Many dogs enjoy snacking on a slice or two of banana, and this fruit can make a healthy snack for your canine friend when fed in moderation. But can dogs eat banana peels too, or are they toxic to them?
Can dogs eat banana peels?
Although bananas are a tasty and nutritious snack for your dog, they should always be peeled first before feeding them.
Your dog will probably quite happily chew away on a banana peel. But unfortunately, the peel of a banana is tough, fibrous, and very difficult for dogs to digest.
Banana peel is not toxic to dogs, but it will take a considerable length of time to pass through the digestive system. Along the way, it could potentially cause some serious digestive problems.
Banana skins can also contain residual amounts of toxic pesticides.
So, whether you are eating a banana yourself or feeding it to your dog, make sure the peel is disposed of somewhere where your dog cannot access it.
What are the signs of toxicity?
While banana peel is not toxic to dogs, it can cause them to suffer from some unpleasant and uncomfortable gastrointestinal side effects. The peel of a banana is very difficult for dogs to digest, and will travel very slowly through the digestive system.
This can lead to your dog feeling bloated and experiencing severe abdominal discomfort. Your dog may also develop other symptoms such as diarrhea, vomiting, and a reduced appetite.
Dogs also struggle to chew banana peel effectively. They may swallow it in large pieces which can cause them to choke. Banana peel can also potentially cause a blockage in the gastrointestinal system, which may require surgical treatment to resolve.
What to do if my dog ate banana peels?
How much banana peel can safely be eaten depends primarily on the size of the dog and the amount of peel. A large dog can probably eat a small piece of banana peel without any problems, whereas a small terrier that eats a whole banana peel may suffer serious side effects.
If your dog ate banana peels, it is a good idea to contact your veterinary clinic. They’ll be able to assess the size of the dog and the amount of peel eaten to determine the risk of potential problems.
Your veterinarian may suggest that you take your dog to the clinic for a full examination, or advise that you monitor the dog at home. You should watch carefully for symptoms of gastrointestinal pain and discomfort, such as bloating, inappetence, or lethargy.
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