to this, the high sugar content of the banana can also upset their stomach.

Given this, it is important to regulate the amount of bananas given to your pup, and to avoid banana chip products purchased at the grocery store. Most are made in these inflammatory oils, and will cause the dog to feel these consequences.

feeding a small dog a banana out of the peel

How Much Banana Can You Give A Dog?

The proper serving size of a raw banana is about ½ of a banana, or 4-6 small pieces. Of course, this can vary based on the size of your dog. Smaller dogs should be given less compared to larger dogs. When in doubt, give less and see how they react at first. Always avoid giving dogs banana peels, as these are hard for them to digest.

Some dogs may already be on specific diets for certain health issues, in that case it’s best to consult with your vet before introducing this tasty treat along with other fresh fruit.

Do Bananas Help A Dog’s Upset Stomach?

Although bananas can be a good remedy for human stomach aches, it is not the best for dogs. The high sugar content for them can actually make an upset stomach worse. According to Pet M.D., the three best remedies for a dog with an upset stomach are fasting, ice cubes, or pumpkin puree, not bananas. 

Can Bananas Give Dogs Diarrhea?

In fact, bananas can not only worsen your dog’s digestive issues but also give them diarrhea. If they are already feeling unwell, the fiber and sugar will only make it worse. An upset stomach from a banana could also be caused by consuming the peel, which is extremely hard to digest for dogs. However, if your dog is feeling good, a normal serving (½ banana) should cause them no harm. It just should not be used as a remedy for an upset stomach or diarrhea.

feeding a dog peanut butter and banana chips

Ways To Feed Your Dog Bananas

Raw banana slices are the best way to feed your dog bananas. Keep in mind, It’s recommended that 90% of your dog’s food be dog food, allowing only 10% of your dog’s diet to be for fruits, dog treats, and other snacks. If you are going to feed your dog banana chips, it is best you make them at home in an air-fryer or oven where you can assure that no excess sugar or oils are added.

It’s also a good idea to steer clear of banana bread and other baked goods that you may love. These are filled with added ingredients that overtime can cause weight gain and may negatively affect your dog’s health overall.

Can Dogs Be Allergic To Bananas and Are Bananas Poisonous To Dogs?

In rare cases, dog’s can be allergic to bananas. You will notice an allergic reaction in your dog by seeing things such as chronic itchiness, skin lesions, recurring ear infections, and in some cases, gastrointestinal problems. It is always best to test small amounts with your pooch, whether it’s food or other products, before fully incorporating it into their routine. This is the best way to prevent severe allergic reactions.

Other Common FAQs

Are banana chips dehydrated or fried?

Store-bought banana chips are most often fried and coated in syrup, sugar, and honey or other artificial sweeteners.

How much is too much banana for a dog?

Over ½ of a medium-sized banana will likely be too much sugar and fiber for your dog.

Can bananas make dogs vomit?

Yes, bananas can have too much sugar for a dog, and too much sugar can cause vomiting.

Can Puppies Have Bananas?

Yes, but even less than the recommended half a serving. Only a few slices (2-3) are recommended.

Yield: 10 servings (a serving is about 4 chips)

Homemade Banana Chips for Dogs

Homemade Banana Chips for Dogs

Your pups will love these homemade banana chips! No toxic ingredients or added sugar and they are super simple to make!

Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 35 minutes

Ingredients

  • 2 bananas
  • Optional: lemon juice and water

Instructions

  1. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and preheat the oven to 250 degrees.
  2. Slice each banana very thinly (about an 1/8 inch thick).
  3. If desired mix together a teaspoon of lemon juice and water. Brush or dip the slices, this will help them so they don't turn brown.
  4. Place the banana chips in the oven and cook for 1.5 hours. Check for crispiness and continue cooking if desired.

Notes

  • If your banana slices are any thicker, they will not be crispy.
  • For dehydrating, cook at 135 degrees for at least 6 hours.

The Short Version: Are Bananas and Banana Chips Safe for Dogs

Remember, a balanced diet is best for our pets. Even though some human food may be considered a healthy treat, our dog’s stomach and their digestive system may react differently.

  • Bananas, whole or dehydrated, can be a great little treat for your furry friend, but be cautious. Serving over ½ a banana is too much sugar, causes digestive problems including potential vomiting.
  • Homemade banana chips (baked) with no other ingredients are best for dogs. Or, just whole natural fresh bananas, just make sure to keep that peel away from them!
  • Banana chips can be good as well, but similar to whole bananas, you must be cautious. Store bought dehydrated banana chips often contain too much added sugar-far more than a raw banana, are fried in inflammatory oils, and are easy to overfeed.

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