Plantains are the banana cousins that are tougher, containing more starch, calories, and carbohydrates. They have long been an edible delicacy for humans. But what about dogs? Are plantains edible to dogs?
Yes, Dogs can eat Plantains in moderate quantity. They are not considered toxic to dogs and can even help them with vital nutrients.
Plantain for dog consumption is OK. Just, make sure you give it in the right amount. Too much of anything is not good!
Are Plantains Poisonous?
Plantains are nontoxic to dogs if consumed moderately. They contain fiber that is good for dog health but too much of it can cause an upset stomach.
As discussed below, you can give cooked plantains in moderation to dogs.
How safe is raw plantain to dogs?
While you can give your dog raw plantain, it is better if you can give boiled or steamed plantain!
The glycemic index of Plantains is around 55 which is quite high and may impact the blood sugar. This could be an issue for diabetic dogs.
If plantain is boiled, glycemic index comes down to approximately 40 making it much safer for consumption.
Boiled and smashed plantain acts as a natural remedy for dog digestion issues. When given in moderation, they can be beneficial. Cooked Plantain would be easier to digest than given in a raw form.
Can Dogs Eat Plantain Chips?
Plantain chips are usually an enticing snack for humans and dogs. Are plantain chips safe for dogs?
Plantain chips must be given in moderation to dogs. This is due to the high Sodium content that the chips contain.
Further, a single plantain chip contains a high amount of fat and 5 calories! Too many for just one chip that your pooch would not need.
So it is OK if you want to give occasional plantain chips as treats to your pooch but consuming it regularly is unhealthy for dogs.
Can Dogs Eat Fried Plantains?
Dogs can eat fried plantains occasionally. They are unhealthy for dogs due to the oil content they contain. An excess of oils and fats can pose problems for a dog’s liver.
Additionally, an overload of starch has its own effects, the most common being weight gain.
What are Plantain Nutritional Values?
What’s in a plantain?
This is the composition of 100 grams of raw plantain:
- Carbohydrates: 31.89g
- Dietary Fiber: 2.3g
- Sugars: 10g
- Fats: 0.37g
- Water: 65.3g
Among these major constituents, plantains also contain trace amounts of Vitamins. These include:
- Vitamin A
- Thiamine
- Riboflavin
- Niacin
- Vitamin B6
- Folate
- Choline
- Vitamin C (18.4 mg)
- Vitamin E
- Vitamin K
Plantains also contain trace amounts of Minerals:
- Calcium (3 mg)
- Iron
- Magnesium
- Phosphorus
- Potassium (499 mg)
- Sodium
- Zinc
Benefits of Plantains for Dogs
We have seen they pack a lot of nutrients so here are a few benefits of plantains for dogs.
Antibacterial and Anti-inflammatory
Adding the occasional plantain dog snack can prolong a dogs life. Proof of antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties are evident. These properties help to avoid any cardiovascular (heart) and digestive diseases.
It can also improve resistance towards bacterial infections. It does this by improving the body’s response towards invading bacteria.
High-Fiber
Like the banana, plantains are abundant in fiber. Most dog foods are meat-based. and thus they may need some extra fiber.
Occasional plantain treats act as the best way of giving natural fiber to your canine. Fiber is important as it assists your dog’s digestion and excretion system.
High in Potassium
Potassium is one mineral required by a dog’s body that is not found abundantly. This is why plantains are important, it is a sure source of Potassium.
Digestive Aid
Boiled mashed plantain act as a natural remedy for digestive issues. The best care for your canine after an upset stomach. Cooked plantain mash helps to ‘bind the stomach’ or rather whatever is inside.
Plantain vs Banana: Which is Better for Your Dog?
There is an obvious resemblance between plantains and bananas. They both are part of the same family.
Bananas are typically consumed raw whereas Plantains are used in making chips. Bananas and dogs are completely compatible by the way.
Plantains are tougher than bananas, contain more starch, calories, and carbohydrates than bananas. On the other hand, bananas contain more sugar and fiber than their cousin fruit.
Can Dogs Eat Plantain Lily?
Often people may get confused between Plantain and Plantain Lily. Plantain Lily is a popular household plant. It does not look like plantain or banana and is not part of the same family.
Plantain lily is toxic to dogs. It can cause skin and stomach irritation. At rare occasions, it can cause damage to red blood cells as well.
The degree of damage to the dog would depend on how much he consumed it. Common poisoning symptoms may include
- Redness of the mouth, tongue, and lips
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Abdominal pain
The cause of the toxicity of the plantain lily plant is the presence of a toxic component called Saponins. Luckily, they look nothing like this fruit or bananas!
Verdict
You can offer your dog cooked plantain treats once in a while. It is a source of many vitamins and minerals. Remember, even though your dog enjoys the taste, do not make it a habit!