I must be honest, I’ve only recently discovered banana chips, and I absolutely love them!
As a dog parent, I’m often guilty of giving my dogs whatever I’m snacking on, provided that it won’t cause them any harm. So, that got me thinking, can dogs eat banana chips, and if so, what are the benefits?
Can Dogs Eat Banana Chips?
Yes, dogs can eat banana chips, but you need to make sure that you give them banana chips that are free from sugar, oil, and spices that are often found in a variety of banana chips on sale today.
The Benefits Of Feeding Your Dog Banana Chips
I briefly mentioned the benefits of feeding your dog bananas, and the good news is that banana chips have the same benefits. They are rich in potassium, vitamin C, vitamin B6, and fiber.
Let’s have a look at these benefits in more detail.
Potassium
Bananas are a good source of potassium. Potassium is an important mineral that helps in maintaining fluid balance within the body, building muscles, and growing bones. Dogs need a lot of potassium because they have high energy levels. Bananas are also helpful in treating hypokalemia (low potassium level), which is something very common in dogs.
Vitamin C
Bananas are a rich source of vitamin C. This vitamin is very helpful in fighting against infections. Dogs are prone to get sick if they do not consume enough amount of fruits or vegetables as they are prone to many infections.
Vitamin B6
Bananas are also a rich source of vitamin B6. This vitamin is helpful in fighting anemia, which is a condition in which there is a lack of red blood cells within the body. Anemia causes many health problems including weakness and rapid heartbeat. Bananas also help in treating tissue disorders that occur due to a lack of vitamin B6 within the body.
Fiber
Bananas are also rich in fiber that helps improve bowel function. Constipation is very common in dogs. Fiber also helps improve the immune system and relieves constipation by making the stool softer and easier to pass.
The Risks Of Feeding Your Dog Banana Chips
As mentioned previously, there are risks involved in feeding your dogs bananas, and the same goes for banana chips. If your dog does not eat banana chips in moderation, then it can pose a few risks to his health.
High Sugar Content
See, bananas have a fairly high sugar content and too much sugar can cause upset stomachs, tooth decay, weight gain, and diabetes in dogs. This is why it is very important to give banana chips as an occasional treat to your furry friend.
Of course, not all banana chips are created equal and some brands are healthier than others. Dried banana chips are healthier than deep-fried banana chips because they contain less sugar and unhealthy additives. So, whenever possible, try to get hold of dried banana chips instead.
Upset Stomach
Once again, moderation is key, and if you give your dog a large number of banana chips on a regular basis then it can give him an upset stomach, or even diarrhea.
This is especially true if you feed him deep-fried bananas because they tend to contain a lot of oil which is not good for your dog’s stomach. Rather opt to give him dried banana chips instead.
Banana peels are also known to cause an upset stomach if dogs consumed them, and it might even lead to vomiting. If this happens to your pup after he has eaten banana chips, then talk to a vet immediately.
How Many Banana Chips Can A Dog Eat?
By now you should be aware of the potential risks involved when not feeding banana chips to your dog in moderation.
I recommend that you give your pup this delicious treat once or twice a week, and only a few pieces at a time. This will give him all the goodness that comes with bananas, but just without the nasty risks involved when not eaten in moderation.
Can Dogs Eat Dried Banana Chips?
Yes, dogs can eat dried banana chips. However, as with normal banana chips, dried banana chips must be fed in moderation as they have a relatively high sugar content which can cause upset stomachs, tooth decay, weight gain, or diabetes.
Can Dogs Eat Bananas?
If dogs can eat banana chips, then surely they can eat bananas, right?
Yes, of course, dogs can eat bananas because they are rich in potassium, vitamin C, vitamin B6, and fiber. They should be given to your dog in moderation though because due to their sugar content, they can cause an upset stomach, tooth decay, weight gain, and diabetes in dogs when consumed in large amounts.
Conclusion
As you can see, banana chips are actually a very healthy treat for dogs because they are rich in potassium, vitamin C, vitamin B6, and fiber.
Unfortunately, they do have a high sugar content so it is important to feed your pup this delicious treat in moderation.
