Feeding your horse a varied and balanced diet is essential for their health, but it can be tricky to know which human foods are safe. While horses have specific dietary needs, many fruits and vegetables can make healthy treats when offered in moderation. Let’s dive into some common questions about what horses can enjoy—and what to avoid.
1. Bananas (Including Peels!)
Yes, horses can eat bananas, and they often love them! Bananas are a great source of potassium, which supports muscle function, and the peel adds fiber. They’re a popular treat for racehorses due to their quick energy boost. Just offer them whole (no need to peel!) and in moderation.
2. Pears
Pears are a sweet, horse-friendly fruit rich in vitamin A and fiber. Always remove the stem and seeds, and cut ripe pears into chunks to prevent choking. Avoid unripe, hard pears, as they can be harder to digest.
3. Grapes
Grapes are a convenient, seed-safe snack. Both seeded and seedless varieties are fine—horses can eat them whole! They’re a good source of natural sugars and hydration, but limit portions to avoid digestive upset.
4. Oranges (With Peel and Seeds)
Horses can enjoy the entire orange, including the peel (rich in antioxidants) and seeds. Oranges are high in vitamin C, but their natural sugar content means they should be a occasional treat, not a staple.
5. Pineapple
This tropical fruit is safe but requires preparation. Remove the tough outer skin and core, then dice into small pieces. Pineapple provides vitamin C and a sweet flavor horses often love.
6. Watermelon (and Rind?)
Yes, horses can eat watermelon flesh as a hydrating, low-calorie treat. The rind is generally safe in small amounts, but avoid the bitter white part near the skin. Always remove seeds for younger or sensitive horses.
7. Cherries, Peaches, and Apricots
These stone fruits are safe if you remove the pits/stones, which can be a choking hazard or contain trace amounts of compounds harmful in large quantities. Chop into small pieces and offer sparingly.
1. Pumpkin (and Seeds!)
Pumpkin is a nutrient-dense veggie high in vitamin A. Both the flesh and seeds are safe, but remove the stem and cut into chunks. Avoid spoiled or moldy pumpkin, as it can be toxic.
2. Celery
Celery stalks and leaves are packed with vitamins (K, A, B) and potassium. Chop into small pieces to prevent choking, and opt for organic celery to avoid pesticides.
3. Cucumbers
Cucumbers are hydrating and rich in vitamins A, K, and C. The skin adds fiber, so feed them whole or sliced. Organic, homegrown cucumbers are ideal to avoid chemical residues.
4. Corn
Corn is a source of energy and nutrients like magnesium, but it’s high in starch. Feed sparingly as part of a balanced diet to avoid digestive issues like colic.
5. Lettuce and Radishes
Most lettuces (like romaine or green leaf) are safe, though some horses may dislike the texture. Radishes offer a crunchy, vitamin-rich alternative to carrots—just wash and feed in moderation.
6. Green Beans and Peas
These legumes are safe when fresh and organic. Trim ends or mash slightly for easy digestion, and avoid canned varieties with salt or preservatives.
Sunflower Seeds: Black oil sunflower seeds (hulled) are high in healthy fats and easy to digest. Avoid regular, shelled sunflower seeds, as the hard shells can cause digestive blockages.
Molasses: A sweetener in commercial horse feeds, molasses can be used sparingly as a treat. Its high sugar content means it’s best for active horses and should be limited for those with metabolic issues.
Raisins: These dried grapes are a sweet snack but should be offered in small quantities to prevent diarrhea or colic.
While many human foods are safe, some are toxic or dangerous for horses:
Chocolate: Contains theobromine, which is poisonous to horses.
Onions, Garlic, and Leeks: Can damage red blood cells, leading to anemia.
Avocado: Contains persin, which can cause colic, diarrhea, or even heart issues.
Processed Foods: Bread, candy, or snacks with additives, salt, or high sugar are harmful.
Potatoes, Tomatoes, and Eggplant: Part of the nightshade family, their leaves and unripe parts can be toxic.
Moldy or Spoiled Foods: Always check fruits/vegetables for rot, as mold can cause severe illness.
Wild horses primarily graze on grasses, shrubs, and plants, adapting to their environment. Domestic horses benefit from a mix of hay, grains, and fresh produce. While wild horses wouldn’t naturally seek out bananas or pumpkins, these can be healthy additions to a domestic horse’s diet when offered as occasional treats.
Moderation is Key: Even safe foods should be part of a balanced diet, not a substitute for hay/grain.
Prep Properly: Wash produce, remove pits/stones, and chop into bite-sized pieces to prevent choking.
Know Your Horse: Some may dislike certain textures (e.g., slimy or bitter foods) or have sensitive stomachs.
Avoid Pesticides: Opt for organic or homegrown fruits/vegetables when possible.
Consult a Vet: If you’re unsure about a new food, especially for horses with health conditions like laminitis.
Horses can enjoy a surprising variety of fruits and vegetables, from bananas to cucumbers, as long as they’re fed safely and in moderation. Experiment with new treats to keep your horse’s diet interesting, but always prioritize their digestive health and avoid risky foods. With a little care, you can provide delicious, nutritious variety that keeps your equine friend happy and healthy!
Have you tried any of these foods with your horse? Share their favorite treats to us!Shinehope Equine Email us at info@shinehopeequine.com or call +8613869898222.(24 hours).