Can Dogs Eat Plantains?

I had my first taste of cooked plantains yesterday. You might have seen them at bigger stores — those oversized bananas that aren’t really bananas.

The taste was different, although sweet. I heard they are great for humans and animals since they are packed with healthy stuff.

This begs the question — can dogs eat plantains, too?

I talked to a vet, and this is what I found out.

Can Dogs Eat Plantains?

Yes, dogs can eat plantains in moderation. Plantains are beneficial to our four-legged friends because they are high in vitamin C, potassium, magnesium, and antioxidants.

However, they also have loads of natural fiber. While fiber is beneficial to humans, too much can upset a dog’s stomach and cause a host of digestive issues.

Are Plantains Good For Dogs?

If properly prepared and given in moderation, plantains can be highly beneficial to dogs. They have many beneficial ingredients and can provide significant health benefits.

Vitamins and Minerals

Plantains are high in vitamins and minerals, which is excellent for dogs. Let’s look at some of them and why they are essential for our canines.

Vitamin A

Vitamin A is necessary for a dog’s eyesight, immune system, and reproductive health. It is also great for the prevention and treatment of skin conditions.

If a dog is deficient in vitamin A, it can cause poor eyesight and skin conditions. Lack of this vitamin often causes dandruff, skin irritation, and itchy patches.

You also don’t want to give your dog too much vitamin A, because it can lead to hypervitaminosis.

Vitamin C

Just like humans, dogs need vitamin C to stay healthy. It helps with the growth and development of bones and muscles and helps keep the immune system functioning correctly.

Vitamin C is an antioxidant, and it protects cells from damage caused by free radicals. It helps reduce inflammation in dogs.

While dogs can make vitamin C on their own, a little extra dose won’t hurt.

Vitamin B6

Vitamin B6 is essential for a dog’s nervous system health. It helps keep the brain and nerve cells functioning properly.

It is also vital in the prevention and treatment of seizures. A lack of this vitamin can cause neurological problems in dogs.

Magnesium

There is 43 mg of magnesium in just 10 slices of plantain or 3.7 ounces.

Magnesium is important for muscles and overall health. It helps keep the body functioning properly and is necessary for many biochemical reactions.

A lack of magnesium causes muscle cramps, weakness, and seizures. Most dog foods provide enough magnesium to satisfy dogs’ needs.

Iron

Iron is one of the essential elements. It is necessary for the formation of red blood cells and helps to carry oxygen throughout the body.

A lack of iron can cause anemia, leading to weakness, tiredness, and shortness of breath.

Potassium

Potassium ensures healthy fluid balance and is important for the heart. It improves muscles and nerves function.

A lack of potassium can cause an irregular heartbeat and overall weakness.

Better Digestion

Plantains are rich in dietary fiber. A moderate amount of fiber can help with digestive issues and the prevention of constipation and diarrhea.

Digestion is crucial for overweight dogs because it helps them absorb more nutrients from their food. This, in turn, can help them lose weight and maintain a healthy size.

Anti-Inflammatory and Antibacterial

Plantain has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. This means it can help reduce inflammation and fight off infections and diseases.

These are important for dogs because they can suffer from chronic inflammation and recurrent infections.

Shiny Coat

Minerals, vitamins, and fiber in plantain can help improve the appearance of a dog’s coat.

Plantains can add some luster and shine to their coats. It will make a dog’s coat softer and more manageable, too.

So, can dogs eat plantains and get all of the benefits listed above? Absolutely yes. However, remember to feed them in moderation because too many plantains can cause an upset stomach, weight gain, and digestive issues.

Are Plantains Bad For Dogs?

While plantains can be fantastic for dogs in moderation, there are some concerns you need to be aware of.

Too Much Fiber

It’s great that plantains have loads of dietary fiber, but it’s also a bad thing because too much fiber causes bloating and gas.

If you notice your pooch struggling with digestive issues, you probably overfed them. Most of the digestive issues resolve on their own in a day or two. However, should they continue, it’s best to call a vet.

Sometimes, digestive issues indicate an underlying severe medical condition, for example, pancreatitis. The vet will be able to properly diagnose the condition and examine the dog.

Blood Sugar Levels

Naturally occurring sugar in plantains can cause blood sugar levels to increase. This can be bad for diabetic dogs and overweight ones with insulin resistance.

If your dog has a history of diabetes, you should avoid giving them plantains altogether.

Raw plantain glycemic index is very high, but when you cook them, it goes down twice.

Weight Gain

If you are frying or baking plantains, you will be giving them a sugar boost, which leads to weight gain, obesity, and diabetes over time.

Additionally, you might unnecessarily introduce additional fats. Fats are known to cause many health issues. In addition to the ones listed above, they also contribute to pancreatitis in dogs.

So, while plantains are a healthy snack for dogs in moderation, you need to be careful with how you prepare them. Stick to boiled or steamed plantains to avoid any adverse effects.

Can Dogs Eat Plantain Bananas?

Plantain bananas come in different types and parts: raw plantains, yellow or green, even sweet. Not all of them are safe for your furry friend.

Can Dogs Eat Raw Plantains?

No, dogs should not eat raw plantains.

Raw plantains are not toxic to dogs. However, they can cause digestive problems and bloat.

The high fiber content makes them difficult to digest. They also contain plenty of starch, which converts into sugar after ingesting it. High sugar intake is not good for your furry friend, because it can lead to weight gain and other health issues.

It’s best not to let your dog eat raw plantains.

Can Dogs Eat Green Plantains?

Yes, green plantains are safe if they are cooked and fed in moderation.

They are not as sweet as the yellow ones but won’t cause any negative reactions in your dog.

However, make sure to cook them for your dog first and feed them only small amounts.

Can Dogs Eat Yellow Plantains?

Yes, dogs can eat yellow plantains.

As they become ripe, plantains become yellow and develop sweetness. You can feed these to your dog in moderate amounts.

Make sure not to add sugar to them because they are already quite sweet. Too much sugar causes weight gain and other health problems in dogs.

Can Dogs Eat Sweet Plantains?

Yes, sweet plantains are great food for dogs if used as an occasional treat.

The critical thing to remember is — the sweetness should come from their ripeness and not the added sugar. Make sure your dog doesn’t consume too much sweet stuff because that can cause problems like weight gain, obesity, diabetes, and even contribute to arthritis.

Can Dogs Eat Plantain Peel?

Eating plantain peel is a big no-no for dogs.

Always make sure to peel the plantain before feeding it to your dog. Plantain peel is difficult to chew and digest. It can pose a choking hazard and cause intestinal obstruction in dogs. Both of these conditions may require medical attention.

Can Dogs Eat Plantains Cooked?

The best way to feed dogs plantain is to cook it first. Cooked plantains are more easily digestible and not as high in sugars. Let’s look at several ways to prepare them and which ones are better for your furry companion.

Can Dogs Eat Plantains Boiled?

Yes, dogs can eat boiled plantains. As a matter of fact, boiled plantains are the safest for your pooch.

Boiling is a simple way to cook plantains. It breaks down fibers and makes plantains easily digestible. Just make sure you don’t add salt or other seasonings that might harm your dog.

Can Dogs Eat Plantain Chips?

Yes, dogs can eat homemade plantain chips in moderation if they are cooked. Raw plantain chips and copious amounts of them are not recommended.

Two or three plantain chips are enough for your dog. They are also antibacterial and anti-inflammatory, so if you let your dog eat plantain chips — they will get many health benefits.

Make sure you don’t add salt or various spices, like chili powder or onion and garlic powder. These are harmful and even toxic to dogs.

Can Dogs Eat Fried Plantains?

No, dogs should not eat fried plantains.

Frying plantains is not a healthy way to prepare them. In fact, it’s pretty bad for your pet. Frying adds unhealthy fats that can cause weight gain and heart disease down the line.

If you feed your dog fried plantains, you are also putting them at risk of diabetes and pancreatitis. While 2-3 slices of fried plantains are fine, it’s best to avoid them.

Can Dogs Eat Dried Plantains?

Yes, dried plantains are safe for dogs if they are ripe before you dehydrate them.

They are one of the safest options for both dogs and humans. As far as our canines go, dried plantains make a perfect snack.

However, make sure not to overfeed them because dried plantains will still have lots of sugar and dietary fiber.

Too much sugar contributes to weight gain, obesity, and diabetes. If you’re feeding your furry friend dried plantains, hold back on other sugary treats.

Can Dogs Eat Plantains Lily?

Plantain lily is not the same plantain that grows bananas. It’s a perennial plant with rich foliage, also known as hosta.  You should not let your dog eat plantain lilies because they can be toxic to them.

If your dog ate plantain lily and shows signs of digestive distress, it’s best to call a veterinarian.

Can Dogs Eat Broadleaf Plantain?

Some people believe that broadleaf plantain is poisonous to dogs. Actually, it’s not — dogs can eat broadleaf plantain. 

It is sometimes used to treat a dog’s digestive tract issues and diarrhea. It is also loaded with minerals, vitamins, and other beneficial nutrients.

Can Dogs Eat Plantain Weed?

Plaintain weed, or Plantago major, is another broadleaf plantain with oval leaves. While it isn’t toxic to dogs, it does have a high amount of fiber.

In short, no, dogs should not eat plantain weed. Eating plantain weed can cause digestive issues, abdominal pain, diarrhea, and vomiting. If your dog ingested too much of it, it’s best to call a vet.

Seriously Ap-peeling

Plantains are really healthy food, and they are perfectly safe for your dog in moderate amounts. Just make sure they are cooked and serve only a few slices.

If you are making plantain chips, don’t use any harmful ingredients, like salt, onion, or garlic. These can be downright toxic for your dog.

As for raw plantains, you should avoid these. Also, don’t let your dog eat the peel because it is a choking hazard, and you’ll be introducing unnecessary health risks.

As odd as they might seem at first, both Pepper and I have grown to quite like plantains. They are nutritious, tasty, and an all-around awesome addition to both my and my dog’s diet.

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