Preparation
Break them into chunks. You can leave the peel on if you wash it first.
Quantity
One or two bananas max per day.
Notes
An awesome treat for giving medications. Just shove the pill right into a chunk of banana.
Nutritional Benefits
* Huge dose of potassium to help muscles recover after exercise.
* Vitamin B6 helps convert their food into usable energy.
* Very easy to chew, making it perfect for older horses.
Safe Varieties
1. Ripe yellow bananas - Sweet, soft, and their absolute favorite.
2. Bananas with brown spots - Even sweeter and perfectly safe.
3. Banana peels - Yes, they can eat them! Just wash the outside first.
4. Green bananas - Safe, but less sweet and a bit starchy.
5. Banana bread - Avoid this. Horses do not need baked goods or added sugars.
Feeding Guide
Average adult horse: 1 to 2 bananas per day.
Ponies: Half a banana.
Seniors: 1 mashed banana mixed into their soaked feed.
Positive Signs
* Funny lip movements as they figure out the mushy texture.
* Licking the feed tub clean if you mixed it in.
* Good energy levels during work.
Negative Signs
* Turning their nose up. Some horses just hate the texture!
* Loose manure if they eat too many peels at once.
Preparation Science
As bananas brown, their starches convert to simple sugars. This makes them sweeter and softer, but also means they will spike your horse's blood sugar faster.
Enrichment Science
The novel texture of a banana, especially with the peel on, challenges a horse's normal chewing pattern and provides a fun sensory shift from dry hay.
Play Ideas
Easy: Break a banana in half and feed it peel and all.
Medium: Smear mashed banana on the walls of their feed tub so they have to lick it off.
Hard: Freeze a peeled banana whole and let them crunch through the cold mush on a hot day.
FAQ
Q: Wait, they can really eat the peel?
A: Yep! The peel is safe and full of fiber. Just wash off any pesticide residue first.
Q: Will bananas make my horse hyper?
A: No, but they do have sugar. Keep it to one or two and they will be totally fine.
Alternatives
* Apples are crunchy and wet, while bananas are soft and dense.
* Sweet potatoes offer similar potassium but must be cooked first.
* Peppermints are just sugar, while bananas offer actual vitamins.
Risks & Disclaimer
Bananas are a fantastic, safe treat. Just remember they are high in potassium and sugar, so don't let your horse raid the fruit basket.
