Banana chips are a new healthy snack tried that is usually made of dehydrated or fried banana pieces. They taste like a sweet treat but also makes you feel healthy. If they are so healthy, can dogs eat banana chips with their owner? In this article, we will explore this topic and find out the answer.
Can Dogs Eat Banana Chips?
Yes, dogs can naturally eat banana chips as it has many health and nutritional benefits. It is important to check the label of the banana chips you are purchasing to ensure they are not covered in extra salt, sugar, or other spices.
The best type of banana chips you can give your dog are ones that are completely natural without any added ingredients. Also, moderation is the key to everything. Your dog can safely enjoy a small amount of banana chips without worry.
If you give your dog too many or replace your dog’s food with banana chips, it can cause some harmful effects. These effects could include stomach upset, digestive issues, and even loose stool.
Fruit is a great treat for dogs; it is way better than some other dog treats on the market.
Health Benefits of Banana Chips for Dogs
Banana chips have a variety of different health benefits for your dog and you. We will go into more detail about the health benefits below.
Great Potassium
As you may already know, bananas are rich in potassium. Potassium does a lot of things like improving brain and heart function, helps muscles to move, and keeps the nerves functioning well.
Omegas
Omegas are very important for a healthy body function in both dogs and humans. Bananas have omega 3s and 6s inside of them. Omega 3s are good for the development of some important organs such as your nervous system, the brain, and even your eyes.
Omega 6s focus on the cells inside of your body. This will keep your cells function and performing. This is what makes your dog’s skin look healthy and the coat looking shiny. Omegas are very important for a dog’s diet. Most dog food brands add in some sources of omegas.
Fiber
Fiber is essential for everyday body function. It is what makes you stay regular, which is very important for dogs and people. While bananas help to make, your dog regular, too much fiber can be a bad thing. So give your dog banana chips in moderation.
Iron
This is another mineral that is essential to everyday health. Iron helps form red blood cells, which are important as they bring oxygen and other nutrients throughout your dog’s body.
Magnesium
Magnesium is very important for your dog’s metabolic function. It is what activates the enzymes, and their job is to make the metabolism go.
Vitamins
The variety of vitamins found in bananas will make your dog overall healthier. Your dog will have a nice and shiny-looking coat. Your dog’s skin will look healthier and repaired. If your dog is younger, the various vitamins will help with brain growth.
Side Effects of Banana Chips for Dogs
Unfortunately, everything in life has side effects. If you fee your dog too many banana chips or ones from the grocery store that may have added ingredients, it can affect your dog’s health. Below are some side effects of banana chips for dogs.
Increase Sugar
Bananas have a lot of natural sugar, also known as glucose in it. Bananas have also been know to contain sucrose and fructose, which are also sugars. There are a few ways you can create banana chips; one way is by dehydrating the banana, and the most common is by frying.
When you fry the banana pieces, it will create a lot of extra fats from the sugars. Some of these fats help your dog’s body, but it can get to be too much, which can cause concern. Too much sugar and fat can cause your dog to put on extra weight that it doesn’t need.
Diarrhea
Bananas have a huge amount of fiber, so that can mean if your dog eats too much, you may have to take the dog out for frequent bathroom breaks. It can also mean that your dog has particularly loose stools.
The increased amount of sugar inside of the banana chips can also cause your dog to get diarrhea. Mostly the fried or store-bought versions of banana chips will bring on this, but even homemade ones can cause issues.
How to Feed Banana Chips to Your Dog
There are a few ways you can treat your dog to some banana chips. The first can be done during training as a reward for following your directions or by show your dog praise. You can also give your dog a small amount of banana chips with its dog food.
Remember to give your dog these treats in moderation, as you know from the side effects above that too much can be a bad thing.
When introducing a new food, watch your dog closely to see if it has any allergic reactions. If your dog doesn’t exhibit excessive itching, licking, or weird behavior, then chances are your dog is not allergic to banana chips.
Banana Chips for Dogs Recipe
You can easily make your own banana chips at home. This way, you know exactly what is on and in your banana chips. Sometimes the store-bought ones are okay, but to be on the safe side, make your own.
Homemade Banana Chips for Dogs
All you need is two to three bananas, a parchment lined baking sheet, and some time and patience to create this delicious snack.
- Begin to preheat your oven to a low 225 degrees. While you wait for it to be preheated, you can line your baking sheet with some parchment paper.
- Begin to slice the desired amount of bananas you have chosen into small thin coins. Lay the slices spaced between each other on the baking sheet.
- Place into the oven when preheated and cook for two hours. The chips are finished when you notice a beautiful brownish color.
- Take banana chips off of the parchment and let them cool completely before enjoying.
Conclusion
I personally love banana chips. I think they are a great snack, and I am glad to know that dogs can eat banana chips safely. If you can take the time to make them yourself at home, that would be even better for your dog. Let me know in the comment section if your dog has ever tried banana chips or banana coins.