The answer is yes, dogs can eat plantains – however they should be cooked first and in controlled quantities.
Plantains, also known as cooking bananas, are commonly eaten in parts of Africa, Central and South America, as well as the Caribbean islands. If you have ever thought about feeding your dog plantains, or if your dog has accidentally eaten plantains, then you should read the below.
What are plantains?
Plantains have a similar appearance to bananas. In fact, they come from the same family of flowering plants as bananas, called Musaceae. Plantains are a type of fruit with a green to yellow outer skin, which you can peel to reveal the flesh inside. The flesh can be hard and starchy, and less sweet than bananas – so they are not very nice to eat raw! When green, they can be bland and taste like potatoes, however when fully ripe (developing a black outer skin) plantains can be aromatic and sweeter. In many countries they are cooked by steaming, boiling or frying, which makes them tastier and much easier to digest!
Are plantains safe for dogs?
The good news is yes! Plantains are non-toxic and safe for your pet dog. You may have given your dog cut up pieces of banana as a treat before. Just like bananas, you can feed them to your furry little friend – however, unlike bananas, you will need to cook them beforehand. So don’t just feed your dog raw plantain, make sure to cook them first.
For every 100g of cooked plantain, there can be 2.3g of dietary fiber and Vitamin C, Vitamin B6, Iron and Magnesium. The fiber component can be beneficial to your dog in the right quantities. On the other hand, every 100g of cooked plantain can also contain 14g of sugar. Sugar can lead to weight gain in your dog and its associated conditions, such as diabetes. So in addition to cooking them, feeding it to your pet in moderation is key.
How to prepare plantains for dogs?
As mentioned before, plantains can be cooked by steaming, boiling or frying. We recommend steaming or boiling, as it doesn’t add unnecessary fats and oils to your dog’s diet, like frying does. You should also avoid adding any seasoning, which can be toxic to your dog. Remember – onions, garlic and chives are toxic to dogs and can cause them harm.
Once cooked, you can cut up the plantain into small, easy to manage pieces for your pooch. Or, you can mash them into a softer consistency. Cooked plantain can be blended or mixed with your dog’s regular food as a supplement. However, as with all new food, we recommend you introduce it to your dog slowly and in small amounts first. We also recommend feeding it to your dog in moderation and controlled quantities.
Can dogs eat plantain chips?
You may have seen these in your supermarket shopping isle. And the answer to your question is – it depends! Plantain chips that are prepared with little or no cooking oils, and no other seasonings should generally be fine. Plantain chips with added seasonings, especially those made from onions, garlic and chives, can be dangerous for your dog. If you’re unsure, it’s best to avoid this snack and leave it for the humans. Alternatively, try giving your dog some plain steamed or boiled plantain instead.
Conclusion
Plantains are safe to feed your dog. You just need to make sure they are cooked properly and served in moderation. You should also serve them plain to your dog where possible. They are a type of food enjoyed by humans across the world, but can also be enjoyed by your pet pooch as well!
