what not to feed to your horse
The best of intentions can have fatal results if you are not careful. What does this mean? It means as a horse owner it is up to you to know what your horse can and cannot eat.
While there are a plentiful amount of horse treats on the market, some like to make their own treats for their horse. Or some like to feed things out of the fridge. For the most part human food is okay but in small amounts. But more so, there are some foods that even if fed in small amounts are deadly to a horse! Even if they are not deadly, they can cause digestive upset. What are they?
While there are a plentiful amount of horse treats on the market, some like to make their own treats for their horse. Or some like to feed things out of the fridge. For the most part human food is okay but in small amounts. But more so, there are some foods that even if fed in small amounts are deadly to a horse! Even if they are not deadly, they can cause digestive upset. What are they?
Rhubarb
It is poisonous, especially the leaves. It can cause problems with the urinary tract, as well as kidney failure.
Potatoes
Believe it or not but potatoes are toxic to horses. Even potatoes chips are a no no. But that just means more for the owner.
Onion and Garlic
These guys may make food taste great for us, but have the opposite effect for horses. Many owners feed garlic to their horse and swear by it saying that it keeps bugs away, however it hinders red blood cells. Try other products for bug repellent.
Meat
While this seems like a no-brainer, some horses are known to sneak their owner's hamburger and fries. Horses are strictly herbivores.
Bread
Horses are gluten-free. That means that wheat is actually a no no. Bread made from oats or cornmeal is okay.
Dairy
Again, horses have digestive issues like some people and are dairy-free. ONce they are weaned from their mom, that's it. There's no going back.
Chocolate
No need to feel sorry for the horse. Chocolate will actually cause bleeding, colic, seizures. Horses do not want chocolate that badly!
Caffeine
It actually messes with their heartbeat.
Cabbage, Broccoli, and Cauliflower
These can gas a build up of gas that is sometimes hard to release and the horse may colic.
As for the most part, most horses know what they can and cannot eat. It's the youngsters that try everything. It is best to not offer these treats. Keep them healthy, happy, as it is more rewarding in the end. For more information on nutrition and developing a plan for horses, refer to Rider 3.
It is poisonous, especially the leaves. It can cause problems with the urinary tract, as well as kidney failure.
Potatoes
Believe it or not but potatoes are toxic to horses. Even potatoes chips are a no no. But that just means more for the owner.
Onion and Garlic
These guys may make food taste great for us, but have the opposite effect for horses. Many owners feed garlic to their horse and swear by it saying that it keeps bugs away, however it hinders red blood cells. Try other products for bug repellent.
Meat
While this seems like a no-brainer, some horses are known to sneak their owner's hamburger and fries. Horses are strictly herbivores.
Bread
Horses are gluten-free. That means that wheat is actually a no no. Bread made from oats or cornmeal is okay.
Dairy
Again, horses have digestive issues like some people and are dairy-free. ONce they are weaned from their mom, that's it. There's no going back.
Chocolate
No need to feel sorry for the horse. Chocolate will actually cause bleeding, colic, seizures. Horses do not want chocolate that badly!
Caffeine
It actually messes with their heartbeat.
Cabbage, Broccoli, and Cauliflower
These can gas a build up of gas that is sometimes hard to release and the horse may colic.
As for the most part, most horses know what they can and cannot eat. It's the youngsters that try everything. It is best to not offer these treats. Keep them healthy, happy, as it is more rewarding in the end. For more information on nutrition and developing a plan for horses, refer to Rider 3.
