Feeding your horse too many grapes can result in high sugar level, addiction to sweet taste, and digestive problems. The big worry with Mangoes is the pit. Can horses eat mango? If your horse really doesnt like it though dont try and force them to eat it. You might try finding the botanical name and then checking the lists to see if it shows up. This is one of the reasons why we feed them fruits instead, but it can be difficult to know which fruits are safe and which arent which is why I thought Id put this guide together. The only thing you need to remember about apricots though is that they have a stone that must be removed beforehand, if not it could choke your horse. Any part of the fruit, be it the meat of the vegetable, the . Ive had many horses over the years and while there have been one or two fussy eaters theyve generally all liked the fruits listed below. Grapes are one of the many fruits horses can consume without risk, and they are practically at the top of the list of safe options. Cinnamon (in SMALL amounts) Can horses eat watermelon? Learn to identify these plants in your pastures and yards and be sure to remove them as soon as possible to keep your horses safe. 1. They are sweet and bountiful, so the kids wanted to share them with our horses. But we will also go over some other foods that are and are not safe to feed a horse. To prepare, remove the skin and core. Horses can acquire a taste for all of the fruits on your property, none of which themselves pose a problem if eaten in small quantities, except maybe avocados. Whether its honeydew, cantaloupe, honey globe or snap, all melons are perfectly okay for horses to eat, they generally have a low sugar content and a high water content which means that your horse can eat more of them than he can some other fruits. Cashews Depending on the tree, each part may present a separate danger. Manage Settings The trees, leaves, and pits of the Bitter Almonds contain cyanogenic glycosides, purnasin, and amygdalin. They will consume banana peels, carrot peels, zucchini peels, and squash peels, among other vegetable peels. Fruit: The fruit of the avocado contains a compound called persin that is dangerous to livestock (although harmless to people). Not only are kiwis perfectly suitable for horses to eat but theyre so good they should be included in their daily diet! Theyll do this to help meet their nutritional needs, after all, many berries contain vitamins A, B6, C, and D, manganese, copper, and iron amongst many others. Continue reading to find out more. Strawberries contain vitamins, manganese, folate, potassium, iron, fiber, antioxidants, minerals, and water. Other people love the bit of sour). Symptoms of bracken fern poisoning may include: Soils comprised largely of sand and gravel drain quickly, making them perfect for this variety of horsetail. Zucchini is another one you may not have thought of. Now you have an entire list of fruits that are safe for your horse to eat. Red maples grow throughout the eastern United States and Canada. Another important thing to remember is while peaches are safe for horses, their leaves can be extremely dangerous for them, and can cause their death. The answer to those who have been wondering whether or not horses can consume cucumbers is yes. This should be a relief to those of you who have an abundance of cucumbers blooming in your gardens. Too many peaches can cause gas colic in horses. Dried fruit https://ker.com/equinews/feeding-treats-horses/, https://equine-world.co.uk/info/horse-care/feeding-horses/feeding-horses-fruits-and-vegetables, https://equestrianco.com/blogs/latest/can-horses-eat-bananas-pears-apples-and-other-fruits, https://www.primestables.co.uk/blog/what-can-horses-eat-the-top-20-foods-you-didnt-know-horses-could-eat/, https://equinewellnessmagazine.com/fruits-veggies/, https://www.thesprucepets.com/feeding-watermelon-to-your-horse-1886490, https://horseislove.com/can-horses-eat-strawberries/, https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/apricots-benefits#TOC_TITLE_HDR_11, https://www.thebarkspace.com/can-horses-eat-cantaloupe/, https://horseislove.com/can-horses-eat-grapes/, https://horseislove.com/can-horses-eat-oranges/, https://horseislove.com/can-horses-eat-peaches/, https://horseislove.com/can-horses-eat-pears/, How to Prevent and Control Duck Mites and Lice, How to Train Turkeys to Come When Called (9 Tips), https://myhorsenames.com/can-horses-eat-pineapple/. It doesnt matter if youre feeding your horse blueberries, blackberries, or raspberries theyre all super good for him as well as being delicious. Cinnamon (in SMALL amounts) Peanut Butter. Oil in the seeds contains punicic acid, the isoflavone genistein, the phytoestrogen coumestrol and estrone, the combination of which is being researched for anticancer properties. Corn oil and corn syrup They can help in regulating sugar levels, aid in hydration, and they also contain fiber that will help maintain your horses digestive system. Fruit: Figs provide a sweet, tasty treat for horses, and their high sugar content makes them an excellent substitute for sugar cubes or other less healthy treats. It is crucial to select the appropriate fruits, vegetables, and snacks and to consume them in moderation. While they can be fed raw, horses really enjoy them when baked into oatmeal cookies. They can even be made into refreshing frozen treats too. It yields a bell-shaped purple flower and the small, round fruit looks like a large black currant, of a deep, shiny black/purple color. The best pears to feed your horse should be very ripe, allowing the fruit to be sweet on the inside yet crunchy on the outside. Other symptoms of pigweed ingestion may include: The bark of red maples is smooth and grayish. The most important rule about giving your horse fruits is to make sure you wash the fruit thoroughly to remove any chemicals, bacteria, or pesticides. Strawberries are an awesome sweet treat that most horses quickly learn to love. Graham Crackers Leaves from plums, cherries, peaches, and several other fruits are also toxic to horses. They can eat both the skin and the fruity flesh. Plants belonging to the allium family, which includes vegetables like garlic and onions, are collectively referred to as alliums. (Chives, leeks, and shallots are all members of the same plant family called allium.). It is important to follow this step since seeds contain cyanide which is dangerous if too much is consumed. This will help prevent digestive upset. Unlike a lot of other fruits, they can be fed to horses even when theyre dried, although you should avoid giving them to horses with Equine Cushings Disease or any other condition that causes insulin resistance. Some Ive loved, others Ive hated but I thought Id share with you my top all-time favorite products, the ones I never leave the yard without. While your horse may not like the taste of the peel its perfectly safe for them to eat, as long as you clean it thoroughly to remove any pesticides that might be left on it. Loquat leaves have been used in Oriental medicine for centuries and are thought to have wondrous curative properties. Your goal is to remove pesticides and dirt from the produce. They have the same amount of sugar as many melons but have fewer calories and a lot more vitamin C. A recent study carried out by a supplement company found that feeding orange peel to horses after exercise reduced their fatigue so you could always use a segment of orange as a healthier alternative when training your horse. Since it is 90% water, this fruit helps to hydrate your horse, as well as lessen muscle soreness. This could result in choking. And whats more, theyre packed with goodness. Doing this removes the risk of choking. What you might not know though is that nectarines are also higher in fiber than most other fruits. Never feed them dried fruits or human food that contain dried or processed fruits. Can horses eat apples? I know that grapes are technically berries but their benefits are so good that I thought it was better to include them separately. Dont miss out! But there are some exceptions. Ideas for Introducing New Treats to Your Horses Diet, fall vegetable that everyone sees around is pumpkins, My horse loves raw sweet potato cubed in her grain, Slice it long ways or into circles like a cucumber, DIY Customized Hand-Painted Grooming Brushes, 10 Easy Horse Obstacles You Can Buy for Under $20, Kentucky Mountain Saddle Horse Breed Profile. She was raised caring for horses, rehabilitated rescue horses, shows her own horses, and rides long distance. If you want to learn more about horse foods, read this article: The Human Foods Horses Can and Cannot Eat. Oranges are one of many natural foods that are safe to feed horses as a treat. However, they need to consume a lot of tomatoes for it to be harmful, and most horses disdain their taste, so the risk is low. Passion fruit is extremely versatile. Pumpkin makes a great horse treat. This means that it is important for horse owners to be aware of what fruits and vegetables are safe for their horses to eat and also how to prepare these items correctly so they are digestible. This post will go over the many kinds of fruits and vegetables you can safely feed your horse and the ones you should avoid. A horse would have to eat a large number of lamb's quarters for the toxin to take effect. Copyright 2022 Horse Racing Sense. Grapes are a snack that can easily be prepared for your horse. Raspberry Leaf. Unripe figs also contain latex and should not be eaten until ripe. I found the best way to feed them to your horse is to remove the core and slice them up just like you would an apple. Apples promote tissue repair, aid in carbohydrate digestion, support the nervous system, and enhance the immune system. This blog is run by me, April Lee. Mostly, horses leave fig leaves alone. They can also be chewed and have a slightly crunchy texture. 01 of 11 Tree bark: Horses tend not to bother the bark on these trees; it must be bitter or strong tasting. Leaves: The avocado tree leaves contain toxic compounds, including persin, dopamine and methyl chavicol. Dont give your horse a whole bunch of bananas at once, instead feed half a banana every few days. Passion fruit also contains phosphorus, niacin, and vitamin B-6, all of which a healthy body also needs. Tomatoes may be delicious and beneficial to peoples health, but they are not good for horses to eat. Orange seeds are used in human herbal medicine for urinary tract ailments and malaria. 2,075. Keep in mind, too, that the horse may beat you to the harvest and leave slim pickings for the family. It can also be used to make delicious salad dressings. Horses will never say no to treats, so it is your responsibility to know what is enough and how much is too much. The stems are smooth, and can be green or have a reddish tinge. 9. Animals may have blistered skin and white areas of the coat may be more prone to sunburn. Grapes can be a hit or miss when it comes to horses. Apples are synonymous with horses and theres no reason at all why you shouldnt feed them to your horse. Slice it, dice it or feed it whole. Can horses eat pumpkin? If you have plum trees overhanging your pasture youll notice how your horse devours them as soon as he can, stones and all, I know mine certainly do! They should be fed in moderate amounts because excessive consumption of strawberries can cause digestive problems and nutrient deficiencies. Why Give Your Horse Human Foods? Eating tomatoes can cause a horse to colic and even die. Oatmeal (rolled oats, steel cut oats, Irish oats, quick oats) Honey. Horses have very different taste buds to us and many like the sour taste they get from citrus fruits. A nice, sloppy, wet bran mash makes it hard to separate out new treats from the yummy bran. At least for my mare, the more foods I introduce the braver she has seem to have gotten about trying new ones as well. University of Minnesota Extension, 2020, Toxic Plants of Kansas. Australian Saddles: Are they comfortable & good for horses? You can eat it on its own or add it to drinks, desserts, and yogurt. [2] Tannins are found in this fruit, and horses stomachs are not equipped to handle them adequately. I fed it to my first horse and every horse since. Horses are unlikely to eat this plant unless there is no other food available. We presume that because its a natural food that hasnt been processed its okay for your horse to eat as much as he wants but this isnt the case. No known toxins for horses are present in the leaves. While their diet should consist mainly of roughage - grass and hay - they will enjoy a small amount of fruity snacks every day. You can help them out at first by cutting the watermelon into thin slices that are easier to bite down on. If you normally feed red apples, try green. Unless there is no other feed available, it is unlikely a horse will eat this plant. A: Orchards can be wonderful for the family but are not always the best for your horse. Your horse will have no adverse effects if it consumes the grape and the seeds. All parts of the plant are toxic. Seeds should be removed and discarded. If youre thinking about learning to ride or want to try a new discipline then it can be difficult to know whats right for you which is why I decided to write this article. The grass around buttercup plants may bewell grazed. Study finds no downside to early castration, Delaware Valley University to livestream foaling. Feed your horses fresh, natural pineapples because canned may contain toxins and preservatives. Avocado is one of the deadliest fruits to horses. It is highly recommended to cut the apple into small pieces to avoid swallowing it whole, which is extremely dangerous. Reports exist of horses consuming avocado without ill effects, but there is always a potential for problems. If you have horses and a garden, you'll have to be careful that you do not have certain plants on your property. The most dangerous potatoes are those that are still green or rotted, as the chemical makeup of these potatoes can lead to toxicosis. Horses are known for their curious nature, and often this curiosity leads them to eat things they shouldnt. On top of that, theyre a rich source of vitamins and minerals such as vitamins A and K, potassium, calcium, and iron which means theyll keep your horse healthy. What horses can benefit from low starch, low sugar feeds? Your bunny will get an upset stomach from eating passion fruit and therefore it should be avoided. In some areas, this plant is called pigweed or goosefoot. Learn to identify these plants in your pastures and yards and be sure to remove them as soon as possible to keep your horses safe. They can be eaten raw, or cooked. The seeds of the passion fruit give it some fiber, which will help you feel full. As with apples though you should remove the stalk, seeds, and any leaves before cutting them in half and feeding them to your horse. Nectarines are low in sugar but, compared to some other fruits, high in dietary fiber which makes them a healthy treat or snack for horses. Although some sources will instruct you to remove the ends of bananas, squash, and zucchini and chop the ends off of carrots, this is not necessary. I have a B.S. Remove all potentially hazardous foods from your horses diet, get your horse tested for food allergies, and ensure that no potentially dangerous foods are ever within reach of your horse. While Ive talked My names Lucy and since learning to ride at the age of five Ive not only owned dozens of horses and ponies (and a few donkeys) but Ive also run a very successful riding school, teaching both English and Western. Just be sure to cut them up into smaller pieces and remove the core. Below is an interesting YouTube video from Ask the vet about what treats horses should and shouldnt eat. Eating a passion fruit can be pretty straight-forward. They can be fed fresh or if the weathers hot you can freeze the flesh and feed them to your horse like that. Thanks in advance I really appreciate it! I feed both the red ones (yams) and the white ones. Can horses eat sweet potato? I love honeydew but sometimes I have a hard time picking out a really nice and sweet one. In this article, we list down some of the most common fruits that a horse can safely eat. Feed them in moderation. Bracken fern, dried and baled into hay, is still toxic. Not all horses will like the taste of oranges but theyre perfectly okay for them to eat. To prepare mango for your horse, I recommend peeling the mango and then slicing the fruit into chunks. Points. Peppermint and most hard candies (NOT chocolate) Not only will your horse love a handful of strawberries, but they can also be beneficial to your horse's health. Signs of milkweed poisoning are: Milkweed is the host plant for the important pollinator, the monarch butterfly. If you remove the pips first theres no reason whatsoever why you cant feed cherries to your horse, as a bonus theyre bursting with vitamin C. Just because cherries are small and have large pips it doesnt mean they cant be fed to your horse, just make sure you remove the pips beforehand. in Agriculture from Cal Poly Pomona. Bananas aid in soothing the stomach, relieving constipation, and reducing sore muscles. Not only are pears safe for horses to eat. You might not realize it but strawberries have a lot of water too so can also help to hydrate your horse, especially when the weathers hot. Although horses are capable of eating cantaloupe rinds, it is not suggested since the rinds may contain mold. From his coat to his bones, melons can benefit every part of your horse. Honeydew makes an excellent horse treat. Seeds: Orange and lemon seeds are not harmful to horses in small amounts, although no research has been done on consumption of larger quantities. They are low in calories, high in antioxidants and potassium, and very hydrating such a beneficial fruit for your equine buddy! Can horses eat oranges? (source). Otherwise, they are consuming a lot of indigestible fiber. The flowers grow in a ball-shaped cluster and when in full bloom can range from a pink to purplish color. They are safe for horses to eat in moderate quantity. Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. Its *free*! Can You Eat Passion Fruit Seeds? In small quantities both red and green apples can be enjoyed by horses, ponies and even donkeys! Be honest, I bet you hadnt thought about feeding papayas to your horse? Next time you are drinking orange juice at the barn, consider offering your horse a sip and see what she thinks! We would like our horse to have the freedom to roam everywhere, but we havent been able to find out much about any risks the fruit trees might pose to him. As with most fruits, passion fruit has no fat. The Spruce Pets uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Pretzels Thats not to say you shouldnt be feeding your horse treats, it just means you should always feed them in moderation. Dogs cannot eat passion fruit. Blackberries, raspberries, cherries, and red grapes, contain antioxidants that help keep your horse healthy and strengthen its immune system. Pineapple contains vitamin C, A, B6, as well as magnesium, calcium and iron. Theyre packed with nutrients that help boost your horses immune system as well as an assortment of vitamins and minerals that will keep your horse healthy. Fruit: Eating large amounts of loquats can have a mild sedative effect in people, but this is undocumented in horses. My mare LOVES treats so Im always thinking about what I can do to keep her interested. For a horse with a history of laminitis and in the early stages of Cushings disease, I would not recommend free access to the orchard because the fruit has a high sugar content. Plants Toxic to Horses. Passion flower, Passiflora caerulea, is an exotic-looking climber, bearing evergreen, deeply lobed, dark green glossy leaves, from which large white flowers with central filaments of purple, blue and white appear from July to September, followed by egg-shaped, orange-yellow fruit. Can horses eat celery? Grated apples and carrots Cut large produce into smaller pieces. When giving a baby food in rapidly increasing amounts, you run the risk of causing colic, but you also need to be aware of their allergies. Consuming large amounts of this toxin can cause noninfectious mastitis, gastritis, colic and possibly damage to the heart. Home Are fruit trees safe in horse pastures? They can eat the rinds as well. Kathy Blocksdorf is an equine expert and writer with over three decades ofexperience in training and riding horses. Ingestion may result in: Milkweed is a very common pasture plant. Fat: 0g. Read our, Common Garden Plants That Are Toxic to Cats, The 5 Types of Horse Feeds and Concentrates, Macadamia Nuts and other Nuts That Are Toxic to Dogs. Giving these horses treats may cause more harm than good. Flour (White and Whole Wheat) If you suspect your pet is sick, call your vet immediately. Try slicing the celery into small hand held sections during your horses next training routine. All parts of this plant are toxic to humans and pets. If there is more desirable feed available, horses will generally avoid eating buttercups because of their acrid taste and tendency to blister the mouth. Cantaloupe is another fun fruit to feed your horses. Horses can eat both the rind and the sweet, fruity flesh. We all know about feeding apples to horses but many of us dont even consider pears, yet theyre actually slightly healthier. It is okay if they eat the rind, too. If you introduce foods one at a time, slowly, you will be better able to tell if a particular treat gives your horse hives or otherwise makes him seem off. Now with some research I've found that persimmons can be toxic to horses if they are gorged upon so the trees came down today. In the wild horses instinctively know what they need and what they dont which is why theyll often snack on berries that grow wild. Of course, its important to make sure that any fruits or vegetables you give to your horse are washed and free of pesticides. Your horse would benefit most from eating cucumbers that have been cultivated organically or at home without the use of any pesticides. If you cook the treats, it removes the alcohol.) While some horses do not fancy watermelon, others may be crazy over it. However, be cautious, not all fruits are safe for horses to eat. Passion fruit comes from the passion fruit vine, a climbing vine with spectacular flowers. Cherries can be fed to your horse at any time but doing so after exercise can really aid their recovery, especially if theyve been working hard. The skin is safe for horses to eat. Location. We have a large persimmon tree at our house. Strawberries are beneficial to a horses health. No ifs, ands, buts, or caveats. Can horses eat bananas? Potatoes, especially in their raw form, should never be given to a horse because they come from the poisonous Solanaceae plant family. Like with all other fruits, peaches should be fed moderately about one or two pieces. To view the purposes they believe they have legitimate interest for, or to object to this data processing use the vendor list link below. Dulse Flakes. Next time you peel an orange for yourself, try offering the (washed) orange peels to your horse as a treat. Aside from potassium, this fruit also contains vitamin B6, vitamin C, folate, fiber, magnesium, manganese, and protein. Can horses eat zucchini? Rich in . Remember to only feed treats to your own horse. Although they will chew their food, giving them large pieces of treats increases the risk of choking. For health-related questions, always consult your veterinarian, as they have examined your pet, know the pet's health history, and can make the best recommendations for your pet. As for vegetables, horses can enjoy eating things like spinach, kale, celery, and potatoes. The sweeter the grape the more likely your horse is to accept this tiny treat. Apple cores should be thrown away. The plant can be toxic whether dried and baled into hay, or consumed as the fresh plant. St. John's Wort causes photosensitivity when ingested by livestock. As long as you remove the seeds from the melons then you can safely feed them to your horse. Especially horses, Ive been around them most of my life but I am always learning more and enjoy sharing with others. We tend to think that because lemons and limes are very sour (and bitter if you include the peel) our horses wont like them either but this couldnt be further from the truth. Leaves can remain toxic for several weeks after they've fallen. The skin is safe for horses to eat. Watermelon has a high water content and is a great treat for your horse in summer. Also, it is important that you know how to prepare this fruit for your equine friend. Finally, they can be pureed to give a smooth finish. Who knows, maybe that will encourage them to try it too! But I worry about kids giving them something that could make the animal sick, so I decided to put together this list of what you should (and shouldnt) feed your equine friend. It belongs to the same family as the tomato, potato, and pepper plants. Can horses eat melon? Ive assembled my findings here for you! Molasses Water may be contaminated by fallen leaves. Remember, though: individual horses, like humans, can sometimes have unique allergies. Other varieties grow in more marshy areas. Thanks to this preparation, your horse will be able to enjoy eating the pumpkin without having to worry about choking on it. Like other berries, strawberries make fantastic healthy treats for horses. Grapes are a favorite of horses because of their texture and sweetness. The size of them might range from a grape to an olive. Almost all veterinarians and equine nutritionists agree that pears are completely safe to feed your horse. If you found this article helpful, you are free to share it with your friends and family! The toxin in this plant inactivates thiamin (vitamin B1) in the horse's gastrointestinal tract. These links will cost you no more than the standard cost of the item(s) in question but a small percentage of the price will go towards the upkeep of this site and help me to continue with the site so that I can hopefully help others. Figs are a great alternative to feeding your horse apples, theyre juicy, sweet, and have a good helping of fiber too. All of these fruits are safe for horses. Bananas are very safe for horses to consume. However, some fruits are not safe for your horse to eat, and some are mentioned below. Here is the list of fruits that horses can eat: Apples Apples are one of the most popular treats for horses. But if youre looking for a way to add some variety to your horses diet, fruits and vegetables are a great option. You should also avoid feeding your horse tomatoes and avocados as they're both highly toxic. Beer (yes, beer! Tannins can cause a sticky mass in horses stomachs and, if left untreated, can lead to ulcers and, in extreme circumstances, even ruptures in the stomach. Apricots are very nutritious, and are a great source of iron. Just 1.5 to 3 pounds of ingested red maple leaves can be lethal. Penn State Extension, Field horsetail and brackenfern: harmful plants to horses. That said though they do have the same health benefits in that they both contain a lot of beta-carotene. Kansas State University Veterinary Health Center, Spring Plants that are Poisonous to Horses, Dogs and Barn Cats. First step is to wash and dry the fruit to remove and pesticides or preservatives. Astragalus Powder*. The short and simple answer is yes, apples are a healthy and safe treat to give your horse occasionally, as long as they are fresh, clean, and given in moderation. Remember not to feed your horse the husk of coconut since it is not edible to them. We all know that horses have delicate digestive systems that can be easily upset if you change anything too quickly which is why its always advisable to introduce any new food, regardless of whether its a treat or not, slowly. Yes Veterinarian Dr. Kara explains, "Passion fruit is not toxic for dogs and can be fed to them in small amounts. It also aids in cardiovascular recovery, and the antioxidant properties help lessen oxidative stress. However, some natural treats you should avoid feeding your horse; include onions, broccoli, potatoes, leeks, rhubarb, avocados, and tomatoes. Ive broken the lists down into different categories rather than put everything in one massive list , Team Penning: A Beginners Guide To Getting Started In The Sport. You never know if your horse might have some weird allergy to one or more of these foods. Green, fresh plant material and dried plants (accidentally baled into hay) are toxic. An example of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a cookie. We and our partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. For a more definitive list of all foods that shouldnt be fed to horses, check this article out. Acorns are also toxic if eaten in sufficient quantities. Recent research carried out by supplement companies has found that theyre packed full of prebiotics and probiotics which means that grapes have anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antioxidant, and even anti-cancer properties. You can also cook them, mash them or make sweet potato fries! It is only a problem for horses if there is a chemical in the bark that is toxic. On the other hand, Celery has several vitamins and minerals that are excellent for horses, including Vitamin K, manganese, Vitamins B2, B6, and A, as well as high quantities of potassium. Choosing Safe Fruits and Vegetables. High-protein seed residue can be used in cattle feed. Yes, weve all heard the funny stories of peculiar horses who like to eat a cheeseburger or chicken nuggets now and then, but its not something you should try with your horse. Not only can horses eat the whole banana (including the peel) it actually has a number of health benefits too, including preventing ulcers and even repairing cell damage. If I happen to cut open a honeydew that is too green or not very sweet, Ill donate it to my horses treat bucket.