Can German Shepherds Eat Bananas?

An all-natural diet full of fruits and vegetables is a great way to keep your dog healthy and thriving. However, some fruits are good for your dog and some aren’t. But what about one of America’s favorites? Can German Shepherds eat bananas?

Yes, German Shepherds can eat bananas in moderation. Large dog breeds like the GSD can safely consume a half of a banana daily. It is a great alternative to processed or fatty treats. They are high in potassium, fiber, magnesium and lots of other vitamins that benefit the heart and kidneys.

Health Benefits of Giving Your German Shepherd Bananas

Bananas have several health benefits for your German Shepherd. Here is a list of the most important nutrients available in this healthy snack:

Biotin:

The richest sources of Biotin are in organ meats like the kidney and liver. But bananas also contain the essential nutrient. Half of a banana (50 grams) contains 0.1 micrograms of biotin.

It is from the B complex group of vitamins but is sometimes referred to as vitamin H. The H stands for the German words “haar and haut” which mean hair and skin.It is available in many supplements due to its ability to help the hair grow and keep the skin healthy.

Fiber:

Half of a banana contains around 1.5 grams of fiber. This is great for your GSDs digestion and reduces constipation and diarrhea.

It works by fermenting into fatty acids by the good bacteria in your dog’s intestine. The fatty acids help stop the bad bacteria from overgrowing. This allows the colon to recover fast when it gets injured. It also reduces the risk of your German Shepherd getting colon cancer.

Magnesium:

Bananas are high in magnesium and a half of one daily will give your GSD 16 milligrams. It is one of the required essential vitamins an helps produce energy in a dog’s cells. They help facilitate your GSDs heartbeat, muscle movements, and even their thoughts.

It is also known to calm down dogs with anxiety problems relaxing them and relieving stress. It is found in many dog supplements and is recommended for things like diabetes, epilepsy and heart disease.

Potassium:

This is the nutrient that bananas are most known for. Half of a banana every day will provide your German Shepherd with 211 milligrams. This is a critical mineral that helps the heart, muscles and nerves function properly.

A dog that is lacking in potassium can have what is called “hypokalemia” and may seem tired and not hungry. This can lead to a decrease in muscle and possible weight loss. Like some of the other necessary nutrients it is found in lots of dog supplements.

Vitamin B6:

Half of a banana contains 0.2 milligrams of B6. This is an essential vitamin with several different positive functions. Its duties include activating genes, generating glucose, helping the nervous system and red blood cells function, immune response, regulating hormones and synthesizing niacin.

It helps with muscle growth and can prevent things like anemia, arthritis, declining brain cognition and macular degeneration.

Vitamin C:

This is a strong antioxidant and very important for your German Shepherd’s body. It has many excellent benefits. Just a half of a banana daily will give your GSD approximately 5.15 milligrams of vitamin C.

Firstly, it is a great defense against allergies and helps boost your GSDs immune system. Secondly it works hand in hand with vitamin E to keep your dog’s coat shiny and skin healthy. Thirdly it increases collagen production which can combat health issues like hip dysplasia and degenerative joint condition.

Can Too Many Bananas Be Harmful To My German Shepherd?

Yes, too many bananas can be harmful to your German Shepherd. You definitely want to give them to your dog in moderation and no more than half of a banana per day.

Feeding them too much can turn the positive effects into negative effects. Like most fruits, they contain natural sugars and starches.

One medium banana contains about 14 grams of sugar and 12 grams of starch. Too much of either of these ingredients can be bad for your dog. Diets that are high in sugar and starch can lead to obesity which opens the door to a plethora of health problems.

Large amounts of sugar can lead to tummy aches and even diarrhea. Conversely, too many bananas can cause your GSD to have constipation.

Can My German Shepherd Eat The Banana Peel?

No, the banana peel can be harmful to your dog so it is better to avoid it. While not toxic, they are hard for dogs to chew. The peel is made out of a tough material that is high in fiber. This makes it hard for their body to digest which could lead to a blockage in their bowels.

If your German Shepherd eats the peel, they can get sick to their stomach, have indigestion and start throwing up.

Tips For Feeding Your German Shepherd Bananas

Bananas are a great source of vitamins and minerals and a great addition to any dog’s diet. But remember to give them only a half of a banana daily. It should be more of a treat than a staple.

Here are some tips for feeding your GSD this tasty treat:

1. Be creative and use them as an ingredient in a homemade dog treat.
2. Cut them into slices and top off their lunch or dinner.
3. Freeze them and then cut them into slices to give as a treat for a job well done.
4. Mash them up and put them in one of your dog’s stuff-able toys.
5. Mix them in with your dog’s regular food.

These are just some of the ways to feed your dog this tasty treat. Use your creativity and the possibilities are endless!

In Closing:

Bananas are a great treat for your German Shepherd when given in moderation! They boost the immune system, improve digestion, keep the mind sharp, lower blood pressure, promote bone growth and strengthen the muscles in your GSD!

Please leave a comment below and let us know what you think!

Do you plan on feeding your German Shepherd bananas? What other fruits do you feed your dog? Let us know! We would love to hear about your personal preferences!