Can Golden Retrievers Eat Bananas?

Why are you asking me this? Do I look like a golden retriever to you? Okay, listen, I may know a guy. My human grandpappy has a golden retriever who just so happens to love bananas. I guess that would technically mean that I have a banana loving golden retriever for an aunt. Fine. I’ll answer your question.

Can your golden retriever eat bananas?

Golden Retrievers can eat bananas. Bananas provide a variety of health benefits due to their nutrient density and applicable vitamin makeup. Bananas have been shown to aid in overall heart functions and blood pressure normalization. Given in moderation, bananas are a healthy treat for golden retrievers.

Just because that last paragraph is emphasized in bold print and begins with the confirmation, ‘yes’, doesn’t mean I should ever find your golden retriever neck deep in a kiddie pool filled to the brim with bananas.

Like most all things, bananas must be consumed in moderation. The last thing you want is a pre-diabetic pooch addicted to bananas and the high levels of sugar content they carry.

I think we all can agree that I’m not a doctor. I’ve already told you that I was denied medical school access. Something about the fact that I don’t have opposable thumbs? Not sure. Sounds illegitimate.

Either way, I digress.

I’m telling you this, again, because I can’t legally give you or your pup nutrition or medical advice. I may know everything, but that isn’t necessarily admissible in the court of law when defending against a law suit. Why would you ever want to sue a dog anyway? Some humans are incorrigible.

Disclaimer: The Can My Dog articles contain information based on the individual research and opinions of the author of the site – who just so happens to be a dog. How you utilize the information given is completely up to you. Proceed at your own risk.

This is my Aunt, Rigby. Isn’t she precious?

Health Benefits of Bananas For Your Dog

Excellent source of potassium
High in essential aminos
Viable source of vitamin C and vitamin B6
Improved heart function and efficiency
Naturally lowers levels of blood pressure
High fiber content
Great for digestive properties
Increased immune function
Great source of energy before, during, or after pup exercise
Dogs typically love them (My sister Callie thinks they’re too mushy – especially if she gets a really big bite. I’m kind of with her on that one. We only love small bites of bananas. Anyway, this song isn’t about us. Back to the golden spotlight…)

As you can see, bananas offer a healthy and beneficial alternative to some of the other pre-packaged garbage you could offer your dogs.

My advice to you is, if your pup has never tried a banana before, give them a SMALL bite to start. The texture can be off-putting to some. Trust me on this.

The One Banana Downfall

I briefly touched on this in the beginning.

Bananas have a high sugar content thus decreasing their beneficial value if consumed on a frequent basis.

Let’s define frequent. If you are feeding your pup 3 whole bananas every single day – that’s way too frequent.

As a general rule, sticking to a half of a banana 3 times per week will keep pup-banana-consumption well within the healthy benefits range.

If we’re dealing with legitimate golden puppies under 12 months old, keep the serving size down to a few slices 2 – 3 times per week.

Generally, bananas have anywhere from 12-15 grams of sugar, depending on their size. This is dense in the simple carbohydrate macro nutrient family for us.

Just tread lightly.

Don’t go ‘bananas‘.

The Best Dog Banana Recipes

I’ve been fed bananas in a multitude of ways, so I think I can speak up for my golden retriever friends when it comes to the top 5 ways to down a nanner.

#5 Plain

This may be an unpopular banana recipe, but sometimes simplicity is magic. Pinch of a (small) piece of a banana and throw it in the vicinity of your Golden’s mouth. Betcha they catch it.

#4 Frozen

Hear me out here, humans. This is delicious. It has a smoothie texture to it and makes a great teether for the young pups. Frozen bananas take a bit longer to eat, making them perfect treats for the summer time.

#3 Stirred in Food

This really kicks up the ol’ kibble game. Talk about a dash of flavor. This is a wonderful addition if you happen to be one of those dog parents who either makes their own dog food or has the real food delivered to the door. A banana mixes in perfectly, adding an appropriate marriage of sweet and savory.

#2 Blended

I’ve got three words for you: Dog Ice cream. Throw a frozen banana in the blender with some oat milk yogurt, peanut butter, and other fruit particles and you’ve got yourself a dessert fit for a queen.

#1 PEANUT BUTTER

A glob of peanut butter with a piece of banana squished in is my absolute all time favorite. Hey, mom?! Where’s the peanut butter?

Another Disclaimer

I’m well aware that this is the second disclaimer of the blog. But this one is equally as important.

I always feel the need to be comprehensively careful and thorough when I’m talking about food and pups.

If at any time you notice any unusual behavior or reaction from your dog during or immediately after banana consumption, contact your vet. It should go without saying, but I’m going to say it anyway – stop feeding your dog bananas if this happens.

Better yet, go ahead and call your vet now just to make sure they’re on board with throwing some bananas your pup’s way. Due diligence is important in business acquisitions and dog diets.

Don’t skip this step.

Banana Conclusion

My Aunt Rigby wanted me to tell you to feed your goldens bananas.

She said every day with every meal, but she’s not even 1 yet and is exceptionally gluttonous, so definitely don’t listen to her.

Who’s writing this article here anyway?

To summarize:

Yes. Golden retrievers can partake in the banana life. Tread lightly and don’t overfeed them. Goldens are extremely polite. They won’t turn down food because they don’t want to hurt your feelings.

So, go on, add more bananas to the grocery list. And as always, Live, Love, Laugh, and Scratch our bellies often.

Love you guys,

JTB

P.S. If you’re new to this world, you may want to check out my Ultimate Guide for First Time Dog Parents. It’s a great reference to get you started on this journey.