Can Horses Eat Bananas?

Yes. Most horses can enjoy bananas as an occasional treat if you follow a few rules.  

Bananas are safe for horses if they’re:  

• Fresh  
• Cut into slices  

Avoid feeding your horse:   

• Baked goods with banana, such as banana bread  
• Bananas with chocolate or added sugars  

Banana peels are not toxic to horses, but they can be tough to chew, so it’s usually best to remove them. If you find that your horse enjoys the challenge, you can cut the peel into smaller pieces.  

Yes, bananas offer small amounts of beneficial nutrients: 

• Potassium, which is important for muscle and nerve function 
• Vitamin B6, which supports metabolism and red blood cell function 
• Fiber, which supports digestive health  

It depends on your horse. Bananas are generally safe for most horses, but there are a few potential downsides.   

For example, bananas:  

• Have high potassium levels: Horses with hyperkalemic periodic paralysis, also known as HYPP, are sensitive to potassium, so bananas are not the best treat for them. 
• Carry a risk of choking: This is a danger if you feed your horse too big of a piece.  
• Can cause colic, when fed in large amounts: A lot of sugar could cause a gut imbalance. 
• Have a high sugar content: Lots of sugar can also lead to insulin spikes. Horses with laminitis, equine metabolic syndrome, Cushing’s disease, or other conditions sensitive to sugar should not eat fruits, including bananas. However, green, unripened bananas contain less sugar and have more fiber, so they might be an OK treat for horses with these conditions. Ask your veterinarian before letting your horse indulge.  

Bananas should only be offered as an occasional treat.  

Most horses can safely eat 1–2 bananas up to three times a week, sliced into small pieces. 

If your horse is overweight or has a metabolic condition or HYPP, consult your veterinarian before feeding them any banana slices. 

Here are a few guidelines to safely feed bananas to your horse:  

• Wash the banana thoroughly if you’re feeding them the peel. 
• Whether peeled or unpeeled, cut the banana into slices to reduce choking risk. 
• Introduce slowly and monitor for any changes, such as hives, lethargy, colic symptoms, or increased respiratory rate. 

Bananas can be fed alone or mixed into a small portion of regular feed for enrichment. 

Indulging in a few too many banana slices usually isn’t an emergency. However, a lot of bananas could cause digestive upset for your horse. 

Look out for signs like:  

• Loose manure  
• Decreased appetite  
• Pawing at the ground  
• Looking at their flank  
• Arching the neck  
• Curling the upper lip  
• Lethargy 

If you notice any of these signs, call your veterinarian ASAP. Colic is always a veterinary emergency in horses. 

Horses can enjoy a wide variety of tasty fruit treats, including: 

• Pumpkin 
• Watermelon 
• Grapes 
• Berries 
• Melons 
• Mango  
• Oranges  
• Strawberries  
• Stone fruits, like peaches and nectarines (always remove the pits) 
• Dates (always remove the pits) 

For some extra variety, you can also pick some vet-approved, store-bought treats with fruit to mix things up.  

Can horses eat banana peels? 

Yes, horses can eat banana peels. Cut them into small pieces to make them easier to chew. 

Can horses eat dried bananas? 

No. Dried bananas have more sugar, so it’s best to avoid feeding them to your horse. 

Can horses eat plantains? 

Yes, horses can eat plantains. Like bananas, they should be fed only in moderation.