Giving your border collie fruit can make for an ideal healthy treat, but not all fruit is safe for dogs. Find out if your border collie dog can eat bananas and if there are any risks or benefits to this potassium-rich fruit.
Some collies love to feast on some fruit. And you couldn’t blame them – these sweet and fresh treats can be hard to pass upon. However, not all types of fruit can be given to your border collies. In fact, some can be downright dangerous to dogs, like grapes or persimmons, for example.
Can Border Collies Eat Bananas?
Most of us enjoy the carb-rich banana in all its forms, but can your dog eat bananas safely? The quick answer is yes. This starchy fruit is chock full of important nutrients and vitamins, and its unique texture and flavor make it the perfect snack for your dog. However, it’s important to know that, although your dog can eat bananas, it doesn’t mean they’re free to eat as much as they like and in different forms. As usual when giving dog’s food that is primarily for us humans, knowing how much to feed and how to feed it is what makes all the difference.
Can Dogs Eat Bananas Raw? What Are The Benefits?
The majority of dogs love eating bananas, and it’s perfectly safe for them to consume bananas after it’s peeled. Like all other fruit that’s safe for dogs, it’s ideally suited as a snack for dogs that are struggling with weight problems or dogs affected by food allergies. When comparing them to commercial dog treats, bananas are a healthy alternative with significantly lower calories, so you shouldn’t feel guilty about wanting to give your dog bananas as a treat.
Additionally, bananas are a great source of vital minerals like manganese, copper, and, of course, potassium; all of which are important for your collie’s immune system and overall health. Bananas also contain vitamin B6 and C, as well as biotin, which helps to promote a dog’s coat and skin. An additional benefit to eating bananas are the high levels of starch and fiber that helps to support a healthy digestive system and also helps dogs who are having poop troubles.
What About Dried Bananas?
When it comes to dried bananas, the situation is a bit different. Although dried bananas are still a safe treat for dogs, you shouldn’t go over the top with these crunchy snacks. The reason is that a handful of dried banana chips have much more calories and sugar than a handful of raw bananas. Not to mention that some store-bought dried banana chips may contain additives and preservatives that may not be good for your dog! So, if you want to give your dog a banana treat, go for a fresh, peeled banana or even homemade dried banana chips. And if you really want to try something different, dip the banana slices into some peanut butter.
Can Dogs Eat Plantains Too?
Plantains, or cooking bananas, may not be as common as their dessert counterpart, but that doesn’t mean that they’re unsafe. These types of bananas are higher in starch and lower in sugar, so they mightn’t be as yummy to your dog, but you can still give them a few bites of plantain without worrying about any side effects. However, it goes without saying that plantains shouldn’t be given to your border collie raw. If you want to give your dog a plantain, it needs to be cooked and plain without spices or sugar.
Are There Any Risks to Feeding Your Dog Bananas?
Although we’ve established that the answer to the question “can border collies eat bananas” is yes, it doesn’t mean that you should go wild. As with everything else, moderation is the key. When it comes to dogs, bananas could become too much of a good thing.
For example, if fed in moderation, mashed bananas could be a wonderful aid to dogs suffering from diarrhea, but if you start giving your dog bananas on a daily basis, it may lead to constipation issues.
Too Much Is Not Good
Anything in excess isn’t good for your dog’s health, and using this simple rule of thumb is also true when it comes to giving bananas to dogs. Overfeeding your dog on bananas is likely to do more harm than good to your dog’s health.
Portion Size
Although bananas are nutritious, there’s no need to give your collie bananas on a daily basis. For dogs, it should only be an occasional food, no more than a couple of times per week. Medium-sized dogs are usually given half a banana, whereas large-sized dogs can be given one banana a few times a week.
Peel The Skin Off
Although there’re no studies that indicate that banana peels are harmful to dogs, dog owners should still remove the banana peel before feeding, due to the high fiber content. Already a well-ripened banana minus the peel is already rich in fiber. So, giving it a banana along with the peel could cause excess fiber intake, which could lead to digestion problems. A banana peel also has an offensive taste, which might put your dog off from having a banana in the first place. Moreover, eating the peel could possibly cause infections, as it may contain pathogenic organisms. So always be on the safe side by feeding bananas to your dog without the peel.
