Can Dogs Eat Plantains? Risks And Benefits

Introduction

Are you looking to feed a new snack to your furry friend? You can feed plantains to your furry friends. A fruit that looks like a banana. “Can dogs eat plantains?” “Are plantains safe for dogs to eat?” are the questions that a pet owner might ask. 

The fruit that looks like banana is beneficial for the overall health of dogs, because it contains vitamins and minerals. It’s also important to know about the benefits and risks of food that you want to feed your dog. 

Here, you will learn that plantains are good or bad for dogs, and with which food you can serve them to your dogs.

What Are Plantains?

Plantains are a species of banana (genus Musa). They can be found across the tropics. Plantain is a fruit that looks similar to banana, because it has a dense starchy flesh. It can pass through different colour changes. Plantains that are not fully developed have a colour range from green to yellow. Yellow plantains are best to prepare plantain chips or fried plantains. The fully developed plantains have a colour range from brown to black. 

Plantains contain more starch. They cannot be as sweet as other varieties of banana. There are also plantain lilies that are not the same as plantains. In the Hosta genus, plantain lily is a flower which is known as Funkia. Plantain lily can be toxic to dogs. So, be sure and not confuse before choosing.

Ingredients of Plantains

Ingredients found in plantains include nutrients like carbohydrates, manganese, fiber, copper, magnesium, vitamin B6 and C, and potassium; phytochemicals like chlorogenic acids, flavonoids, carotenoids, anthocyanins, and phenolic compounds; macronutrients like proteins, carbohydrates, fats, calories, and fiber; and minerals like iron, copper, phosphorus, magnesium, manganese, potassium, and zinc. Plantains also contain vitamins like vitamin A, B6, C, niacin, folate, and riboflavin.

Can Dogs Eat Plantains?

Yes, dogs can eat plantains. It is a starchy fruit that is similar to banana. Cooked plantains are better for dogs in small amounts because they can digest easily. Uncooked plantains are harmful for dogs because it is hard and difficult to digest, and also cause choking hazards. There are also plantain lilies that are toxic for dogs.

Are Plantains Good for Dogs?

Plantains are good for dogs because they contain nutrients and are loaded with fibre that adds boost in the dogs digestion. Vitamin C is a best source of plantain that helps to improve a dog’s immune system. Potassium and magnesium have a good amount in plantains that are important for dog’s health. Plantains have a natural sweetness that most dogs love.

Are Plantains Bad for Dogs?

Plantains are bad for dogs if they consume excessive amounts. If plantain eats in large amounts it can cause stomach aches and diarrhoea because it contains a lot of fibre. It is not very common. It happens only when dogs consume excessive amounts of fibre. Plantains can put the dogs health at risk, it can increase blood sugar and glucose levels. 

So, if your dog has any health issues like diabetes, firstly consult with a veterinarian. Glycemic index in uncooked plantain is very high, but when it’s cooked, the glycemic index reduces to half. The risk of diabetes can be increased by frying and baking because it produces more sugar and increases glycemic index.

Benefits of Plantains for Dogs

There are few benefits of plantains for dogs are:

• Balanced Blood Sugar: The plantains contain dietary fibre that helps to balance the blood sugar level of dogs. In a dog’s meal an average amount of fibre helps the dogs to control their insulin regulation, that supports the growth of muscle tissue.
• Boosted Immune System: The minerals, antioxidants, and essential vitamins that are present in plantains keep the pet’s metabolic processes in effective method and help to boost the dog’s immune system. The vitamins like vitamin A, B6, and C, potassium, and magnesium are also present in plantains.
• Less Inflammation: Plantains have antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. You should have to give plantains to dogs from time to time. A time to time snack of plantains can be supplied with amino acids, tannings, and mucilage, also expediting muscle recovery and reducing inflammation.

Risks of Plantains for Dogs

There are few risks of plantains for dogs are:

• Choking: Giving your dog uncooked green plantains can cause the risk of choking on the fibrous fruit. It is difficult for the dog’s teeth to grind down fruits and vegetables. For your dog, you will always prepare cooked plantains in manageable, small pieces.
• Gastrointestinal Upset: Plantain chips and fried foods should be avoided by dog owners to feed their pets. For dogs the oil and spices in fried food can cause issues like stomach upset, and other harmful digestive issues, like diarrhoea and vomiting, that can lead to dehydration.  
• Pancreatitis: Dogs convert carbs, and carbohydrates into glucose to use as energy. The glucose that is unused becomes fat in the dog’s body. Gradual fat accumulation can contribute to obesity, that puts large amounts of stress on your dog’s joints and causes inflammation on the dog’s pancreas. Pancreatitis can cause critical health issues for dogs.

Alternative of Plantains for Dogs

The alternative of plantains for dogs are:

• Banana: Bananas look similar to plantains. The level of sodium and cholesterol is low in bananas, that’s good, but the sugar level is high, that means you should give a couple of slices as a time to time treat.
• Apple: You can give apples to your dogs in their diet because they also contain vitamin A, vitamin C, and dietary fibre. You can buy pesticide free apples and remove the outer layer and seeds because they contain small amounts of cyanide.
• Watermelon: Watermelon is a refreshing treat for dogs because it contains a lot of water. During hot summer months dogs will enjoy this fruity, mouthwatering treat.
• Blueberries: You can also add blueberries to your dog’s meal but all dogs do not like them. Blueberries contain vitamin C, vitamin K, fibre and antioxidants. They are also low in calories.Strawberries: Strawberries are given in small amounts and only from time to time because they contain high levels of sugar. They can be a best addition to your dog’s diet because they contain fibre, and vitamin C.

A Table of Nutrition’s Plantains

A Table of Nutrition’s Plantains

A Table of Nutrition’s Plantains

Pros and Cons

Can Dogs Eat Plantain Chips?

Plantain chips contain salt that is not good for dogs. You have to avoid giving plantain chips to your dog. Plantain chips also include seasonings such as garlic, cayenne pepper, and onion. Garlic and onion can damage red blood cells and cause anaemia because they are very harmful for dogs.

Can Dogs Eat Raw Plantains?

Raw plantains have a high amount of dietary fibre. It is difficult for humans to digest and much more for dogs. Eating dietary fibre in excessive amounts can cause stomach issues like diarrhoea, vomiting, nausea, gas, and abdominal pain. So, raw plantain is never included in the dog’s diet.

Can Dogs Eat Fried Plantains?

Fried foods have high unhealthy fats and calories that can cause weight gain and other health problems in dogs like pancreatitis. So, giving fried potatoes to dogs should be avoided.

Can Dogs Eat Green Plantains?

Green plantains are difficult to digest so they are not recommended for dogs. It’s best to cook plantains before giving them to your dogs. You can give ripe plantains to your dog because they have a softer texture. Ripe plantains are the best way to go for a healthy treat for your dog.

Can Dogs Eat Sweet Plantains?

Yes, dogs can eat sweet plantains. Sweet plantains are a good source of energy for dogs. You should feed sweet plantains to your dog in small amounts because too much sugar is not good for dogs.

How to Safely Feed Plantains to My Dogs?

Raw plantains are difficult to digest and chew. If you want to give plantains to your dogs, after removing the outer surface you will have to cook, roast, or steam. You can also cut them into small pieces that are easy to digest and reduce the risk of choking.

What Should I Do If My Dog Eats Plantains?

Plantains are high in fibre and cause issues like stomach upset, diarrhoea, vomiting, etc. These issues can happen only when dogs consume excessive amounts of fibre. If your dogs have some diabetes issue, you will have to consult with your veterinarian first.

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