Can Goats Eat Bananas? Health Facts & FAQ

Goats can eat a wide variety of foods, and they’re fun to watch because they seem to be enjoying themselves while they eat. One of the most common questions we get from inexperienced owners is it goats can eat bananas. The short answer is yes, they can, but keep reading while we discuss if this fruit is healthy for them and how to serve it should you can be better informed. 

Are Bananas Bad for My Goat?

Sugar

Bananas, like any fruit, are high in sugar which can lead to weight gain. A single cup of mashed bananas contains as many as 27 grams of sugar. Too much sugar can lead to diabetes, heart disease, dental disease, and other health issues. To make matters worse, goats like sugar and can develop a sweet tooth. Once they do, they will hound you relentlessly.

Are Bananas Good for My Goat?

Fiber

One cup of mashed bananas has almost 6 grams of dietary fiber that will help your goat maintain a healthy digestive system. It can help feel the goat feel full and even provide energy.

Vitamins and Minerals

Bananas also provide your goat with plenty of healthy vitamins, including vitamin C and vitamin B6. It’s also a good source of vitamin A, calcium, potassium, magnesium, and phosphorus.

Omega Fats

Bananas are a source of omega fats which can help reduce swelling, help eye development, and promotes healthy skin.

How Should I Feed My Goat Banana?

You can either slice up a banana or mash it in a bowl to give to your goats. One banana every few days should be more than enough to give your goat a treat without creating a problem.

Farmhouse Guide Banana Oatmeal Cookies

Steps

1. Preheat oven to 300 degrees.
2. Mixed molasses and applesauce in a small mixing bowl.
3. In a larger mixing bowl, mix the oatmeal, wheat germ, and Raisin Bran.
4. Chop the bananas and add them to the oatmeal mixture.
5. Slowly mix in the molasses and applesauce mixture until you get a cookie dough consistency. You might not need it all.
6. Roll the mixture into small balls and place them on a cookie sheet.
7. Bake for 30 minutes.
8. Allow it to cool before serving.
9. Give your goat one or two cookies per day as a treat.

Banana Chips

Steps

1. Preheat the oven to 250 degrees.
2. Cut the banana into slices of even thickness.
3. Show the slices in a lemon juice and water solution for 10 minutes to prevent them from turning brown.
4. Place the slices on a cookie sheet.
5. Bake for 90 minutes (about 1½ hours).
6. Flip and bake for an additional 30 minutes.
7. Let cool before serving these great treats to goats and humans.

Can Goats Eat Banana Peels?

Yes, your goat can eat banana peels, but many don’t like them and would prefer you remove them first. If your goat does enjoy eating banana peels, we recommend washing them first to remove any pesticides or other chemicals that may be present. It’s also a good idea to cut the peel into small pieces as they can be difficult for the goat to chew.

Can Goats Eat Banana Leaves?

Yes. Goats can safely eat the leaves of the banana plant if they can reach them, though they will often eat all the leaves which can kill the plant, so you will need to fence it off if it’s in an area the goats can reach. Goats often prefer the texture of these leaves over the grass so they will look at them as a healthy treat.

Summary

Bananas are a perfectly healthy treat for your goat to eat, and they will likely enjoy them quite a bit. We recommend feeding them without the peels unless your goat enjoys them. Banana slices are the easiest way to serve this tasty treat, but the oatmeal banana cookies provide more varied nutrition and are a favorite among our flock.

• Related read: Can Goats Eat Tomatoes? What You Need to Know!

Featured Image Credit: Pixabay