The Benefits of Bananas for your Dog

Why Are Bananas Healthy For Your Dog 

Bananas are a popular fruit that you may be wondering if dogs can. The answer is yes! Bananas are a great healthy snack for you and your canine friend to enjoy together every once in a while. Bananas are full of vitamins and minerals that can give your dog many different benefits. 

Benefits

Bananas are known for their high amount of potassium and fiber. However, they also are full of vitamin C, vitamin B6, magnesium, and biotin. Let's find out how each of these benefits your dog's body. 

Potassium 

This is very important for all dogs; puppies, older dogs, active dogs, and everything in between. Potassium is a booster for the muscles in your dog's body, not only will it help them to grow but it will strengthen them as well. Potassium can also help relax muscles, which is why you might hear someone tell you to eat a banana if you get a charlie horse. If your dog struggles with tight muscles, try giving him/her some banana!

Vitamin C 

Vitamin C is one of the most powerful antioxidants your dog can get. Used to fight off free radicals, this vitamin is great for boosting the immune system. While this is a great benefit for all dogs, it is also a wonderful anti-inflammatory for dogs who have inflammation. 

Vitamin B6

This vitamin is very important for healthy blood. It takes care of the red blood cells function, as well as regulating hormones, and generating glucose. Giving your dog bananas will promote and support healthy blood. 

Fiber 

Fiber is something that can either be very good for your dog or not good at all. It’s important to find what amount of fiber works best for your dog. If your dog is struggling with loose stool, fiber can help firm it up a bit. If constipation is the problem, fiber can fix that too. Basically, fiber promotes healthy and regular bowel movements. Just be sure that you don’t give your dog too much banana otherwise he’ll need to go outside more than normal which might cause a tummy ache. 

Magnesium

Magnesium is a much needed mineral for your dog. This mineral does a number of things that must happen in order for your dog to live a healthy life. It ensures that all transmissions between the nervous system are working properly. It helps hormones function correctly and helps with hormone secretion. Magnesium is best known for its ability to help the body absorb vitamins and minerals better, this includes:

• Calcium
• Potassium
• Vitamin C 
• Phosphorus 
• Vitamin E

Biotin 

Biotin plays an important role in making sure your dog's body is being maintained and taken care of on the inside. Biotin is responsible for telling the body to use glucose as an energy source for your dog. It also keeps the skin and coat healthy, strengthens nails, and promotes good brain health. 

Why Bananas? 

If you think your dog could benefit from any of the information above, you should consider giving him/her bananas. This sweet treat will taste great to your dog and will help give his health a little boost. Bananas are high in sugar, so make sure this is just an occasional treat! 

• You can mash some banana up and put it on top of his/her food
• Give your dog banana with doggie safe peanut butter 
• Add mashed banana into a puzzle toy and freeze before giving it to him/her

You will find a healthy amount of bananas in both our Grain-Free and Wheat-Free Base Mixes!