French Bulldogs will eat anything so you need to be really careful, especially when in the kitchen when different food types can fall on the floor. But what about bananas? They are health for us humans, but are bananas safe for French Bulldogs to eat?
Can French bulldogs eat bananas? Yes, Frenchies can eat bananas safely. Bananas help replenish your dog’s electrolytes and boost their immune system. Bananas are also rich in minerals and vitamins, which can be beneficial to your French Bulldog’s digestive system. They should be fed in moderation though as just a supplement to their diet.
Continue reading as I will explain how bananas can be health for a French Bulldog to eat, but also what negatives you need to be aware of. The guide will finish with some ideas on how best to feed bananas to your dog with some recipe ideas.
The health benefits of bananas to French bulldogs
Let’s start off with the pros that bananas can offer a Frenchie. It will be followed by the cons, so please don’t skip all the information.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C is very important to dogs. It helps prevent health conditions such as joint inflammation, joint irritation, kennel cough, glaucoma, and a host of canine diseases.
Did you know? French Bulldogs are prone to many health problems and can be afflicted with ill health a lot more when compared to other dog breeds. Click here to see what health issues Frenchie owners need to be aware of.
On top of that, vitamin C can help your Frenchie recuperate from wounds and invigorate his or her energy levels. Bananas help provide the needed levels of Vitamin C especially if your French Bulldog is aging and getting older.
Potassium
Bananas are rich in potassium. So why is high potassium content important?
In dogs, potassium is great for blood vessel and muscle function. In addition to helping nerves fire, it also helps muscles move. Potassium also plays a huge role in ensuring a proper balance of body fluids.
Please be aware though; too much potassium isn’t healthy for your dog. It can cause hyperkalemia (source: PetMD).
Fiber
Fiber is a great solution for almost any digestive trouble. For starters, if your Frenchie frequently has diarrhea (this is more common than you might think!), fiber can be of help.
The same is true if he or she has constipation. A medium banana usually contains roughly 3.1 grams of fiber thus making this fruit an excellent source of fiber.
Vitamin B6
Also known as pyridoxine, Vitamin B6 constitutes the Vitamin B complex. Pyridoxine deficiencies can result in tooth cavities, anemia, kidney stones, and so much more.
Vitamin B6 is involved in an array of important functions associated with blood health. It plays a huge role in the creation of antibodies that fight infection. Additionally, it helps in the making of red blood cells as well as controlling blood sugar levels.
According to PetCoach (view source), the recommended daily dose of Vitamin B6 for dogs should be .01mg/lb. This means that 0.10mg per day is enough for a 10-pound dog. A medium-sized banana contains roughly 0.43 milligrams of the vitamin.
Handy Hint: Click here to see a list of 39 fruits and whether or not they are safe for your Frenchie to eat.
Magnesium
Magnesium is important for absorbing minerals and vitamins such as potassium, Vitamin E and Vitamin C. It supports bone growth, which makes it an absolute requirement for pooches.
A medium-sized banana has 33mg of magnesium so will give a much-need boost to your French Bulldog.
Biotin
Biotin is also known as Vitamin B7. It’s basically a B complex nutrient that boosts skin and hair growth. The biotin in bananas can help contribute towards your French Bulldog’s coat having a special sparkle.
On top of this, Biotin has countless other medical benefits that help maintain a healthy nervous, digestion and cardiovascular system.
Choline
Choline is a very important nutrient for dogs. It helps to maintain optimum liver health. Just like in humans, the liver is an essential body part as it helps to detoxify everything.
Choline helps to improve the overall functioning of your dog’s liver, which means that it can process anything that enters the system. As well as contributing towards healthier liver functioning, this nutrient also improves the functioning of the nerves and brain.
Finally, and very importantly for a Frenchie, choline enhances muscle movement. Bananas contain considerable levels of choline.
Phytosterols
Phytosterols are crucial components of the cell membrane. They protect the different structures within a cell. In humans, sterols are regarded as beneficial in terms of lowering cholesterol and protecting against cancer.
When it comes to dogs, phytosterols are great for maintaining the skin’s integrity and general health of your French Bulldog’s coat.
Negative side effects of dogs eating bananas
As you can see, French Bulldogs can eat bananas and there are some very good reasons to add this in moderation to their diet. However, as with any food type, there will be some negatives which I’ve listed below.
Constipation
Fed in excess, bananas can lead to constipation. Due to their difficult nature to digest caused by high fiber content, bananas can create a blockage if taken in large pieces, as a whole or regularly.
A constipated Frenchie isn’t fun; for him or you. Exercise some caution and only feed bananas to your French Bulldog in moderation and as a special snack or treat.
Obesity
Compared to other fruits, bananas have more calories. Therefore, it’s advisable not to abuse this fruit lest you want your dog to add weight.
I’ve previously written a guide for how apples can be good for Frenchies (without the pips and core – watch the video below) – these can be a lower calorie alternative.
Health Issues
Because of their high sugar content, dogs should eat them only as a treat.
In high amounts, sugar can lead to diabetes and gastrointestinal issues. It can also cause your Frenchie’s canine teeth to rot.
What to avoid when feeding bananas to your French bulldog
When you add the fruit as a treat for your French bulldog, it’s prudent to be on the lookout for potential indications of a sensitive gastrointestinal system, weight changes, and allergies.
- Can dogs eat banana peels? You should avoid feeding your dog banana peels. While peels aren’t toxic, they are extremely hard to digest.
- What about allergic reactions? As with any other food, there’s a risk that your Frenchie will be allergic. If you notice any signs of allergic reactions such as coughing, sneezing, difficulty breathing, hives, swelling or any other symptom, you need to stop giving him or her right away. Contact your veterinarian immediately.
Can French bulldogs eat banana chips?
Yes. There’s no harm in giving your French Bulldog a few banana chips.
They provide your puppy with a low-calorie energy boost and relieve any stomach issues. In terms of serving, you should serve this snack sparingly in tiny amounts. Too much can cause diarrhea or digestive upsets because of the high fiber content.
Can French bulldogs eat banana bread?
In my opinion, serving banana bread to your Frenchie really isn’t a good idea.
Most banana bread has toxic ingredients including xylitol (which is also a danger with some peanut butters), raisins, and chocolate (see how toxic this can be).
Fortunately, some stores stock healthy banana bread recipes that do not contain sweeteners or sugar. If given in moderate quantities, these ones might not cause any harm to your pet.
To be on the safe side, when shopping for banana bread, make sure you carefully verify the list of ingredients in a pack to ensure there isn’t any toxic ingredient therein.
Banana dog treat ideas and recipes
The starchy and sweet flavor of bananas is pleasing to many dogs.
Nonetheless, if you are ambitious like I am, you can make your own tasty treat. The good thing, no baking is required (I hate baking!).
Kong toy stuffed banana treat
- A scoop of xylitol-free peanut butter
- A slice of cheese (it should be mild – read which cheese are best)
- A ripe banana
- A blender
- A fillable toy like a Kong (see which we recommend)
Instructions
- Put the cheese, peanut butter, and banana in a blender. Blend it until you attain a smooth consistency.
- Smear it over and inside the fillable toy like a rubber Kong.
Frozen banana treat
- A silicone mold
- A medium banana
- One cup of low sodium peanut butter
- One cup of coconut oil (it shouldn’t be too liquid or too solid)
- A plastic bag
Instructions
- Peel the banana and place it inside a bowl with coconut oil and peanut butter. Smash and then mix it until it achieves a good and smooth consistency. Use a fork if there are still bigger chunks inside the mix.
- Put the mixture in a plastic bag. Cut its corner with scissors and fill the mold. Place the mold inside a freezer. Once you have noticed that it can separate easily from the silicone, serve several pieces to your dog.
How to feed bananas to your Frenchie
Like with any addition to your dog’s diet, you should take a moment and talk to your veterinarian regarding your pet’s nutritional needs.
The professional will advise on the appropriate amounts for your specific dog depending on factors such as weight and dietary needs.
Some of the different ways to feed bananas to your French bulldog are:
- Crush them up and mix them with your dog’s food. Bananas give your pet’s meal some sweet flavor. He or she will definitely enjoy.
- Smush them and put them in a puzzle feeder, Kong, or toy. Doing this not only reduces boredom, but it also gives your frenchie some physical and mental stimulation.
- Peel, cut, freeze, and give them to your pet as a refreshing, frozen treat on a hot summer day. Preparing them is super easy.
- Finally, you can mix the bananas in a treat recipe. Plenty of banana dog treat recipes are available online. Some of my favorite include mixing them up with yogurt or peanut butter. Before giving your dog any recipe, consult your vet.
Storage of banana treats
You should store your banana dog treats inside a seal tight storage container in a refrigerator. If you intend to feed your pet on a later date, it’s wise to store the treat in a deep freezer.
Conclusion
We let our own French Bulldog eat bananas as a rare treat, perhaps once or twice a month. In fact, fruit in moderation is something we will let him have (for example, watermelon is great on a hot day)
However, fruit should not be a large part of the diet being given as daily food.
But, as long as it’s irregular, bananas could be a great health snack alternative you can feed your Frenchie safely.