Yes, alpacas can eat banana peels — in moderation.
Banana peels are not toxic and are chewy, fibrous treats. Pesticide residue is the main concern, so wash them.
- Verdict
- In moderation
- Serving size
- 1 peel cut into strips, occasionally
- Preparation
- Wash well (or use organic) and cut into strips.
- Food group
- Fruit
- Sugar per 100 g
- 12.2 g
Risks to know
- Pesticide residue on non-organic peels
Benefits
- Fiber
How to feed banana peels safely
- Wash well (or use organic) and cut into strips.
- Offer by hand or spread out in a shallow pan so greedy eaters don't gulp — 1 peel cut into strips, occasionally.
- Keep all treats under about 5% of the daily diet; hay or pasture and a camelid mineral come first.
- Introduce anything new gradually and watch droppings for the next day.
Nutrition facts (per 100 g)
| Nutrient | Amount | What it means for alpacas |
|---|---|---|
| Water | 74.9 g | Moderate water |
| Energy | 89 kcal | Moderate |
| Sugars | 12.2 g | High — small portions |
| Fiber | 2.6 g | Low fiber |
| Protein | 1.1 g | |
| Fat | 0.3 g | |
| Calcium | 5 mg | |
| Phosphorus | 22 mg | |
| Vitamin C | 8.7 mg | Not required — camelids make their own |
Source: USDA FoodData Central, SR Legacy — “Bananas, raw” (FDC ID 173944).
Sugar compared with other treats
Grams of sugar per 100 g. Lower-sugar treats are kinder to the fore-stomach microbes and waistline.
Other good treats
Frequently asked questions
Can alpacas eat banana peels?
Yes, alpacas can eat banana peels — in moderation. Banana peels are not toxic and are chewy, fibrous treats. Pesticide residue is the main concern, so wash them.
How much banana peels can I give my alpaca?
1 peel cut into strips, occasionally. Treats should stay under about 5% of the diet.
How should I prepare banana peels for alpacas?
Wash well (or use organic) and cut into strips.
How much sugar is in banana peels?
About 12.2 g of sugar per 100 g (USDA FoodData Central).
Can baby alpacas (crias) eat it?
Crias should get milk, then hay and pasture. Hold off on treats until they are weaned and eating forage well, and always use tiny pieces.
See the complete list of foods alpacas can and can't eat, our feeding guide and the toxic plant checker.
This page is educational and does not replace advice from a veterinarian who has examined your animals. Camelid medicine uses many drugs “extra-label”, so dosing must come from your vet. In an emergency, call your vet first. Read our disclaimer · How we write and review content.