Banana bread fed to dogs in small amounts is unlikely to cause harm. However, dog owners should avoid feeding bread containing raisins or any bought from stores. The dough that makes bread contains a variety of ingredients such as sugar, salt, spices, herbs, among other ingredients that are dangerous when consumed by dogs. Raisins are fatally toxic and shouldn’t be fed to dogs.

Are Bananas Good For Dogs?

While bananas will offer your dog a healthy dose of nutrients such as potassium, fiber, copper, manganese, biotin, amino acids, Vitamin C and B6, they can also introduce some health risks when given in large quantities. Large banana chunks can cause digestive problems and abdominal pain in dogs.

What’s more, bananas need to be peeled. Banana peels are potentially dangerous to dogs because of their high fiber content.

If you want to give your dog bananas, peel them first. While a small peel may not cause any harm, dogs can’t digest banana peels. The peels are bound to cause abdominal pain and blockage. It’s actually better to squash the bananas like you would when making banana bread.

Health Risks Of Feeding Banana Bread To Dogs

A small slice of plain wheat or white bread won't do any harm, as stated above. You should be worried about banana bread that contains the following ingredients:

i. Nuts: Nuts such as macadamia are toxic to dogs, according to the AKC (American Kennel Club). Macadamia nuts can cause pancreatitis in dogs.

ii. Chocolate: Banana bread containing chocolate chips is also lethal to dogs. Chocolate can cause medical emergencies, according to the AKC.

iii. Xylitol: Common ingredients like Xylitol in bread are also dangerous. Xylitol, which is a common sweetener can cause low glucose levels and liver failure when alongside other ingredients like peanut butter.

iv. Raisins: Banana bread with raisins can also introduce health risks.

These are just some of the many risks of feeding your dog banana bread with ingredients that you may not know are present but potentially lethal.

Side Effects Of Feeding Your Dog Banana Bread Containing Lethal Ingredients

If banana bread is a common staple in your household and your dog eats some, there are side effects to look out for. For instance, dough can cause stomach bloating in dogs. The ethanol in yeast can cause alcohol poisoning when it is absorbed in your dog’s bloodstream.

These symptoms are common a few minutes to hours after a dog has eaten large quantities of banana bread. Other symptoms to look out for include but aren't limited to increased heart rate, retching, and vomiting, low blood pressure, weakness, respiratory problems, seizures, and coma.

You should see a vet immediately if your dog suffers the above or any other dangerous side effects after eating banana bread.

Precautions When Giving Your Dog Banana Bread

While small quantities of banana bread are safe for dogs, large quantities can cause diarrhea, among other problems associated with large calorie diets. For instance, your dog can gain a lot of weight eating banana bread. Your dog will also be exposed to risks associated with eating bananas i.e., digestive problems and blockages caused by large chunks of bananas and banana peels.

When you give your dog banana bread, make sure it doesn't contain spices, herbs, or other ingredients that can harm dogs. Banana bread that contains artificial additives will introduce health risks. You should also feed your dog banana bread in moderation and ensure your dog chews the bread fully to avoid constipation and diarrhea.

Healthy And Safe Banana Bread Recipe For Dogs

Can dogs eat banana bread? Yes. But typical banana bread sold in stores isn't safe. You can make banana bread safe for your dog by making it at home. Banana bread bought from the store contains many unsafe ingredients that you may not know about, even if it is made of all-natural ingredients. The recipe discussed below will take you a few minutes to prepare.

Ingredients

You'll need 2 bananas, 2.5 cups of whole wheat flour, one egg, one teaspoon of baking powder, 0.5 cups of milk, and a natural sweeter like honey (1/8 tablespoon) to make 12 slices of banana bread.

Directions

Step 1: Preheat oven to 150C.

Step 2: Spray your pan or coat it with some vegetable oil to ensure your bread doesn’t stick on the pan

Step 3: Mix your flour and baking powder together in a bowl

Step 4: Smash your bananas in another bowl using a fork. Add in your egg, milk, and honey. Whisk together and add to your bowl with flour.

Step 5: Mix everything until all the ingredients are perfectly blended together.

Step 6: Scoop the dough and place it on the loaf pan. Use a spatula or big spoon to distribute the dough evenly throughout the loaf pan.

Step 7: Bake for 50 minutes. Check if the loaf is done by poking holes using a fork or toothpick. If your toothpick or fork comes out clean, your banana bread is ready.

Step 8: Remove your loaf of bread. Let it cool for approximately one hour.

You and your dog can enjoy the banana bread. However, remember to give your dog a small slice. Although the above recipe is 100% risk-free, banana bread is packed with calories that can cause weight problems. Give your dog a slice of bread a few times weekly. Banana bread shouldn't be a daily dog treat.

Alternative Banana Treats For Your Dog

Since dogs enjoy banana bread because of the main ingredient – bananas, you have many treats to consider. For instance, you can give your dog banana chips. However, as is the case with the above recipe, make sure you don't use any harmful ingredients. Ideally, you should make the chips at home and avoid cooking methods such as deep-frying that can cause weight gain. For instance, you can bake or feed your dog frozen chips made of 100% organic bananas.

Related Posts

• Can dogs eat bananas?
• Can dogs eat banana peels?
• Can my dog eat banana chips?

The information on this page is not a substitute for veterinary help. Please contact a vet for help with any concerns that you have.