Eating bananas is a common behavior among many animals. While we typically think of monkeys when we think of animals that eat bananas, there are many other creatures that enjoy this sweet and nutritious fruit as part of their diet.

Bananas are rich in potassium and fiber, two important nutrients for overall health. Here are some other animals that enjoy eating bananas.

List of 12 Animals That Eat Bananas

Elephants

The diet of these gentle giants consists of plants, roots, and fruits. And considering that some species live in areas where bananas grow everywhere, it’s clear that elephants will gladly reach for these nutritious fruits.

In tropical areas, where food choices are limited, bananas are the staple food of elephants. They love them so much that they often ‘steal’ these fruits from local growers.

Hungry elephants will even knock down the banana tree to reach the delicious fruits. 

Another interesting fact is that elephants don’t mind eating bananas with the peel on. Their digestive system is strong and full of enzymes that can break down any food in no time.

Bats

Bats drinking blood and eating only insects and smaller rodents is another misconception that movies and cartoons have led us into. So it’s about time to debunk this myth and learn that these flying animals are huge banana lovers. 

The relationship between bats and bananas is mutually beneficial. On the one hand, these flying mammals enjoy fruits full of sweetness and vitamins, and they’d dig into the wet pulp and suck all those yummy juices out.

On the other hand, bats help bananas in pollination. When they land on a banana tree to feast on the fruit, they carry the seeds on their fur and wings and spread them everywhere. That’s how this plant reproduces. 

Related: List of Animals That Eat Pumpkins

Chipmunks

The chipmunk is tiny animal that eats nuts, grains, and seeds as a bulk of their diet. But they won’t resist a tasty banana. Although this fruit is not something these little animals can find in the wild, they’ll gladly eat it whenever possible.

So if you have these little rodents as pets or see them in your backyard, don’t hesitate to offer them ripe bananas. In fact, even dried fruit can be an excellent treat for chipmunks since they’re rich in potassium. 

But take care of the amount the chipmunks eat, as bananas are high in calories. You don’t want your tiny pet to become obese, right?

Monkeys

While watching cartoons, you were probably convinced that monkeys are the major banana consumers. That’s partially true, as it mainly refers to zoo animals. They get this sweet fruit as an occasional treat and enjoy its sweetness.

However, wild apes don’t eat cultivated bananas, as we know. Instead, they consume wild fruits, which are bitter and full of seeds. And they’re not too crazy about them. 

So instead of eating these tangy fruits all the time, monkeys prefer them as an occasional treat.

Rats

Rats are omnivores who’ll eat just about anything they find. Bananas? Well, that’s a real treat! 

Considering these tiny rodents don’t often have the chance to eat bananas, they’ll gladly sneak into where you keep this delicious fruit and take a few bites.

Bananas can be an excellent and highly nutritious treat for rodents kept as pets. They’ll enjoy these healthy fruits, and you’ll be amused watching them munchin’ these yummy snacks.

Always peel bananas before giving them to your furry buddy. That’s because peel often contains chemicals that can harm your mouse pet. 

Also, keep an eye on banana amounts, as overfeeding your pets can lead to constipation and other stomach issues.

Raccoons 

When thinking about animals that are opportunistic eaters, raccoons are probably the first thing that comes to mind. These cute creatures are not picky and enjoy all the food that people eat, including bananas.

Raccoons live in temperate climates, meaning that bananas can’t be found on their daily menu. But if these cute animals visit your backyard or you have them as pets, feel free to offer them this sweet fruit – you will be doing them a huge service.

Moreover, raccoons can peel bananas on their own, but in most cases, they’ll eat the whole fruit. Their digestive system can extract nutrients from the peel, so you don’t have to take the skin off bananas.

Rabbits

Bananas should be on the rabbit’s menu because they’re rich in vitamins and minerals necessary for proper growth and development. 

And because of the sweet taste, your fluffy pet will enjoy munching on these fruits every day.

Since sugar from bananas is addictive, your bunny will probably ask for more. And even though it’s hard to resist those tiny eyes and chubby cheeks, don’t fall for that – a slice or two per day is quite enough.

Squirrels

Speaking of opportunistic animals that eat bananas (if available), we must not forget these fluffy rodents. Squirrels are everything but not picky eaters, and if bananas were always available, there’s no doubt they would eat this fruit in huge amounts.

That combination of sweetness and nutrients provides the energy boost these active animals need for climbing and jumping on trees.

Bananas are undeniably a superfood, but they’re loaded with sugar. That doesn’t make them the best choice for small animals like squirrels, their digestive tract can’t handle so much sugar and fiber. 

So, if you want to give a squirrel a banana, just a few slices will do the trick.

Horses

Horses have a sweet tooth, so they enjoy fruits, especially apples and bananas. As the latter fruit is rich in nutrients (especially vitamins C and D, which are necessary for optimal horse health), don’t hesitate to treat your equine friend with one to two bananas daily.

Although full of starch and fiber, bananas are a piece of cake for horses’ digestive systems. These fruits are also an excellent snack for older horses, as they’re soft and puree-like, so senior animals won’t bother chewing them for ages.

But just in case, talk to your vet before feeding your horse this fruit. Ensure your equine friend has no allergies or metabolic disorders that can interfere with digestion.

Dogs

The love that dogs have for people is immense and often inexplicable. That’s why your Fido looks at you with loving eyes, especially when you’re eating a banana. 

It’s difficult to resist giving your furry friend even one bite at that point.

Be without worry; although fruit shouldn’t dominate your pup’s diet, bananas are perfectly safe, and your dog will be happy to eat them. 

And that’s good because the vitamins and minerals in bananas enable healthy teeth and claws, support the work of nerves and muscles, and promote strong immunity.

Apart from being an excellent and nutritious treat, this fruit can be your ally when giving your stubborn pet medicine or vitamins. Just sneak the pill into a slice of banana, and your dog will swallow it in no time.

Ants

Ants are useful insects, but they’re also opportunistic eaters, and you’ll find them in any place with food. 

Bananas can also be their target, especially when dark spots appear on the peel and the flesh becomes even sweeter. And sugar is known to attract these insects.

Due to the soft texture and sweetness, ants love banana flesh. But in most cases, they avoid the peel. 

Apart from being bitter and quite inedible for these insects, the peel can often be an ‘impenetrable shield,’ especially when the bananas are under-ripe.

Birds

Birds of all kinds will eat sweet, mushy bananas with pleasure. These fruits are packed with fiber, so even a small portion is enough to keep the bird full and ensure healthy digestion. 

So if you’re a bird feeder, watcher, or owner, feel free to give bananas to your feathered friends.

Remove the skin (due to pesticides), chop the banana flesh into small pieces, and leave them on the bird plate or feeder platform. 

Ensure there are no dark or moldy spots on the fruit. Overripe bananas are too sweet, and mold can be toxic, both of which can harm birds.

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