It’s perfectly natural to want to reward our horses with “treats” when we feel they deserve it, and there’s no harm or risk involved in doing so. However, to be perfectly “safe,” we must be aware of what we can and cannot provide.
Horses should have as natural a diet as possible, and ideally they should have access to quality pasture. Whether or not they have access to pasture, it is essential to provide horses with quality hay and fresh, clean water. Since the historical evolution of horses has led to their being kept in stables and used for sporting purposes, it has become essential to supplement their diet with a concentrated feed that allows them to meet their increased energy, protein and vitamin needs.
Food to be fed to horses (occasionally)
Carrot, Apple (pitted), Pear (pitted), Watermelon, Plum (pitted), Apricot (pitted), Melon (peelless), Peach (pitted), Strawberries, Mango, Grapes, Raisins, Banana (peelless), Pineapple (peelless), Orange (peelless), Celery.
It should always be borne in mind that over-consumption of any of the above-mentioned foods can unbalance the horse's diet, as well as its natural microbiota, which is essential for normal intestinal function, which is not desirable. Moderation is therefore the key to success.
Foods not to be given to horses
1. Chocolate – Why? Consuming large amounts of chocolate can be lethal to horses because the chemical molecule theobromine is toxic to the species. In competition horses, chocolate can even lead to doping.
2. Meat – Why? Horses are herbivores, so their digestive system is not prepared to digest meat. Since there are no studies that reveal the effects of meat consumption by horses, its supply should be made unfeasible.
3. Dairy products – Why? Adult horses are lactose intolerant, so providing them with cheese, milk, ice cream or yogurt may contribute to intestinal dysbiosis and diarrhea.
4. Bread, cakes, etc. – Why? As a general rule, processed foods for human consumption should not be given to horses, as they can cause abdominal pain (colic).
5. Tomatoes – Why? Tomatoes contain a glycoalkaloid that is toxic to horses. This glycoalkaloid is present in the stems and leaves of the plant, as well as in the fruit (particularly when green). In addition, the food contains atropine, which can cause, among other effects, a decrease in intestinal motility, which can lead to colic.
6. Garlic – Why? Garlic contains a toxic molecule called N-Propyl Disulfide, which causes changes in the enzyme Glucose-6-Phosphate Dehydrogenase present in erythrocytes, reducing the cell’s ability to prevent hemoglobin oxidation. As a result, oxidative damage to the hemoglobin molecule may occur. The damaged erythrocytes are subsequently removed from circulation, resulting in anemia due to a decrease in the number of circulating red blood cells.
7. Onions – Why? Onions are part of the garlic family, so they also contain N-propyl disulfide, which can also cause anemia. Chives and leeks are also part of this family.
8. Potatoes – Why? Like tomatoes, potatoes contain a glycoalkaloid that is toxic to horses called solanine. Eating this food presents a greater risk when it is “green” or rotten.
9. Avocado – Why? Avocado is a toxic food for horses, as is the tree from which it comes, including its skin and leaves. Avocado contains persin, a substance derived from the fatty acids present in the food, which is considered to be responsible for the toxicity of this fruit. Eating avocado can cause an irregular heartbeat, breathing difficulties, neurological dysfunction or colic, and can even result in the death of the horse.
10. Cruciferous vegetables – Why? Cruciferous vegetables such as cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower, kale and Brussels sprouts should not be fed to horses due to the gas production associated with ingesting these foods.
11. Moldy or dirty hay – In addition to providing horses with high-quality hay, it is also important to check the condition of the hay to ensure that it is free of dirt or mold. Mold spores can cause irreversible damage to the horse’s respiratory system.
12. Feed designed for other animal species – Horses should not be fed feed designed for any other animal species. What is beneficial for cows, for example, is not beneficial for horses and may ultimately result in the death of the animals.