We love pugs. That is why health and safety of pets are prioritized.
You might notice that most people always feel tempted to give their pugs some human food, such as bananas.
At the same time, you will find yourself wondering if it is a good idea to feed your dog bananas. The truth is that you can give your dog bananas. However, you have to do it in moderation.
The fact is, dog food does not have specific nutrients that a banana will provide. At the same time, if you give the dog many bananas, there is a risk of health deterioration.
This post aims to help you understand what happens when you give your pug bananas, how much you should give them, and how best to give them to them. Stay tuned!
Page Content
Health Benefits of Bananas to Pugs
A banana by itself does not have toxic elements, unlike certain human foods. But that does not mean that no health risks are involved.
You should know that the digestive system of a human being is quite different from a dog’s. Therefore, safe to assume that your pug will not reap all the health benefits you get from the banana. However, it is a fantastic treat if you want to motivate your stubborn pug to do certain things.
You, like the rest of us, will always feel tempted to throw some bananas in the dog’s mouth when you see them looking at you with big bulging eyes. But before you do that, you should understand the diet of the pug. A proper diet ensures that the development and growth are good.
Calories found in bananas might lead to gaining weight.
Note: A banana offers great nutrients such as copper, potassium, fiber, vitamins, and manganese. These are nutrients that are not easily found in dog food.
Can Bananas Hurt Your Pugs?
What happens when you give your pug too many bananas? You should expect the possibility of your pug getting a stomach upset. We have mentioned the presence of fiber in the banana. However, there are chances that the dog might experience some diarrhea or constipation if too much is ingested.
Experts do not recommend excess bananas in the pug’s diet. Instead, it would be more beneficial to introduce it in smaller quantities. If you are not sure about the diet, you can talk to a vet for a detailed recommendation.
Even though banana is healthy for a pug in certain quantities, certain dogs are allergic. If you are not sure if your dog is allergic, go ahead and introduce a small amount first. You will be able to monitor them for any allergic reactions—some of the reactions to look out for include itchy skin and vomiting.
You should know that bananas have higher sugar content and low cholesterol levels. The high sugar levels might lead to excessive weight gain if ingested in high quantities. It is even possible for the pug to get diabetes. So, how much is actually enough to avoid this? First, you should ensure that the banana you feed your pug is completely ripe. You should limit the amount to only half a banana in a week.
Not all pugs are the same. Some will eat anything, and some have sensitive stomachs. Bananas are healthy for dogs when introduced in the right amounts, but it is not always the best option, especially if you have a pug with a sensitive stomach.
Additionally, a banana peel is not toxic. However, when ingested, there are chances of intestinal blockage developing. The main reason for this is that the peel is thick, and the pug’s digestive system might not always be able to break it down with ease. You might notice some constipation, loss of appetite, as well as panicked behavior.
So, when you feed your pug a banana, make sure that you throw away the banana peel properly. In some extreme cases, your pug will have to go through surgery to get the peel removed.
Best Way to Feed Pugs some Bananas
The most efficient way of feeding your pet the bananas is to mash them in a bowl, then feeding them to the pet.
Pets eat in a hurry and are messy, and sometimes they do not chew their food as they should. When you mash the bananas first, you will reduce the chances of the pug choking. Cutting the fruit into smaller pieces is also a good way to go.
If you want to cut the fruit first, we do not recommend cutting it in circles.
Another way to go is to bite a piece of the banana and feed it to the pug. That way, you can control the size of the banana you feed your pet.
There are other exciting dog treats that you can make with bananas. You can combine different foods such as bananas, some vegetables, and other fruits. That will provide more nutrients, and the taste will make the dog happy.
Imagine, for instance, a peanut butter banana. You can make some cookies with a mixture of these three. You will use a very quick recipe that will make some tasty treats.
Be careful to make sure that the peanut butter is of high quality and does not contain xylitol. When looking at the additional ingredients you can use, make sure that there are no toxic or dangerous ingredients.
Other treats such as carrot banana recipes are recommended. You should know that carrots have low calories but high levels of vitamins and fibers. Adding carrots to dog treats is a great idea.
Conclusion
Pugs have extremely high appetites. It is your responsibility as the owner to monitor their intake and the type of food they eat. We have concluded that bananas are a great treat. Nevertheless, you have to consider the amount of food they eat. Some exercise is also recommended to improve health.