Can Horses Eat Bananas? Safe Treat Guide [2026]

You know horses love apples and carrots—but what about bananas? This tropical fruit might seem like an unusual horse treat, but many horses absolutely love them.

Quick Answer: Yes, Horses Can Eat Bananas!

Bananas are safe and nutritious for horses. They make excellent treats, and many horses find them irresistible.

What About the Peel?

Yes, horses can eat banana peels!

• Peels are safe and non-toxic
• High in fiber
• Some horses love the texture
• Others prefer the fruit only

Preparation Tips

• Wash peel if feeding it (remove pesticide residue)
• Cut into pieces for easier eating
• Whole banana is okay for most horses
• Remove any stickers!

Nutritional Benefits

How Many Bananas Can Horses Eat?

Recommended Amounts

• Occasional treat: 1 banana per day is reasonable
• Maximum: No more than 2 bananas daily
• Training: Cut into small pieces for rewards

Why Limit Bananas?

• High in sugar (natural fructose)
• High in potassium (concern for some horses)
• Can cause digestive upset if overfed
• Should be a treat, not a meal

Horses That Should Avoid Bananas

• Horses with HYPP: High potassium is DANGEROUS
• Insulin-resistant horses: Sugar content problematic
• Horses prone to laminitis: Limit all sugary treats
• Horses with kidney issues: Potassium may be concerning

Important: If your horse has HYPP, bananas should be completely avoided due to their high potassium content.

When Bananas Are Especially Good

• After hard work: Potassium helps with muscle recovery
• During competition: Quick energy source
• Hot weather: Electrolyte replacement
• Picky eaters: Often accepted when other treats aren’t

Creative Ways to Feed Bananas

• Frozen slices: Refreshing summer treat
• Mashed in feed: For picky eaters
• Training rewards: Small pieces
• Medication disguise: Mask bitter medicines

Warning Signs of Overfeeding

If you’ve given too many bananas, watch for:

• Loose stool or diarrhea
• Gas or bloating
• Loss of appetite for regular feed
• Colic symptoms

Bananas vs. Other Treats

The Bottom Line

Bananas are a safe, nutritious, and often beloved treat for most horses. They’re particularly good after exercise when horses need potassium replacement. Just limit to 1-2 per day, avoid for horses with HYPP or metabolic issues, and enjoy watching your horse’s funny faces as they discover this unusual treat!

Sources: American Association of Equine Practitioners, University of Kentucky Extension