Can German Shepherds Eat Bananas?
German Shepherds are bulkier dogs with large appetites for many different types of food. A lot of human foods aren’t healthy for dogs to eat, but there are some fruits and vegetables that are safe for them. Bananas are good for humans, so are they good for German Shepherds as well?
So, can German Shepherds eat bananas? German Shepherds can eat bananas in moderation. Bananas are rich in potassium, fiber, magnesium, vitamin B6, vitamin C, and vitamin E. However, too much of a good thing can quickly turn into a bad thing and it is important to not overdo it.
So, what nutrients in bananas are provided for German Shepherds?
Potassium
Potassium is found in many foods, especially bananas as has many health benefits for dogs.
- Potassium helps promote muscle growth and strength, which is important for your German Shepherd to exercise and grow.
- It helps to break down fats and carbs, so your dog can digest and absorb nutrients better after meals.
- Potassium in moderation helps to boosts the brain function of your German Shepherd. This adds to the ability to learn and remember tricks and commands better.
- Potassium helps with strong teeth and bones in German Shepherds.
- Potassium is a needed nutrient to keep heart, kidney and liver functioning properly.
Vitamin C
- Vitamin C is a natural antioxidant.
- Helps the immune system to function properly by enhancing white blood cell function.
- Vitamin C has the ability to reduce the risk of cancer, tooth and gum disease.
- Vitamin C deficient dogs have a great deal of emotional and physical stress.
- Helps German Shepherds recover faster from any injury or illness.
- Found in other foods such as pineapple, strawberries, sweet yellow peppers, and broccoli.
Vitamin E
- Can help promote a thick, healthy coat in German Shepherds.
- A natural antioxidant which can help boost the immune system and protect from infection
- Vitamin E is good for German Shepherd’s eyesight and can reduce the likeliness of getting cataracts.
- Fertility problems arise when there is a lack of vitamin E.
- Can help the blood circulate properly, helping the cardiovascular health of your German Shepherd.
- Found in other foods such as green leafy vegetables, olives, coconut, and sunflower oils.
Vitamin B6
- Promotes red cell production that is needed for healthy brain function.
- B6 plays a high and important role in making proteins, neurotransmitters,
and hormones in German Shepherds. - Deficiency in B6 is linked to a risk of heart disease.
- B6 works to stabilize blood sugar levels and thyroid issues, helping dogs with diabetes or insulin resistance problems.
- Found in other foods such as nutritional yeast, fish, meat, eggs, spinach, carrots, broccoli, brown rice, whole grains, avocados, soybean, walnuts, lentils, lima beans, wheat, green foods, wheat germ, and alfalfa.
Magnesium
This is the second most abundant mineral found in German Shepherd’s bodies after potassium and is needed for a dog to be able to function.- Deficiencies in magnesium include muscle weakness, trouble walking, muscle pain, and heart issues.
- Considering the big positive impact magnesium has on German Shepherds, it should be included in their regular diet.
- Offered in other foods such as whole grains, almonds, cashews, quinoa, and edamame.
Fiber
- Essential nutrient to support a German Shepherd’s digestive system.
- Fiber can help your dog’s weight, constipation, diabetes, and diarrhea.
- Found in other foods such as apples, brown rice, vegetables,
and pumpkin.
As you can see, bananas have many important ingredients that can benefit the life and overall wellbeing of your German Shepherd. Too much banana can cause your dog to be constipated, so feed your pup a moderate diet. A variety of foods that contain different nutrients is important for overall health.
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How Often Should You Feed Your German Shepherd Bananas?
Bananas can be beneficial to your dog’s health, but how often it’s fed and how it’s fed can be important to your dog’s health. Feeding your German Shepherd bananas too often can lead to an unbalanced diet and constipation issues as well as trouble digesting other foods.
Larger breeds such as German Shepherds can be fed somewhere between a half of a banana and a full banana once per day. This should be the most that your dog is fed per day.
Bananas should be used more of a treat rather than a meal replacement. You want your German Shepherd to have a balanced diet, and by giving a banana as a treat will help maintain a healthy diet.
Side Effects of Bananas in a Dog’s Diet
Now that we’ve highlighted all of the benefits of incorporating eating bananas in a German Shepherd’s diet, the side effects will now be outlined. Bananas are a very healthy snack for dogs, but too much can be considered unhealthy. Why is that?
Bananas have high amounts of sugars in them which should not be consumed in large doses by dogs. It can affect your dog’s blood sugar levels in a negative way and cause longer-term issues associated with the liver.
Bananas cause constipation, especially if they are leaning more towards the unripe side. If it can happen to you, it can happen to your dog. Constipation can be extremely painful and uncomfortable for your pup. Large amounts of potassium are not handled well in dogs, leading to another reason bananas should be given as a treat, or in small amounts.
It’s best to not go bananas on bananas! Monitor the intake your German Shepherd is getting daily. It is also important to notice changes that may be caused by diet.
If your dog seems constipated, throws up or changes in appetite occur, stay away from bananas for a while and see if things improve. If things improve, it may have been caused by the banana, and if things do not improve, seek medical attention.
What Fruits to Avoid
Bananas are shown to have health benefits for German Shepherd’s, but what about other fruits? First, stay as far away as you can from cherries. Cherries are toxic to dogs and cats. Raisins and grapes have been shown to cause kidney damage and need to be completely avoided when it comes to your dog.
Citrus fruits such as limes, grapefruit, lemon, and persimmons are high in acid levels and can cause an upset stomach in your German Shepherd. Avocado is a human favorite paired with chips or on toast but should be avoided for your furry friend.
Avocado trees contain persin in the actual fruit as well as in the bark and the leaves. Persin is mostly harmless to humans, but dogs can take on their harmful effects such as vomit, difficulty breathing and diarrhea.
In conclusion, German Shepherds require a balanced diet, and yes, bananas can be incorporated in that diet. Should bananas be given more than once per day? Probably not. Giving your dog a half of a banana to a full banana once per day is sufficient enough to provide it the nutrients it needs without causing any negative side effects.
There are many other healthy fruits and vegetables that can be given to your dog to help supplement a healthy and balanced diet, but it is important to be aware of the foods that are toxic to dogs.
Related Questions:
Can German Shepherd’s eat celery? Celery is a great snack for help with weight loss or to help freshen your dog’s breath. Be careful to give celery in small pieces as the strings can be difficult for them to swallow.
Can German Shepherd’s eat pineapple? Pineapple can be a great treat for your dog in small amounts. The acidity in pineapple can be harmful if overeaten.
