Bananas are a popular snack for humans across the globe. They’re sweet, easy to eat on the go, and relatively cheap. That’s why many Shih Tzu owners assume that they’re a good snack for their pups as well.
But can you feed bananas to your Shih Tzu?
The short answer is yes—but there are some things to consider before feeding your Shih Tzu bananas.
In this article, we’ll answer every question you have about whether Shih Tzus can eat bananas and what the benefits and risks are of feeding them this fruit. Let’s start with the following question:
Are bananas safe for Shih Tzus?
Bananas are safe for Shih Tzus to eat and can be fed as a snack or part of a meal, and they’re packed with nutrients. But it’s best to give your Shih Tzu bananas in moderation, since they’re high in sugar and could cause stomach upset or even diarrhea if overfed.
Bananas are rich in potassium, magnesium, vitamin B6, vitamin C, fiber, biotin, and copper. They also contain tryptophan (11 milligrams in a medium-sized banana), which is an amino acid that helps produce serotonin—a hormone that helps reduce depression and anxiety. And they contain high levels of fiber, which help improve digestion by promoting the growth of good bacteria in your Shih Tzu’s gut.
When feeding bananas to your Shih Tzu for the first time or if you plan on changing their diet, start slowly to monitor how their body reacts to the fruit—some Shih Tzus experience food intolerances or allergic reactions to bananas. It’s also best not to feed your Shih Tzu too many bananas at once because of their high sugar concentration and the possibility of causing an upset stomach.
Benefits of bananas in Shih Tzus
Bananas can be a healthy, delicious treat for your Shih Tzu.
Let’s break down some benefits:
Fiber: Fiber helps to keep your Shih Tzu’s digestive system healthy and regular, preventing constipation and keeping their tummy happy.
Vitamin C: Vitamin C is key in building up your Shih Tzu’s immunity to fight those nasty colds.
Potassium: Potassium helps to maintain a healthy cardiovascular system and brain function.
Magnesium: Magnesium helps to regulate your Shih Tzu’s nervous function and blood glucose level.
Vitamin B Complex: This vitamin is important for helping your Shih Tzu’s metabolism and building new cells.
Do all Shih Tzus like bananas?
Unfortunately, No. Shih Tzus have food preferences like people do. Some Shih Tzus will eat anything, and others are very picky. Just like bananas are not a favorite for many people, some Shih Tzus do not enjoy the taste of bananas either. Besides taste preferences, other factors may help you determine if your Shih Tzu will enjoy eating a banana.
There is nothing inherently harmful about bananas for Shih Tzus, but there are a few potential concerns to be aware of. Bananas can be high in sugar, which may contribute to obesity and tooth decay. Large amounts of bananas can also cause stomach upset since they contain soluble fibers and resistant starches. These substances can be difficult for some Shih Tzus to digest and may cause gas, bloating, diarrhea, or vomiting. Always speak with your veterinarian before introducing a new food into your Shih Tzu’s diet to ensure it is safe and appropriate for him or her to eat.
Can Shih Tzu puppies eat bananas?
Yes, they can. However, here’s a catch.
Shih Tzu puppies should be on a specialized puppy diet for the first two months of their lives, which includes things like vegetables and fruits. During this period, don’t introduce your puppy to any new foods or drinks—especially not anything with fruit or vegetables in it. This is especially important because puppies have a delicate digestive system, and there’s no way of knowing how their digestive system will react to a certain food until they’ve had time to adjust to it.
It’s safe to start with just a small bite of a banana once or twice a week after introducing your puppy to its new diet (after 2 months, of course). But always consult with the vet before introducing any new foods or drinks into your puppy’s diet.
How many bananas can Shih Tzus eat?
As we told earlier, bananas are an excellent source of potassium and fiber, which may help with digestive issues (and in cases of diarrhea, help firm up your Shih Tzu’s stool) and may also help lower blood pressure. They’re also chock-full of essential vitamins and minerals like Vitamin B6, Vitamin C, manganese, and copper.
But before you go giving your Shih Tzu an unlimited supply of bananas, it’s important to consult with your vet first to get the best serving size for your Shih Tzu.
A general rule of thumb is, for a small pup breed like Shih Tzus can eat two to three small pieces per day.
And if you’re still concerned about how much sugar is in a banana, keep in mind that the sugar content isn’t even close to the sugar content in commercial treats—bananas have about 12g of sugar per serving compared to 18g of sugar in a single cupcake treat. And even then, all treats combined should not make up over ten percent of your Shih Tzu’s total diet.
How to serve bananas to your Shih Tzus?
Have you ever considered feeding your golden retriever bananas? They’re a great way to give your pup some extra energy, especially if they have diabetes. Here’s how to do it.
First things first, check with your vet. Your vet will be able to tell you if bananas are right for your Shih Tzu and if so, how many to feed them. You’ll also want to make sure that you’re only feeding them organic food—not conventional—because the pesticides and other chemicals used in growing conventional bananas can harm your pooch.
To prepare the banana for your Shih Tzu, wash the skin thoroughly under cool running water. Then slice it up into manageable pieces (or mash it up) and serve!
If you want to make your own homemade banana treats for your Shih Tzu, here are a few ideas:
Slices: The easiest way to serve bananas is just by slicing them up into bite-sized pieces and giving them to your Shih Tzu as a snack or treat.
Frozen: Cut up some bananas into slices or chunks and then freeze them for a delicious frozen treat on a hot day!
Mix with other Shih Tzu-safe ingredients: Peanut butter and yogurt are tasty combinations that go great with banana slices or chunks.
Can my Shih Tzus have bananas every day?
There’s no rule on how often Shih Tzus can eat bananas. If your Shih Tzu likes it and you know the recommended amount, then yes, you can feed them bananas every day. But just like people, Shih Tzus can get bored with eating the same thing all the time. We recommend varying their treats to make sure that they’re getting a balanced diet and that they don’t get bored with the same flavor repeatedly.
Also, remember that different types of treats have different nutritional values. Bananas are mostly carbs, while peanut butter is high in protein. Make sure that you keep that in mind when giving your Shih Tzu treats.
When are bananas bad for Shih Tzus?
Bananas are a healthy snack for most Shih Tzus, but some Shih Tzus shouldn’t eat bananas. Here’s what you need to know.
Bananas can be a good treat for your Shih Tzu in moderation. They’re low in fat, full of nutrients and fiber, and are a great option when you want to give your Shih Tzu a treat that’s both healthy and delicious. However, if your Shih Tzu has certain health conditions—like diabetes or kidney issues—you should avoid giving your Shih Tzu bananas completely.
Most Shih Tzus can safely eat up to one small banana per serving, though you should monitor how your Shih Tzu responds and adjust the amount as needed. And remember: bananas are just one of many healthy snacks that are safe to give your Shih Tzu.
What happens when your Shih Tzu eats too many bananas?
Tummy trouble: Most Shih Tzus aren’t going to have a stomach upset just from eating a few bananas, but if your Shih Tzu eats too many or too often, he may experience vomiting or diarrhea. That’s because bananas are high in fiber and sugar. If your Shih Tzu isn’t used to a lot of fiber, it can cause gas and bloating. If he eats too much sugar all at once, it can lead to diarrhea or an upset stomach.
Constipation: If your Shih Tzu doesn’t eat enough fiber, the banana can help get things moving again. Most Shih Tzus really like bananas and will happily eat them as a treat if you mash them up and mix them into their food. But because they’re high in fiber, they’re also good for getting things moving again if your Shih Tzu gets constipated.
Blockage: The biggest concern with feeding bananas to your Shih Tzu usually isn’t about the fruit itself, but about the peel. Banana peels contain compounds called polyphenols that can interfere with digestion and cause stomach upset in some Shih Tzus. They can also get stuck in your Shih Tzu’s digestive tract and cause an obstruction that requires surgery to remove. That’s why it’s important to keep banana peels away from your furry friends.
Potassium toxicity: If your Shih Tzu has underlying issues with its kidneys or diabetes, too many bananas can dump an overload of potassium in its blood. Symptoms include lethargy, incoordination, or even fainting.
What to do if your Shih Tzu eats too many bananas?
We’ve all been there. Your Shih Tzu is doing its thing, and you’re holding onto a banana for dear life, trying to make sure that it doesn’t get snatched up, but in a moment of distraction—it’s gone.
You panic. You freak out. You imagine the worst—that your Shih Tzu is going to have a heart attack from eating too much potassium, or that it’s going to swell up like Violet Beauregarde from Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, or that your Shih Tzu will have severe digestive problems from the high fiber content of bananas.
Well, there’s no need for panic. While too many bananas can be bad for your Shih Tzu and you should certainly monitor their behavior after they’ve had a big snack, you’ll want to do more than just throw away any remaining bananas in the bunch.
The first thing you should do is stop feeding your Shih Tzu anything else (especially any other fruits). Then, remove any remains of banana from your house and put them in the trash outside—you don’t want your Shih Tzu getting ahold of them again.
Monitor your pet for any unusual behavior (excessive thirst, diarrhea, vomiting), and if you notice anything particularly odd about your pooch, contact your vet as soon as possible.
Can my Shih Tzu eat a banana peel?
This is a pretty common question! The short answer is no.
While a banana peel (the skin) might seem like it’s filled with all the nutrients of the banana itself, it actually has a much higher concentration of fiber than the fruit inside. And that fiber can be tough for your Shih Tzu to digest.
If your Shih Tzu does eat some banana peels, he or she will probably have diarrhea and/or vomiting, so keep an eye out for these symptoms, and reach out to your vet if they persist longer than a day or two.
Are banana chips safe for my Shih Tzu?
Bananas are perfectly safe for your Shih Tzu to consume. They’re a lightweight, quick energy boost when you’re out hiking or need to give them a snack.
Commercial banana chips are usually not a good idea. They have added sugars and preservatives that aren’t great for your Shih Tzu, so consider making your own dehydrated chips at home instead.
Other human foods Shih Tzus can eat
What other human foods can Shih Tzus eat? Here is a list of some other human foods your Shih Tzus can eat.
So, can Shih Tzus eat bananas?
Yes, Shih Tzus can eat bananas. They’re a wonderful snack for them—bananas are high in potassium, magnesium, and fiber. They also contain vitamins B6 and C.
However, as with any treat you give to your Shih Tzu, moderation is key. Too much banana can cause constipation, so be sure you’re not giving your pup too many of them. You should also be careful about the part of the banana that you feed your Shih Tzu—the peel can cause intestinal obstructions, which are no fun for anyone.