Nutrition is a big part of overall health. To keep your dog happy and healthy, it’s important to feed them nutritious food. Banana chips seem like a healthy treat for your dog, but are they really?
Can dogs eat banana chips?
Yes, a dog can eat banana chips. The real question is, should they eat them? This largely depends on the type of banana chips you are referring to. It turns out, not all banana chips are created equal.
Dried Banana Chips
Dried banana chips are made by freeze drying. This process uses a flash freezing to remove the moisture from the bananas, turning them into chips. When this method is used, the bananas retain their nutritional value. They are more calorie dense, which means a smaller volume is required.
Dehydrated Banana Chips
Dehydrated banana chips are created using heat. This process is also used to make beef jerky. You can do it at home using a dehydrator, or even your oven. Low levels of heat are used over a period of hours to evaporate all the water from the banana.
The problem with dehydrated banana chips is that they lose about 50% of their nutritional value in the process of dehydration. They aren’t a bad choice, but they aren’t as good for your dog as freeze dried banana chips.
Unsweetened
You should always opt for unsweetened banana chips for you and your dog. Banannas contain a significant amount of sugar naturally. When they are turned into chips, this sugar is concentrated, along with the other nutritional aspects.
The natural sugar found in a banana is fine in small amounts. However, some banana chips have added sugar to enhance the flavor. This makes them taste more like candy than a healthy snack. Unfortunately, it also makes them nutritionally similar to candy.
Look for banana chips that say unsweetened or no added sugar. You can also check the ingredient list. If you see sugar, fructose, sucrose, or corn syrup, avoid these chips.
Organic
Organic banana chips are made with organic bananas. Organic fruits should be free of pesticides and fertilizers that can be harmful to humans. Produce that is not produced with these chemicals can be considered organic.
Generally speaking, organic produce is a better choice than nonorganic. You can avoid exposing your pooch to residues which may not be good for their health.
Green
Green banana chips are made from plantains. Plantains are nutritionally very similar to bananas, but they do have less sugar. The flavor is slightly different as well. Plantains are not very sweet when they are unripe, or green. If your looking for a lower sugar treat, they are a great option.
As plantains ripen, they take on a yellow color similar to that of bananas. They become sweeter as well, but still contain less sugar than bananas.
Fried Banana Chips
Fried banana chips are popular. It’s an easy preparation method, and the oil adds more indulgent flavor. However, they are also much higher in calories and fat. Just like banana chips made with added sugar, fried banana chips should be avoided.
The extra fat from the oil can negate their nutritional value. This means that while they do still provide some nutritional benefit, it’s not worth the fat and sugar that comes with the vitamins and minerals.
It’s a bit similar to eating carrot cake. Sure, you are getting the wonderful nutrition provided by carrots. However, you are also getting a large amount of fat and carbs. This isn’t good for you or your pooch.
Not all oils are created equal, however. Oils like coconut oil are healthy for your pooch in moderation. They contain Omega 3 and Omega 6 fatty acids that are good for your dog’s skin, coat, and brain health.
If you want to feed your dog fried banana chips, look for ones made with coconut oil. You can also create your own.
Nutritional Value of Banana Chips
The nutritional value of banana chips varies greatly based on how they are prepared. We will compare dried banana chips with fried banana chips.
Fried Banana Chips
- 147 calories
- 10 grams fat
- 17 grams carbs
- 2 grams fiber
- 10 grams sugar
- 1 gram protein
Dried Banana Chips
- 105 Calories
- 0 grams fat
- 25 grams carbs
- 2 grams fiber
- 21 grams sugar
- 1.5 grams protein
Freeze dried chips have more carbohydrates and sugar. This is due to the natural sugar being more concentrated. Fried chips are high in fat, while the freeze dried chips contain no fat.
Vitamins and Minerals in Banana Chips
There are some beneficial vitamins and minerals found in banana chips. These include magnesium, potassium, and Vitamin A.
Magnesium
Magnesium is the second most abundant mineral in your dog’s cells, second only to potassium. It helps regulate calcium so your dog can use it properly. It’s also essential for many important metabolic processes. Just like us, dogs need a certain amount of magnesium in their body to survive.
Potassium
Potassium is well known as a cramp remedy for humans, but it does so much more than that. It helps to control brain function, nerve activity, and heart function. It also keeps your dog’s muscles working properly.
Phosphorous
Phosphorous is an often overlooked, but important mineral. It’s a component of healthy bones and teeth. It also aids energy production at the cellular level.
Vitamin A
Vitamin A is essential for healthy eye sight. It has a role in skin and coat health as well. Vitamin A is also important for neurological function and proper muscle growth.
Iron
Iron is used by the body to form red blood cells and hemoglobin. These components allow oxygen and nutrients to travel through the body. If iron levels are low, this is known as anemia. Anemia can cause weakness, fatigue, and faintness. Serious cases of anemia are rare, and are usually caused by an underlying condition. However, it can be life threatening.
Fiber
Fiber is essential for your dog’s digestive tract. It helps with digestion. It also helps regulate bowel movements, and can be beneficial for mild constipation or diarrhea.
How often can dogs eat banana chips?
Banana chips are a great snack for a dog, as long as they don’t contain added sugar or fat. However, they should be given in moderation.
It’s ok to give your dog a few banana chips as often as once a day. However, you’ll need to carefully limit how many you feed your pooch.
Making Your Own Banana Chips
If you want to give your dog banana chips on a regular basis, it’s best to make them yourself. This way, you will know exactly what ingredients are used.
Fried Banana Chips
To make fried banana chips, you’ll need 3 ripe bananas and coconut oil. Slice the bananas into thin round slices. Heat the oil over medium heat. Drop the banana pieces in the oil in a single layer.
You’ll notice some sizzling due to the moisture in the bananas. When the sizzling stops, the bananas are done. Remove them from the pan and place on paper towels. Allow them to cool.
They are now ready to eat. Store them in an airtight container for up to two months, and give them to your pooch as a healthy snack.
Dehydrated Banana Chips
If you want to avoid giving your dog extra oil, you can also make dehydrated banana chips. Remember that this process does remove some of their nutritional value, however.
Heat your oven to 175 degrees. Slice the bananas into thin round slices. Coat each side lightly with coconut oil. Arrange in a single layer on a cookie sheet. Place them in the oven for 3 hours.
Remove them and let them cool. They are now ready to serve or store for future snacks. If stored in an airtight container, they have a shelf life of 6 to 12 months.
When You Shouldn’t Give Your Dog Banana Chips
Whole bananas, or pieces of banana, can help settle your dog’s stomach. However, it isn’t recommended to give your pooch banana chips if they are experiencing any type of digestive issues.
If they have diarrhea, constipation, or stomach upset, give them fresh fruit or other healthy snacks.
Dogs with diabetes or kidney disease should not eat banana chips or bananas. Reduced kidney function can result in hyperkalemia, or too much potassium in the blood. This can cause disorientation, weakness, and stomach upset.
How many banana chips can a dog eat?
A large dog can eat 10-15 banana chips a day. Medium sized dogs can have 5-10. Small dogs should only have a few chips; no more than 5 a day.
What Happens if My Dog Eats too Many Banana Chips?
There are a few issues with feeding your dog too many banana chips. Sugar is one concern. Sugar, particularly when combined with high fat foods, can cause pancreatitis.
This is a painful condition that causes inflammation of the pancreas. A dog with pancreatitis will likely have repeated vomiting and a hunched back. They may also lose their appetite. Vomitting can occur several times in a day, or over a period of several days.
It can be acute or chronic. Acute pancreatitis comes on quickly and resolves itself within a few days. Chronic pancreatitis is an ongoing condition that requires veterinary care. Often, a special diet is prescribed for these dogs.
Stomach upset is another issue. This can be caused by excess fiber in the diet. However, potassium is the most common culprit. Potassium is essential for your dog’s health. However, too much of a good thing can make them sick.