Can Goats Eat Banana Peels: Safety Guide for Livestock Owners

By Isabella Martinezfrom San Diego, California · November 20, 2025

Can Goats Eat Banana Peels

Key Takeaways

•Goats can safely eat banana peels, but pesticide residue poses serious health risks that washing alone cannot fully eliminate
•Not all goats enjoy banana peels due to their bitter, rubbery texture - some will only eat the sweet fruit inside
•Always wash store-bought banana peels with hot soapy water and chop into small pieces to prevent choking hazards
•Limit banana treats (including peels) to one banana per goat every few days to avoid digestive issues from excessive sugar

I've been raising livestock for over a decade, and this question lands in my inbox more than you'd think. The short answer: yes, they can. The real answer: it's complicated, and what you don't know about those peels could actually harm your herd.

I've watched goats devour entire bananas, peel and all, like they're starving. I've also seen them pick around the peel with the precision of a surgeon, eating only the sweet flesh. Here's what you actually need to know about feeding banana peels to goats, minus the nonsense.

The Straight Answer: Yes, But With Serious Caveats

Banana peels are technically safe for goats. The entire banana plant is non-toxic to them - fruit, peel, leaves, the lot. Your goats won't keel over if they munch on a banana peel.

But "safe" and "good idea" are two different things.

The peels contain fiber, potassium, and B vitamins. They're nutritious in theory. In practice, there are complications that most advice glosses over.

First, banana peels are bitter and rubbery. Many goats simply won't eat them. They'll sniff, take a tentative nibble, and walk away in search of something better. Some goats love them - it's completely individual preference.

Second, and this is crucial: the pesticide problem is real.

The Pesticide Problem You Can't Ignore

Here's what nobody wants to tell you about banana peels. Commercial bananas are among the most heavily pesticide-laden produce on the market. The chemicals used on banana crops are harsh because these fruits are grown in tropical climates where pests are relentless.

The nature of banana skin means simple washing won't remove all the residue. The pesticides penetrate the peel's surface. We're talking about fungicides, insecticides, and treatments applied during shipping to prevent ripening.

Thiabendazole is commonly used on banana peels as an antifungal. Ironically, it's also used as a livestock dewormer. So some goat owners rationalize that these peels are therefore safe.

I'm not convinced.

The concentration and form matter. What's applied externally to preserve fruit during international shipping isn't the same as therapeutic doses given intentionally. Your goats are ingesting unknown quantities of agricultural chemicals.

If you're going to feed banana peels to goats, organic is the only way I'd recommend it.

For conventional bananas, either skip the peel entirely or wash them thoroughly with hot soapy water. Even then, you're gambling on residual contamination.

Some folks toss banana peels on the compost pile instead. Probably the smartest move.

How to Actually Prepare Banana Peels for Goats

If you've decided to feed banana peels despite the pesticide concerns, here's how to do it properly.

Wash them aggressively. Not a quick rinse - proper hot water with biodegradable soap. Scrub the surface. Rinse thoroughly multiple times. Remove all stickers and any visible residue.

Cut them into small pieces. Banana peels are tough and rubbery. They present a genuine choking hazard, especially for younger goats. Slice the peel into strips no larger than a few centimetres.

Introduce them gradually. Don't suddenly dump a pile of banana peels in front of your herd. Goats have sensitive digestive systems. New foods should be introduced slowly, in small amounts. Watch for any signs of digestive upset.

One banana peel per goat, chopped up, is more than enough for a trial run.

Consider drying and grinding them. Some livestock owners dry banana peels completely and grind them into a powder. This makes them easier to digest and mix into regular feed. It's extra work, but it eliminates choking risks and makes the peels more palatable.

If you're dealing with frozen bananas, thaw them completely before feeding. The texture changes, which some goats might reject.

Why Some Goats Won't Touch Banana Peels (And That's Fine)

Let's be honest about goat preferences. These animals are famously picky eaters despite their reputation for eating anything.

Banana peels taste bitter. They have a chemical, astringent quality that many goats find off-putting. The texture is rubbery and difficult to chew.

I've watched goats take one bite, make a face that can only be described as disgusted, and walk away. Other goats in the same herd will fight over them. It's entirely individual.

If your goats don't want banana peels, don't force it.

They're getting plenty of nutrition from their regular diet of grass, hay, and browse. Banana peels are treats, not necessities.

Some goats will eat the fruit enthusiastically but leave the peel untouched. That's perfectly normal behaviour. They know what they like.

The goats that do enjoy banana peels tend to be enthusiastic about them. They'll eat them quickly, with obvious enjoyment. These are the goats that'll stare at you expectantly whenever you're eating a banana yourself.

How Often and How Much: The Sugar Problem

Here's the part that matters for your goats' health. Bananas - including the peels - are high in sugar.

Too much sugar causes real problems in goats. Their rumens are designed for fibrous plant material, not concentrated sugars. Excessive sugar intake can cause rapid fermentation in their first stomach.

This leads to bloat. Bloat kills goats. I'm not being dramatic - it's a life-threatening condition.

Symptoms of bloat include:

Swelling on the upper left side of the abdomen
Anxious bleating
Teeth grinding
Unsteady gait
Excess salivation
Frequent urination

If you notice these signs after feeding bananas or banana peels, contact a vet immediately.

The feeding guideline is simple: moderation.

One banana per goat every few days is the maximum. That includes the peel if they're eating it. Don't make banana treats a daily occurrence.

Feed your goats their regular diet first. Let them fill up on grass, hay, and foliage. Then offer banana peels as an occasional treat.

This prevents them from gorging on sugar and ensures they're getting proper nutrition.

Also, goats can develop a sweet tooth. Once they discover sugary treats, they'll beg relentlessly for more. You're creating a rod for your own back if you overfeed them sweets.

What About Other Parts of the Banana Plant?

Since we're talking about goats and bananas, let's address the whole plant.

Banana leaves: Completely safe. If you're lucky enough to grow bananas in your climate, your goats will demolish the leaves. They love them. You'll need to fence off banana trees or your herd will strip them bare within hours.

The fruit itself: Safe, but the same sugar warnings apply. Slice it to prevent choking. Feed sparingly.

Banana tree roots: Safe to eat, and goats enjoy digging for them. The roots contain moisture, which helps with hydration. Digging is good exercise for goats too.

The entire plant is non-toxic. Your goats could theoretically eat every part of a banana tree without harm. The only real danger is overconsumption leading to digestive issues from too much sugar.

If you have banana trees on your property, expect your goats to show intense interest in them. They're natural foragers and banana plants are genuinely appealing to them.

Just monitor how much they're consuming to prevent bloat.

The Bottom Line on Feeding Banana Peels to Goats

Can goats eat banana peels? Yes. Should they? That depends entirely on your comfort level with pesticide exposure and your ability to source organic bananas.

I've seen goats thrive with occasional banana peel treats. I've also seen owners skip them entirely without any nutritional deficiency.

If you're going to do it:

Buy organic when possible
Wash thoroughly with hot soapy water
Cut into small pieces
Feed sparingly - one banana per goat every few days maximum
Introduce gradually
Watch for digestive issues

If your goats reject the peels, don't push it. They know what they're doing.

The most important thing is that your herd gets proper forage, hay, and browse as their primary diet. Banana peels are a fun occasional treat, not a dietary staple.

Feed them right, keep them healthy, and don't stress about whether they're missing out if they won't eat banana peels.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to peel bananas before feeding them to goats?

No, goats can eat whole bananas with the peel on. However, many goats prefer the fruit without the peel due to the bitter taste and rubbery texture. If your goats are picky, peel the banana first. If they enjoy eating the whole thing, ensure you wash the peel thoroughly to remove pesticide residue and chop it into small pieces to prevent choking.

Are banana peels dangerous for baby goats?

Young goats (kids) under 6-8 weeks old shouldn't have banana peels. Their digestive systems are still developing and can't handle the toughness of the peel. Wait until kids are reliably eating solid foods before offering any banana treats, and even then, start with just the soft fruit in very small amounts. Always chop banana peels into tiny pieces for younger goats.

Can I feed my goats banana peels every day?

No, you shouldn't feed banana peels daily. The high sugar content in bananas can cause digestive issues and bloat if fed too frequently. Limit banana treats (including peels) to once every few days maximum - about one banana per goat. Goats need their primary diet to be grass, hay, and foliage, with fruits like bananas reserved as occasional treats.

What's the best way to wash banana peels for goats?

Scrub banana peels under hot running water with biodegradable soap, then rinse thoroughly multiple times. Remove all stickers and any visible residue. This helps reduce (but doesn't eliminate) pesticide contamination. For maximum safety, buy organic bananas or skip the peel entirely and feed only the fruit.

My goat ate too many banana peels - what should I watch for?

Watch for signs of bloat: swelling on the upper left abdomen, anxious bleating, teeth grinding, unsteady walking, excess drooling, or frequent urination. These symptoms indicate serious digestive distress from rapid fermentation caused by too much sugar. Contact your vet immediately if you observe any of these signs after your goat has eaten excessive bananas or banana peels.

Can I compost banana peels instead of feeding them to goats?

Yes, composting banana peels is an excellent alternative, especially if you're concerned about pesticide exposure. Banana peels break down quickly in compost and add valuable nutrients. This is often the safest option for conventional (non-organic) banana peels rather than feeding them to your livestock.

Do banana peels help deworm goats?

No, don't rely on banana peels for deworming. While commercial banana peels are often treated with thiabendazole (which is also used as a livestock dewormer), the concentration and form aren't the same as therapeutic deworming treatments. Use proper veterinary-approved deworming protocols for your herd rather than counting on incidental pesticide exposure from fruit peels.

Can I freeze banana peels to feed my goats later?

Yes, you can freeze banana peels for later feeding. Store them in sealed containers or bags in your freezer. Thaw them completely before feeding to your goats, and remember to still wash them thoroughly before freezing if they're conventional bananas. Some goats may reject the changed texture after freezing, so introduce frozen-then-thawed peels gradually.

Are green banana peels safer than ripe ones for goats?

Green banana peels are tougher and more bitter than ripe ones, making them less appealing to most goats. However, they're not inherently safer - both carry the same pesticide concerns if conventionally grown. Green bananas have more resistant starch and less sugar, which could theoretically be better for goats' digestion, but the tough texture increases choking risks. Stick with ripe banana peels that are easier to chew and cut into small pieces.

Can goats eat banana peels if they're on medication?

Check with your vet before feeding banana peels to goats on medication. Some medications require consistent rumen pH, and the sugar in bananas can affect fermentation patterns. Additionally, if your goats are on certain medications, the pesticide residue on conventional banana peels could potentially interact. When in doubt, skip the banana peels until your goats have completed their treatment course.

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