what foods are toxic/not good to give to horses? or give a list of food they can eat!?

Question

thanks

Answer 1

Thanks for asking this question. There have been several questions today regarding what people should feed their horses in addition to "regular" feed items. When I pointed out in one post to people saying they fed their horses avocados and potatoes that these are regarded as toxic, I got a load of thumbs down. Here's one article that covers tomatoes, avocados, potatoes and onions and their toxic effects on horses. Rhubarb is also considered toxic.

http://equisearch.com/horses_care/feeding/feed/eqpop2645/

Carrots, turnips, swedes, beetroot and parsnips can be fed in small quantities only due to the risk of upsetting the digestive process and natural flora in the gut.

Answer 2

There are many foods which are said to be toxic, but I find that a horse is not all that anxious to eat any leaves of plants that are poison to them. If they are starved or eat something that was in the good food, that is a different story. I have elderberry bushes all through the barn yard, have had them there for years with the horses...the horses do not touch them, and they are supposed to be toxic. Also have rhubarb planted in one pasture, they never touch it. So I guess if you keep the horses well fed some plants are never touched by the horse.

Answer 3

Safe Foods for Equines

Apples may be the number-one favorite. Smaller apples should be cut up, so they do not present a choking hazard.

Pears are another great choice. Horses are not too particular. My daughters horse even appreciates the core, after I have eaten the best part of the fruit!

Horses love carrots. You can break carrots in half to share, or even cut them into little sticks. Avoid cutting them into wheels, as these can cause choking too.

Bananas are super summer treats, as they offer lots of potassium to a horse who has worked hard in the sun. Some horses will balk at these, though, especially if they are too mushy.

We love taking ginger snaps and graham crackers to the barn. The horses love them, and so do we!

Breakfast cereals are a super choice too. Fill a baggie with Cheerios, Kix, or another favorite. Our horse goes nuts for Cracklin' Oat Bran. It must be the molasses!

Many fruits appeal to horses. Any pits, seeds, or rinds should be removed. Most horses do not really enjoy citrus fruits (oranges, lemons, limes), which may be too acidic for them anyway.

Of course, a horse will readily accept a peppermint or sugar cube. These should be fed one at a time, to avoid choking. Although sweets do not provide helpful nutrition, they are handy rewards for a good schooling session. Did you know that a single sugar cube may inspire the horse to take the bit better as well?

What not to feed.

Horses are vegetarians, so they should not eat anything with meat (even meat juices) in it. Their digestive systems are designed to handle grasses and grains.

Avocados are poisonous to horses. Broccoli, cabbage, chocolate, nuts, potatoes, and tomatoes should all be avoided.

Dairy items are a bad idea, as these can cause stomach upset.

-x-

Answer 4

Contrary to what is said above do not feed your horse breakfast cereal. These are usually high in sugars which is not good for horses. An occasional treat of oat bran (although not reccommended) will usually not hurt your horse. Although over use of feeding bran can cause severe calcium imbalances in your horse leading to a wide variety of health issues.
Most of these cereals are made with highly processed grains therefore the nutritional value to horse is negligible.

Do not feed Bread to horses. Bread (especially white) is full of preservatives and chemicals. Feeding large quantities of bread can kill your horse. Colic, impacted bowel nutritional imbalances just to name a few.
I realise the average person usually only gives treats such as these once in a while and anyone with enough knowledge would not feed their horse on these treats constantly.
Yes my horses over the years have nicked a few strange treats from out of my hands, such as oranges, bananas, salad rolls even chips when i have been eating near them. However it is not good for them and usually that was the only time they got it. (if they nicked it off me).

Just remember that a lot of processed food may have chemicals/sprays etc used on them that may be toxic, or contain illegal substances. I mean illegal in the term that most sporting bodies have rules and limits to substances that are present in your horses blood stream.
EG. Chocolate contains substances including Caffine (which is a stimulant). If a racehorse was blood tested after eating chocolate they would usually show elevated caffine levels. The owner/trainer then could be legally prosecuted for using performance enhancing drugs!!!

Any processed foods could contain illegal substances, or chemicals etc that are just not good for your horse.

Stick to natural foods, If you want treats make your own (using wholgrain flours if you need to use flour) Carrots Apples. Not only is it cheaper than store brought treats but is better for your horses health.
There a lot of dos and donts when feeding horses but natural is best.
cheers

Answer 5

They Can Eat

Apples
Sugar Cubes
My horse eats the Lucky Charm cereal *not marshmellows*
Carrots
Gatorade/power rade
Pop

Answer 6

horeses love sugger cubez.. bt as you can guess they would be bad for there teath!! if you give them 1 a day as a treat!! also wen i had my horse i kept a salt lick in its stable.. horses love this an its good for them!! you will by it in some pet shops and all horse feed stores!! i hope i helped!!

Answer 7

They can eat apple, carrot, bread, oats for treats. A small sugar cube won't hurt, but don't overdo it. This is not the complete list, but that's what I know!