Can Dogs Eat Plantain Chips? Everything You Need to Know

Yes, dogs can eat plantain chips if cooked correctly and given in the right amount. In fact, plantain makes a great high fiber snack for your pooch because it’s packed full of different vitamins and minerals. You should avoid giving your furry friend fried plantain though as they are unhealthy and can cause several health problems such as diabetes and obesity if eaten regularly.

Plantain looks like a banana, however it doesn’t share the same taste. They are considered a fruit but eaten as a vegetable, like a tomato. Plantains are grown on trees in tropical climates.

Raw plantain is green, hard to peel, bitter tasting and full of starch, which is not very pleasant or healthy to eat. As plantains ripen, they become sweeter and turn yellow and black.

The benefits of giving your dog plantains include:

• Reducing inflammation in the digestive system.
• Helping to protect from food-borne bacteria.
• Aids digestion and helps settle an upset stomach.
• Improves heart health.

Plantain and plantain chips will only cause your four-legged friend harm if eaten in huge amounts. Plantains contain high levels of starch, which can be difficult for your dog to digest when consumed in large quantities.

Store-bought plantain chips may contain high levels of sodium, so check the ingredients first or make your own.

Plantain lilies are plants that can be highly toxic to dogs. If eaten it can cause irritation to a canine’s skin and tummy and even damage red blood cells that carry oxygen around the body. Whilst considered low in toxicity, if large amounts of a plantain lily is eaten it can lead to lily poisoning from the saponins found in the plant. Foaming at the mouth or nose, redness around the mouth, tongue and lips are the most common symptoms, however your dog may experience:

• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Abdominal pain
• Loss of appetite
• Weight loss

If you think your dog has consumed plantain lily, contact your vet immediately for advice.

Plantain leaves are a different type of plantain to the fruit. Plantain leaves grow in the wild and are non-toxic to dogs. The plantain herb contains powerful antioxidants, vitamins A, C and K. It also acts as an anti-inflammatory that can reduce kidney and bladder inflammation in dogs. Studies have also shown that plantain can improve a canine’s dental health by blending the leaves and seeds then rubbing it onto your pet’s gums.

It is not recommended to give your canine fried plantain or any fried foods as they are extremely unhealthy.

Never give your pooch raw plantains. If eaten raw, they could cause a choking hazard or digestive issues because of its toughness.

Making your own plantain chips is a great way to show your pooch just how much you love him, and cut down on salt and calories. All you need is ripe plantains, olive oil and salt.

When your plantains have turned yellow with black spots, peel the skin off and thinly slice. Drizzle a tiny amount of olive oil and a pinch of salt over the plantain chips then bake in the oven until they are crispy. Leave to cool before tucking in and sharing with your furry friend. Store them in an airtight container for up to one week.

Whilst plantain won’t harm your puppy, it may cause an upset stomach as their bodies and digestive system are still developing. It’s better to wait until your pet is fully grown to introduce human foods to a dog’s diet.

If you want your dog to have a taste of plantain, you should cook the fruit thoroughly by boiling or steaming it first. Don’t add any ingredients or seasoning that are unhealthy or harmful to canines such as oil, garlic or onion.

It’s a good idea to let your dog sniff some plantain before adding it to your pet’s usual bowl. If your pet shows an interest, safely prepare and serve a small amount of cooked plantains to him. After consumption, monitor your pup to check for any reactions such as vomiting or loose stools. If your dog has a reaction to plantain or plantain chips, don’t give him anymore.