I need to be upfront about this: horses should not eat raw meat. It’s as simple as that. Their bodies are designed to process plants, not meat. You might be wondering why this topic even comes up. It’s unusual, I know, but sometimes, out of curiosity or happenstance, horses might come across raw meat on…
I get asked about unconventional treats for horses quite a bit. Can horses eat asparagus? Though not toxic, offering our horses asparagus isn’t the best idea. Their digestive systems are not designed to handle this fibrous vegetable well, which can lead to discomfort and excess gas. While they might nibble on it without immediate harm,…
Horses should not eat uncooked pasta. While occasional small amounts aren’t likely to cause immediate harm, uncooked pasta isn’t suitable for horse consumption because it is a refined, starch-rich food that differs significantly from their natural diet. Horses have evolved to process a diet rich in fibrous plants, not the processed grains and sugars found…
Horses can safely eat swede (rutabaga) in moderation as part of a balanced diet. Swede is a root vegetable rich in fiber, vitamins, and minerals beneficial for horses. However, it should be introduced gradually and fed in limited quantities due to its high water and sugar content, which can cause digestive issues if overfed. Nutritional…
No, horses should not eat bread routinely. While feeding bread to horses might seem like a harmless gesture, it’s important to recognize that bread lacks the essential nutrients that horses require and can disrupt their delicate digestive system. As responsible horse owners, understanding the reasons behind why bread isn’t a suitable treat is crucial for…
Yes, horses can safely eat fresh parsley, but as always, in moderation. Parsley is a nutrient-dense herb packed with essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that offer numerous health benefits for horses. However, it’s crucial to introduce it gradually and limit its consumption to no more than 10-15% of their daily diet to avoid potential issues….
Horses can eat apricots in moderation, but they should not constitute a substantial portion of their diet. Apricots are non-toxic to horses, but they are high in natural sugar content, which can lead to digestive and metabolic issues if overfed. Horses are herbivores with a digestive system adapted for fibrous plant material such as high…
Yes, horses can safely eat pears in moderation as an occasional treat. Pears are not toxic to horses and provide some nutritional benefits, but they should not make up a large portion of a horse’s diet due to their high sugar and calorie content. Nutritional Composition of Pears Pears are high in natural sugars, primarily…
Yes, horses can safely eat parsnips in moderation as part of a balanced diet. Parsnips are a root vegetable high in fiber and various nutrients that can benefit a horse’s health. However, overconsumption may lead to digestive issues or obesity due to their sugar and starch content. What Makes Parsnips Healthy for Horses Parsnips are…
Horses can technically eat spinach, but it comes with caution. Spinach is rich in vitamins and minerals, yet it also contains oxalic acid, which can interfere with calcium absorption and potentially lead to kidney problems if consumed in large quantities. When considering spinach for your horse, think about BALANCE and MODERATION. Just as we wouldn’t…
