Yes, horses can safely eat alfalfa hay when it’s incorporated correctly into their diet. It’s valued among horse owners for its high protein, energy, and micronutrient content, which can be particularly beneficial for certain groups of horses like those performing at high levels of activity, lactating mares, and young horses in growth stages. However, alfalfa…
The answer here is a resounding NO. Horses can’t safely eat tomato leaves and stems. Why? Well, tomatoes, along with their foliage, belong to the nightshade family, plants known to contain substances that are toxic to horses. Key among these are solanine and tomatine, compounds that can harm your horse if ingested. When horses consume…
White bread should not find its way into a horse’s diet plan, especially not for weight loss. Owners looking to manage their horse’s weight might consider white bread a low-cost, readily available food option, but this is not true. The carbohydrates and sugars in white bread can lead to health issues that certainly don’t go…
The definitive answer here is NO, horses cannot and should not eat foxglove leaves in winter or at any other time of the year for that matter. All of the foxglove plants contain toxic cardiac glycosides, primarily digoxin, which can cause severe poisoning and potentially be fatal if ingested by horses. These toxic compounds, even…
No, horses should not eat cheese. Cheese is a dairy product derived from cow’s milk, and horses cannot properly digest it due to their herbivore digestive system being designed specifically for plant-based foods. Feeding cheese to horses can lead to various health issues, including digestive problems, obesity, and potential complications from lactose intolerance. Understanding a…
No, horses cannot safely eat yew. It is highly toxic to horses, and eating even small amounts can lead to severe illness and potentially death. As responsible horse owners, we must recognize the dangers of yew and take necessary precautions to prevent accidental ingestion. Yew is a type of evergreen shrub or tree commonly found…
Yes, horses can safely eat sweet potatoes in moderation as part of a balanced diet. Sweet potatoes are not toxic to horses and can provide several nutritional benefits when given in appropriate portions. They are an excellent source of vitamins A, C, and B6, as well as potassium, manganese, and copper. However, as a responsible…
Yes, horses can safely eat pumpkin, but as with any treat, it should be given in moderation. This winter squash is not only safe for most horses but also provides several nutritional benefits, such as vitamins A and C, E, and essential minerals like potassium. However, the new food must be introduced cautiously to avoid…
No, horses cannot safely eat avocados. While avocados are a nutritious snack for humans, they contain a substance called persin, which can be highly toxic to horses. Even in small amounts, this natural fungicide can cause heart and respiratory issues, leading to significant health risks. How does avocado toxicity impact horses? The main culprit is…
The short answer is NO, horses cannot safely eat chocolate. It’s not just a bad habit, it’s a health hazard. But why? Well, chocolate contains theobromine, a chemical cousin of caffeine found in cacao beans. Horses process theobromine much more slowly than humans, which allows it to build up to toxic levels in their system….
