I've heard of people giving their horses small amounts of people food, like hard candy. Is this bad for the horse? So bad that it would kill them, or just not the greatest thing for them?
2007-02-07 13:07:01 · 12 answers · asked by Anonymous in Pets ➔ Other - Pets
Well, I know that when I was younger we used to give my horse peppermint candies a lot. If he heard the crinkle of cellophane, he'd peer around and look rather adorably hopeful.
(often in this case is every week or two.)
In most cases, small amounts of hard candies of an appropriate size and lacking any poisonous ingredient should not do any harm to your horse. If you are in doubt, though, consult your local vet or go with a nice, tasty apple.
2007-02-07 13:12:47 · answer #1 · answered by seamusandrosy 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
It's best to stick with the basics and not too much. I know I love feeding my horse treats but I imagaine the consequences if I give my horse something that doesn't aggree with her. Terrible colic can occur.. I have giving my horse apples, carrots, pears, a few grapes and peach pieces and plum bits and I've had no problems. Peppermints and licorice are generally safe Just not too much, sugar is not really good for people or pets. But from experiance DONT give your horse watermelon rinds...I know someone who did and the horse almost died. Oh, and don't give any kind of animal chocolate...It will make them very very sick.
2007-02-08 07:21:42 · answer #2 · answered by ClassyC. 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
My mare eats almost anything. The things a person should not give there horse is things like meat, spicey hot foods and hard candies that can stick to teeth and cause irriation while swollowing.
Yes, I have done all three myself years back. My vet told me to limit the amount of people food, as he said "junk food". She can become sick, colic, allergic reaction or poison reaction based on what/how much it is/is in.
My mare loves Ranch Doritos and Pepsi. She got loose from the hitch and found her way to the "party size bag" that our group had on the tailgate.
The people who I bought her off of, used to get her drunk basically. (glad I bought her...or she would of been dead or severly sick).
Some horses love that stuff and other are very fickle about their food.
Just have to use best judgment.
What might seem silly and funny, can actually be harmful and not fun to deal with when a reaction happens.
2007-02-08 01:11:29 · answer #3 · answered by Mutchkin 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It's not bad for the horse to have some people food, but I would not make a diet out of it. Obviously apples, carrots, pears, etc are peole food, but great for horses as well. Things like peppermints, cookies, etc. are really not bad for the horse, but I wouldn't say that they are good for them. I have one horse who loves Nerds and Dr. Pepper. We don't usually give it to him, but it's fine every now and then as a treat. But we do feed Bud's Best Oatmeal Raisin Cookies at treats... they're cheaper than horse treats, and not bad for them. Again, I wouldn't feed the horse a bucket full at one time, but a handful as a reward is just fine.
2007-02-08 15:57:41 · answer #4 · answered by auequine 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I agree that in general, a little isn't harmful. Just be careful not to feed them a lot. My horse absolutely adores peppermints/candy canes. Animal crackers are her other all-time favorite snack. I've seen horses eat watermelon rinds, Twizzlers, soda, and peanut butter and jelly sandwiches without any harmful results. Granted, it probably isn't the best for them, and I wouldn't make a regular habit of it, but on occasion and in moderation, I think it is just fine.
2007-02-07 21:42:13 · answer #5 · answered by Lauren J 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Most horse people I know give pepperment candies to horses. Most horses love them! I give sugar cubes as I ride to promote a soft mouth. So, to answere your question, I'd say that small amounts in moderation is fine.
2007-02-07 21:13:24 · answer #6 · answered by dressage.rider 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
well of course over feeding people food to them isn't good but as any animal, needs daily sugar so giving them a peppermint hard candy every once in a while. I give my horses a bit of soda after a polo game. i know it sounds crazy but they love it!! sprite is better
2007-02-07 21:40:44 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
That depends on what type of food you're feeding them. Giving them hard candy every once in a while won't hurt them, but don't give it to them on a regular occurrence or else they may become unhealthy and possibly overweight. But like i sad above, giving them something every once in a while is fine.
2007-02-09 15:30:36 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
most horses love peppermints (the white and red swirly ones) and candy canes......we give them as treats sometimes......but be careful if you hand feed too much treats the horse will become pushy........chocolate won't kill a horse, but it will give a horse a positive in a drug test as it acts as a........oh dear I forgot the word.....
peppermints good in a small ration .....chocolate not good.......
on the other hand succulents like apples, carrots, pears, carrot tops are all very good for horses...........look up natural horse treats and they will usually tell you what ingrdents they used.....
2007-02-08 21:14:37 · answer #9 · answered by edpcreations 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I used to know a horse who went nuts for strawberry kiwi juice - he'd drink it straight out of the bottle!
Another pony would eat ice cream (just a spoonful) off the spoon if you held the spoon. (Cherry Garcia!)
Small amounts of people food that does not have a lot of protein will not hurt your horse. You don't want to feed him too much junk - horses cannot vomit if they have an upset stomach.
2007-02-07 21:40:11 · answer #10 · answered by bio rocks! 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋