Can Schnauzers Eat Bananas?

Our Livi loves bananas. They are soft, slightly sweet, and easy to mash up with a few other healthy options. It’s as easy to offer bananas to Schnauzers as it is to offer them to kids, but can Schnauzers really eat bananas? Should they eat them? And if so, how much is safe?

Schnauzers can safely eat bananas. Bananas are filled with vitamins B6 and C, magnesium, biotin, copper, and potassium. However, they also contain sugar that may lead to obesity or diabetes. They are a healthy fruit that Schnauzers can digest well when fed in moderate amounts.

TIP: When it comes to all fruit, you should only feed your Schnauzer a total of 2-3 small slices or 2-4 berries each day. Although fruit can be a healthy treat and addition to your Schnauzer’s food, too much can begin to cause problems such as weight gain and diabetes, both of which are problems for many Schnauzers.

Banana Type	Health Benefits	Risks
Dessert Bananas	-Sweet flavor, tasty treat -Bananas are filled with vitamins B6 and C, magnesium, biotin, copper, and potassium -Low in sodium, and cholesterol -High fiber alleviates digestive problems -Magnesium promotes bone growth and aids in the absorption of vitamins and proteins	-Contains sugar. Overuse may lead to diabetes and obesity -High fiber may cause constipation with large portions -Feed only the flesh. Peels are difficult to digest
Cooking Bananas (Plantains)	-Contains all the vitamins and minerals of Dessert Bananas plus a higher concentration of Vitamins A and C	-Higher carbohydrates, fiber, and caloric count than dessert bananas -Feed only the flesh. Peels are difficult to digest -Small amounts as occasional snacks recommended due to high carb, sugar, and fiber content

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Overview of Bananas for Schnauzers

Bananas come in two main types including cooking bananas/plantains and dessert bananas. There are 14 different varieties of bananas to be aware of. Here are the differences from one variety to another.

The 5 Types of Cooking Bananas

All cooking bananas have the same nutritional content including vitamins, minerals, carbohydrates, calories, and fiber. The exception is the Bluggoe, which is higher in starch.

Orinoco Bananas

Orinoco bananas are thick fruits with an angular shape and salmon-colored flesh. The peeling is hard to digest.

Bluggoe

This is a plantain that is straight in shape and large with starchy flesh. The peeling is hard to digest.

Fehi

Fehi bananas have a copper coloring and occasionally have seeds. They’re sued for boiling or roasting.

Macho Plantain

The Macho is the most common plantain, grown in Florida, USA. The peeling is hard to digest.

Rhino Horn

This is the largest plantain/banana grown. It originates in Africa and can grow up to 2 feet long. The peeling is hard to digest.

The 9 Types of Dessert Bananas

All dessert bananas have the same nutritional content. Each variety has a sweet taste. The difference is in the color, shape, size, and flavor. The peeling is hard to digest.

Cavendish

The most common banana in the US and Europe. Sturdy peel for export to foreign countries. Sweet flavor.

Gros Michel

More rare but similar to the Cavendish in size and taste. The peeling is hard to digest.

Lady Finger

Small banana of 4-5 inches in length. Thin, light yellow skin with sweeter creamy flesh. The peeling is hard to digest.

Blue Java

Bluish silvery colored peeling that ripens to a pale yellow. The flavor is similar to vanilla ice cream. The peeling is hard to digest.

Manzano

Short wide fruits with a slight apple and strawberry flavor. Best when eaten ripe, indicated by black skin. The peeling is hard to digest.

Red Banana

Thick red skin is marron when green but turns a yellow-orange hue when ripe. Sweet flesh that is pink or orange tinged. The peeling is hard to digest.

Goldfinger

Newer variety with a sweet apple-like flavor. The peeling is hard to digest.

Mysore

Small fruit from India with a thin skin and a slightly tart flavor. The peeling is hard to digest.

Praying Hands

The appearance of two adjacent hands growing together. This fruit has a subtle vanilla flavor and is less sweet than other bananas. The peeling is hard to digest.

Bananas are filled with vitamins B6 and C, magnesium, biotin, copper, and potassium. However, they also contain sugar that may lead to obesity or diabetes. They are a healthy fruit that Schnauzers can digest well when fed in moderate amounts.

THE SCHNAUZER COLLECTIVE

Ways to Prepare Bananas for Your Schnauzer

It’s best to consult with your Schnauzer’s vet about the amounts of bananas to feed, but 2-3 slices are generally acceptable.

There are several different ways to prepare bananas for your Schnauzer. Here are a few recommendations.

Frozen Banana Chunks

Cut bananas without the peel in one-inch chunks. Place in the freezer and give them to your Schnauzer as a refreshingly cool treat in hot summer weather. Give larger Schnauzers the equivalent of 1/2 medium-sized banana, and smaller ones 1/4.

Banana Slices

Peel a banana and cut it into 1/2 inch thick slices. This is a treat that you can share with your Schnauzer so you each get the nutrition of 1/2 of the banana.

Peanut Butter and Banana Treat for Schnauzers

1/2 banana, sliced
1 tablespoon peanut butter (without xylitol which is poisonous to all dogs)

Spread the peanut button on the top of a piece of sliced banana for a special treat that most Schnauzers love. Both ingredients are safe and nutritious for a healthy occasional snack.

Yogurt and Banana Treat for Schnauzers

Peel a banana and slice 1/2 into a cup of plain low-fat unsweetened yogurt. This is a tasty treat for Schnauzers that provides fiber, calcium, potassium, and other healthy nutrients for a healthy snack.

Frozen Banana Pops

1 mashed banana
1 cup plain low-fat unsweetened yogurt
Frozen pop tray

Mix mashed banana with 1 cup of yogurt. Pour into the freezer pop molds and chill in the freezer until firm. This is a healthy and safe Schnauzer “ice cream” treat for hot days.

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Nutritional Content of Bananas

3.5 ounces or 100 grams of banana flesh for both dessert bananas and cooking bananas, all types, served raw, provide the following nutritional values.

Dessert Bananas

Calories 89
Protein 1 gram
Carbohydrates 23 grams
Fiber 2 grams
Fat Less than 1 gram
Vitamin A 1% Daily Value
Vitamin B6 18% of Daily Value
Vitamin C 15% of Daily Value
Magnesium 7% of Daily Value
Potassium 10% of Daily Value

Cooking Bananas

Calories122
Protein 1 gram
Carbohydrates 32 grams
Fiber 3 grams
Fat Less than 1 gram
Vitamin A 23% of Daily Value
Vitamin B6 15% of Daily Value
Vitamin C 31% of Daily Value
Magnesium 9% of Daily Value
Potassium 14% of Daily Value

6 Nutritional Benefits of Bananas for Your Schnauzer

Bananas given as an occasional snack provide your Schnauzer with multiple health benefits. These include:

 1. Builds Strong Bones

 Bananas contain potassium that helps prevent calcium loss from bones in Schnauzers of all ages from puppies to the elderly. Magnesium encourages healthy bone growth.

 2. Builds Strong Muscles

 The Magnesium in bananas helps with muscle development and maintenance.

 3. Improves Brain Health

 Vitamin B6 in bananas helps the brain to function optimally. It promotes a sharp mind and increased cognitive capacity in Schnauzers.

4. Promotes Healthy Heart and Blood Pressure

 Vitamin B6 improves heart health and regulates healthy blood pressure. Potassium also helps to lower blood pressure for healthier heart function.

 5. Improves Digestive Health

One medium banana contains dietary fiber that helps to regular digestive processes. Bananas contain prebiotics that feeds probiotics and encourages the growth of healthy gut bacteria for improved digestive function.

 6. Immune System Boosters

 Bananas are filled with vitamin C, which is an antioxidant. It boosts the immune system to make your Schnauzer more resistant to illness and disease. It also helps with new cell growth, regeneration, and repair.

 Are there Risks to Feeding Bananas to Your Schnauzer?

 Although bananas contain no toxic ingredients, too much of a good thing can cause health issues.

 It’s important to only feed your Schnauzer small amounts of banana as an occasional treat. No more than 1/2 banana is recommended for larger Schnauzers and 1/4 banana for smaller breeds. You don’t want to undo the health benefits by going overboard.

 Here are things to be aware of when feeding your Schnauzer bananas as treats.

1.     Bananas are high in sugar. Overfeeding can lead to diabetes and obesity. They’re also high in carbohydrates and calories which can also promote obesity.

2.     Although the peelings are not poisonous, they are hard to digest and may cause bowel blockage or choking.

3.     Bananas are high in fiber. While some fiber is healthy for the digestive tract, too much can lead to gassiness or constipation. Too much banana can also cause diarrhea in some Schnauzers or an upset stomach.

Disclaimer: What and how to feed dogs can be a controversial topic. Some options include raw feeding, cooking nutritious “human” foods, freeze-dried foods, food delivery services, and choosing from a wide variety of dry kibble. This information is accurate according to research. Please consult your traditional or holistic veterinarian with any concerns or for additional advice.

 Sources:

 “Can Dogs Eat Bananas? Are Bananas Safe For Dogs?” DogTime, 20 Apr. 2021, dogtime.com/dog-health/dog-food-dog-nutrition/58813-can-dogs-eat-bananas.

Danahy, Anne. “Unique Types of Bananas.” Healthline, 4 Sept. 2019, www.healthline.com/nutrition/types-of-bananas#sweet-types.

Guthrie, Lynn. “Can Dogs Eat Bananas? Yep, Here’s Why!” Pumpkin®, 12 Aug. 2020, www.pumpkin.care/blog/can-dogs-eat-bananas/#:%7E:text=Are%20bananas%20safe%20for%20my,and%20most%20dogs%20love%20them!

Henriques, Julia. “Can Dogs Eat Bananas? Get The Facts.” Dogs Naturally, 8 Apr. 2021, www.dogsnaturallymagazine.com/can-dogs-eat-bananas-get-the-facts.

Malmanger, Ellen Dvm. “Which Fruits Can Dogs Eat?” PetMD, 30 June 2020, www.petmd.com/dog/nutrition/evr_multi_healthy_snacks#:%7E:text=well%20as%20potassium.
-,Are%20Bananas%20Poisonous%20for%20Dogs%3F,and%20vitamins%20B6%20and%20C.

Staff, Akc. “Fruits and Vegetables Dogs Can or Can’t Eat.” American Kennel Club, 5 Dec. 2019, www.akc.org/expert-advice/nutrition/fruits-vegetables-dogs-can-and-cant-eat/#:%7E:text=Yes%2C%20dogs%20can%20eat%20bananas,of%20your%20dog’s%20main%20diet.

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