Yes, alpacas can eat bananas — in moderation.
Bananas are safe and soft (low choke risk) but sweet and starchy. Many alpacas also eat banana peels, which are fine in small amounts if washed.
- Verdict
- In moderation
- Serving size
- 2-3 slices (about 1/4 banana)
- Preparation
- Peel or leave peel on; slice into rounds.
- Food group
- Fruit
- Sugar per 100 g
- 12.2 g
Risks to know
- High sugar content can upset the C1 (fore-stomach) microbes and contributes to obesity
Benefits
- Soft — good for older alpacas with worn teeth
- Potassium
How to feed bananas safely
- Peel or leave peel on; slice into rounds.
- Offer by hand or spread out in a shallow pan so greedy eaters don't gulp — 2-3 slices (about 1/4 banana).
- 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 bananas?
Yes, alpacas can eat bananas — in moderation. Bananas are safe and soft (low choke risk) but sweet and starchy. Many alpacas also eat banana peels, which are fine in small amounts if washed.
How much bananas can I give my alpaca?
2-3 slices (about 1/4 banana). Treats should stay under about 5% of the diet.
How should I prepare bananas for alpacas?
Peel or leave peel on; slice into rounds.
How much sugar is in bananas?
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.