Horses are majestic creatures with sensitive digestive systems. Feeding them the wrong foods can lead to serious health issues.
From common snacks to unexpected items, some foods are surprisingly harmful to these gentle giants. Let’s explore foods you should never offer your equine friend.
1. Avocado
Avocados may be a healthy treat for humans, but for horses, they’re a different story. The fruit contains persin, which can be toxic to horses.
Even a small amount can cause colic, respiratory distress, or heart problems. Want to keep your horse safe? Skip the guacamole and stick to horse-friendly snacks. This creamy fruit is best left on the table for humans only!
2. Chocolate
Chocolate isn’t just a no-go for dogs; horses should steer clear too! Theobromine, found in chocolate, can wreak havoc on a horse’s system.
Imagine dealing with a hyperactive horse with tremors or seizures. Not fun, right? To keep your equine buddy in top shape, save the chocolate treats for yourself and offer carrots instead.
3. Garlic And Onions
Garlic and onions might spice up your meals, but they spell trouble for horses. These pungent bulbs can damage red blood cells, leading to anemia.
A side of garlic bread may be tempting, but it’s best shared with fellow humans, not horses. Feeding horses these foods can cause weakness and lethargy, so keep your cooking ingredients out of the barn!
4. Tomatoes
Tomatoes look appealing, but they belong to the nightshade family, which is bad news for horses. Consuming tomatoes or their leaves can lead to colic, a condition no horse owner wants to deal with.
The juicy red fruit might be a salad staple, but it’s a big ‘no’ for horses. Keep those tomato plants fenced off!
5. Potatoes
Potatoes, especially green or sprouted ones, are another nightshade plant that can harm horses. Solanine, found within, is toxic to equines. Symptoms like colic or difficulty breathing can arise from ingestion.
While mashed potatoes make a cozy side dish for humans, keep this tuber off your horse’s menu to avoid digestive distress.
6. Caffeine
Horses and caffeine are a recipe for disaster. Found in coffee, tea, and some sodas, caffeine can cause irregular heart rhythms and nervous system issues in horses.
Picture a jittery horse with an unsteady gait—it’s not pleasant. Maintain your horse’s calm demeanor by keeping caffeinated beverages far away from the barn.
7. Bread
Bread might seem harmless, but it can expand in a horse’s stomach, leading to painful gas colic. The yeast and sugars don’t sit well with their digestive systems, unlike ours.
When feeding your horse, stick to grass, hay, and grains designed for equines, and leave the bakery items to the humans.
8. Dairy Products
Horse and dairy don’t mix! These majestic creatures are lactose intolerant, meaning dairy products can lead to digestive upset.
Think cramps, gas, and diarrhea—not what you want for your equine pal. Reserve cheese and milk for your kitchen adventures, and keep your horse’s diet free from dairy delights.
9. Lawn Clippings
Lawn clippings might seem like a convenient snack, but they can ferment and cause digestive problems for horses. The short, chopped grass can also lead to colic or laminitis.
While the smell of freshly cut grass is delightful, it’s best to keep it out of your horse’s diet. Let them graze naturally instead.
10. Broccoli And Cauliflower
Cruciferous vegetables like broccoli and cauliflower may be great for humans, but they can cause major gas and discomfort in horses.
Their complex digestive systems can’t handle these veggies. To avoid a bloated, uncomfortable horse, skip the side of veggies and offer them hay or grass instead.
11. Unripe Apples
While apples are typically a horse favorite, unripe ones can lead to digestive issues. The high acidity can upset a horse’s stomach.
Wait until those apples are ripe and sweet to share with your horse. Pick the right moment, and you’ll have a happy equine munching away.Timing is everything when it comes to apple treats!
12. Rhubarb
Rhubarb might make a tasty pie, but it’s a toxic plant for horses. The leaves contain oxalates that can cause kidney failure. Even a small nibble can lead to serious health issues.
Keep your horse away from the garden and enjoy rhubarb desserts on your own. This tart treat is not for sharing with equines!
13. Peppers
Peppers bring color and crunch to salads, but they’re not suitable for horses. These veggies can irritate a horse’s stomach and lead to discomfort. The nightshade family strikes again!
For a content and healthy horse, avoid giving them peppers and stick to their usual diet of hay and grains.
14. Cherries
Cherries are juicy and sweet, yet they pose risks for horses. The pits contain cyanide, which is poisonous to equines. Even without the pits, cherries can cause gastrointestinal distress.
To keep your horse safe, enjoy cherries as a human-only snack and satisfy your equine friend’s sweet tooth with safe fruits like apples or carrots instead.