We know that the healthier our dogs are, the more likely they will enjoy their time with us. Our lovely best friends deserve nothing less. We only want to give our dogs foods that are both nutritious and tasty.
That’s why we’re all about feeding them good food that they enjoy. They can’t stop loving snacks that give them a boost of energy, specifically sweets and treats like peanut butter. But, our little friends are not allowed to consume some other foods. So, how about some banana chips? Should we give this sugar-coated treat to our dogs?
Are banana chips safe for your dogs to eat?
Yes, absolutely! Banana chips are safe for your dog. Banana chips, also known as banana crisps, are dried, deep-fried bananas that are coated in sweet syrups such as sugar or honey. This treat is completely safe for your dog and is an excellent source of various vitamins and minerals.
Regardless, other banana items, such as the fruit, the peel, and even plain banana bread, are known to be non-toxic and safe for your dog to eat. Although banana peels are non-toxic, they may be too tough to chew and may cause indigestion. Nonetheless, some of these are known to be non-harmful but could induce risks with overconsumption. Besides, some dogs are allergic to bananas altogether.
It is the same situation with banana chips. While they are safe in moderation, they are not recommended as their primary source of nutrition. Moreover, the dietary fibers present in this snack could cause diarrhea and other digestive issues. Additionally, excessive consumption of the sugary aspect of banana chips can cause serious health concerns.
Health benefits of banana chips for your dog
Banana chips are surely delicious, but are they as healthy for dogs?
When prepared healthily, banana chips are known to be nutritious food. In fact, the snack contains various nutrients and minerals:
- Potassium – helps in the overall function of your dog’s heart, nerves, and muscles
- Fiber – good for digestion and gut health
- Calories and Carbohydrates – fuel dogs with energy
- Other Vitamins (i.e., B6, A, and C) – strengthen dogs’ immune system
Health risks of banana chips for your dogs
Although generally nutritious, giving too many banana chips to your dogs could cause serious health complications.
Banana chips contain sugar.
The sweet aspect of this delicious treat may cause your pet a bitter health problem. If dogs eat too many sweet treats, they may become obese, increasing their risk of heart-related diseases. Aside from these, it may also cause diabetes mellitus and hypertension.
Excessive sugar consumption is also harmful to our dogs’ teeth. Cavities in dogs’ teeth can impair their appetite and may cause them to eat less. If left untreated, their teeth could even deteriorate and decay.
The fiber in banana chips could be a threat.
Although generally helpful in maintaining a sound digestive system, dietary fibers could be harmful to dogs when consumed too much. Fibers, in large amounts, might cause diarrhea and upset stomach in your dog. Such could lead to dehydration, loss of appetite, and vomiting.
Fried banana chips could be bad for your dog.
Banana chips are often made by slicing bananas, drying them, deep-frying them in oil, and coating them with sugar. However, such a cooking method could be harmful to your dog.
Fried foods are known to be bad for dogs in general. Oily foods are also filled with saturated fats, which are bad for your dog’s health. If eaten too much, such could cause inflammation of the pancreas or pancreatitis. Additionally, it could also severely damage your dog’s intestines, lower their energy, and may cause overall digestive discomfort.
If you want to treat your dog with this snack, try to consider healthier alternatives such as homemade or baked banana chips.
Some banana chips may contain other additives.
When buying banana chips, keep in mind that some may contain preservatives, artificial sweeteners, and even spices. These additives could be toxic for your dog. If you’re going to feed your dog a couple of pieces of banana chips, we recommend making them yourself.
How much is too much?
A few pieces of banana chips are considered safe for your dog. Keep in mind to feed them one piece at a time and keep an eye on them as much as possible. Also, make sure that banana chips are only an occasional treat for them and not a regular part of their entire diet. If it is their first time eating banana chips or banana products in general, always be alert in case they have an allergic reaction.
What should I do if my dog ate banana chips?
Your dog will probably be alright if they eat some banana chips. In moderation, the treat is not entirely dangerous unless it contains additives or your dog is allergic to it. However, we recommend closely monitoring their behavior, especially if it is their first time consuming it.
Examine if your dog reacted with the following symptoms:
- Vomiting
- Coughing
- Difficulty in breathing
- Low energy
- Fever or unwell in general
If so, take them to the veterinarian as soon as possible.
Conclusion: Can dogs eat banana chips?
If your dog isn’t allergic to it, they can definitely eat banana chips and enjoy a few pieces as an occasional treat. Banana chips can be a nutritious snack when healthily prepared.
While they are safe in moderation, they should not be their sole source of nutrition. Giving your dogs too many banana chips could have major health consequences. The sugar in banana chips could cause your dog’s teeth to decay. Banana chips’ dietary fiber and oil content may also cause diarrhea, pancreatitis, and other health problems. Some additives may also be harmful to them.
With that, if you are planning to treat your dog with such a snack, make sure to prepare them yourself and go for healthier options such as baked banana chips.
As much as we want our dogs to enjoy their treats, we should also be mindful of what they consume. Make sure to pay attention and consult a veterinarian if concerns appear. Our paw-friends, who shower us with love, deserve nothing less. We should treat them the best we can and love them as sweet as banana chips.