Can German Shepherds Eat Bananas? [Feeding Guide!]
Diet is the most commonly asked question which every owner puts up before owning a pet. As it is said you reap what you sow the same goes with the diet of the dogs. Whatever you give your pet to eat will decide its health condition. So, diet is the most important factor that the owner should keep in mind before owning a pet.
German Shepherds are the most energetic dogs in the herding breeds. Their energy requirements can be fulfilled by giving a proper diet. Dogs are both carnivorous and omnivorous as per their eating habits. Your dog can eat home food also which includes vegetables and fruits.
Most pet owners tend to be in dilemma as to whether they can feed their German Shepherd a banana or not.
Yes, you can give a banana to your German Shepherd. Bananas are rich in potassium, fibers, and vitamins. Though German Shepherds can eat the banana, you should offer him the same in moderation. An excessive feed of bananas can be toxic to your German Shepherd.
In the following blog, we will shed light on whether a German Shepherd can eat bananas or not. Moreover, the benefits and side effects of consuming bananas are also addressed.
Need for a suitable diet
Dogs are very much dependent on their diets. A proper diet is a key to your dog’s health. Dogs can be given homemade food but proper nutrition and vitamins should be present in it.
Fruits can be given to German Shepherds as they are rich in vitamins, proteins, and fibers. Bananas are one of the most common fruits which are easily available and good for dogs’ health. As already stated, bananas are rich in potassium, magnesium, fibers, and various other vitamins.
Some researchers suggest that dogs are omnivorous while others say they are carnivorous. According to their eating habits, they can consume both vegetarian and non-vegetarian food.
If you prefer giving them bananas, you should feed them in moderation. The excess consumption of bananas can lead to constipation, loss of hair, and instability of sugar levels in dogs.
The following are some of the measures that you should follow while feeding a banana to your German Shepherd.
How much banana to be fed?
Bananas are no doubt rich in proteins, vitamins, potassium, fiber, magnesium, etc. but at the same time, it is not a substitute for a healthy diet. A moderated feed of banana to your German Shepherd is acceptable but you should avoid giving him a banana in large quantities.
An excessive feed of bananas can cause constipation, which can make the stomach of your dog upset. Half of a regular size can be served daily. You can use a healthy treat like banana and make your dog’s training nutritious as well as tasty.
Benefits of giving banana
If served in the right quantity, bananas can be beneficial for German Shepherds. When your German Shepherd is young, feed him with bananas as it will help him get all the required nutrients and vitamins to increase the pace of his growth.
Other than promoting a healthy brain, bananas also help in maintaining their beautiful coat and healthy skin. It is full of vitamins and minerals such as vitamin C, B6, etc. which are very good for them.
Natural fruits and vegetables carry a lot of vitamins and proteins which can help you in improving the health of your dog. If bananas are served in the right quantity, it will do wonders for your German Shepherd.
Side effects of bananas
Every coin has two sides, if bananas are proved to be good for your German Shepherd, it has several side effects too. Let’s have a look at a few common side effects.
A large amount of banana feed can lead to digestive issues in your dog. It is also important to note that the banana contains an excessive amount of sugar and can lead to tooth decay. The sugar level in a banana is also harmful to the coat of your dog and may lead to excessive hair fall.
The instability of sugar levels in our dog can deteriorate your dog’s health and reduce his strength and muscle power. There have been instances where the German Shepherd owners have found their dog struggling with muscular pain after consuming a banana.
Tips and precautions while feeding banana
Feeding your dog in the right manner and proportion is very important. The following are a few tips that will prove to be helpful while serving bananas to your German Shepherd.
Always remember that you should never feed the peel of a banana to your dog as it is very difficult for him to digest and sometimes toxic also. The peel of banana is highly rich in fiber and can also create intestine as well as stomach blockages which can lead to digestive issues in your dog.
In very rare instances bananas have been found to be allergic to your furry pals. Hence, if you are feeding bananas for the first time, keep the quantity lesser and observe the signs of allergies.
If you notice any kind of abnormal occurrences in your pet, stop the feed immediately and consult a veterinarian doctor. And one last point to be kept in mind is never to feed a whole banana at a time, rather serve a small slice with moderation.
Wrap up
In this blog, we have discussed whether German Shepherds can eat the banana or not. We have also understood that excess of anything can be dangerous. Giving a lot of bananas to your German Shepherd can increase his sugar level. An increase in sugar level can cause many health-related issues in your pet.
Banana is best served in moderation to your German Shepherd. Banana has several health benefits. They will provide the required vitamins and minerals that your pet requires for good health.
So keep it simple, give your German Shepherd a balanced diet. Avoid overeating and excess food. Happy parenting!
