Can Pugs Eat Bananas? A Healthy Office Treat for your small dog!
Pugs can eat bananas in moderation. While bananas should not form part of a pug’s staple diet, they are actually a healthy, low-calorie treat for pugs. Bananas are high in sugar content so pugs should only have them in small quantities.
You are definitely right to ask. As a pug owner, you need to be careful what these lovable little guys eat. Some human foods are toxic to pugs and make them very ill. So good job to you for doing your research before feeding a pug any old thing.
Why Should Pugs Eat Bananas?
Pug owners have all been in the same boat at some stage. You’re tucking into a piece of fruit and your cute little dog with its big brown pug eyes starts looking at you longingly for a taste of whatever you have. So you, like many others, question whether or not your pug can eat bananas.
The good news is yes, bananas provide some nutrients that are good for pugs. Some of these can be difficult to incorporate into their diet through other means. Treating your pug to a bit of banana every now when you are snacking at work is actually beneficial to them as well as you.
Because bananas are low in cholesterol and high in potassium and fibre, they are the ideal treat. Just don’t give your pug too many bananas or swap bananas for a meal. Should your pug feel a little peckish in the afternoon you could also treat your pug to some of these dental treats which have tons of benefits for them.
One reason why your Pug may have a liking towards bananas is that they taste sweet and therefore taste like a treat. Usually, you can give your pug between two and three small pits of banana a day, so they’re great for sharing!
As well as being a great source of fibre and potassium, bananas contain vitamins B6 and also vitamin C. These boost the dog’s immune system so they’re less likely to pick up nasties on their walks.
Can Pugs Eat Banana Peels?
Banana peels aren’t toxic to pubs, but as you can imagine, they are hard to digest. Consuming a banana peel may cause vomiting in your dog, or in some cases, the peel might cause an intestinal blockage.
Don’t intentionally give your dog banana peel. But if you accidentally drop a peel on the floor and your dog snaps it up, it’s probably okay. Just keep an eye on him or her and go to the vet for any signs of distress.
Consider feeding your banana peels to your plants instead. Banana peels contain a high organic source of potassium, great for the garden.
Can Pugs Eat Any Other Fruit Than Bananas?
Yes, as well as eating a small piece of banana as a special treat. Pugs and other small dogs can also eat apples, blueberries, cranberries, strawberries, mango, oranges, peaches and pears. Perfect if you pack different fruit each day into your lunch box.
There are also foods and fruits that you should never feed your pug or small dog. An in-depth list of unsafe and safe foods can be found on the American Kennel Club website.
Common fruits that are poisonous for pugs include grapes, avocado and tomatoes. Dog-proof your home and workplace.
Why Is Too Much Banana Bad For My Pug?
You should, however, never give a small dog such as a pug more than a few bits of banana per day. The sugar content is too high for pugs to eat even half a banana a day. Some experts suggest that pugs should only eat half a banana over the space of a week.
Giving your pug too much sugar, even if it is natural, will cause them to have an upset stomach. No one wants an upset stomach in the office! Due to the fibre content, your pug’s poop may become runny and they’ll need to go more frequently.
If your pug has stolen a banana or two and eaten the skins too, they may suffer from constipation. If you notice anything out of the ordinary, you should seek veterinary advice. Digestive problems may lead to more serious long-term problems.
For pugs who already have kidney issues, overconsumption of potassium may also cause symptoms such as disorientation. Again, if you notice these symptoms and a shortage of bananas in your workplace drawer.. you should seek professional help for your pug.
How Else Can Pugs Eat Bananas?
Instead of just handing over a little bit of your banana to your pug, you could make it fun… Pug IQ puzzles are a great way to keep your pug busy while you’re working.
The concept is; you place a little bit of banana in a puzzle, and the pug solves the puzzle and gets rewarded. You can place in any type of food. A little bit of banana is ideal.
Some pugs don’t like the texture of a banana because it’s soft and mushy. Your pug may enjoy bananas more if you freeze it.
So, Yes, Pugs Can Eat Bananas
Pugs will love having bananas as a treat and it will give them slow-releasing energy. You may even notice your pug acting more hyper than usual! Just make sure you feed it to them in moderation and no more than a few pieces a day. They’re a great way to encourage a stubborn pug to sit and stay, while you finish off some work.
Bananas are also ideal for taking on walks and helping with training. They are easy to pop into your bag and hold. Remember, always check what foods are safe for your pug to eat, no matter how cute and big their eyes get!