The holidays are almost here! Scroll down for 12 common foods that are important to keep out of your horse's reach.
Which foods to avoid?
1. AVOCADO
Avocados contain persin, a fatty acid that is highly toxic to horses. All parts of the plant are dangerous to horses - the fruit, leaves, and even the bark of an avocado tree. Even small amounts of avocado can harm your horse. Equine avocado reactions can include irregular heartbeat, respiratory problems, edema, colic, and even death.
2. CHOCOLATE
Chocolate contains theobromine - a substance that is toxic to horses! It can cause internal bleeding, metabolic derangement, seizures and (of course) colic.
3. POTATOES
Potatoes are toxic to horses. Raw potatoes are more dangerous than cooked, but potato poisoning is possible will all types! French fries, chips, gnocchi, along with anything else potato-based are all on the no-no list.
4. FRUITS WITH PITS
Types of fruit like whole peaches, cherries, plums and others that have a pit (or "stone") can be a choking and digestive hazard for a horse.
5. CABBAGE, CAULIFLOWER & BROCCOLI
Cabbage, cauliflower and broccoli are all part of the mustard family and can be dangerous to horses, potentially causing gas and bad colic. Other plants in this family include Brussels sprouts, wild mustard, canola, and rapeseed.
6. GARLIC & ONIONS
Vegetables in the “allium” family like garlic and onions should be avoided by horses and ponies. Other plants in this category include chives, shallots and leeks. Allium can cause oxidative damage to red blood cells and lead to illness.
7. RHUBARB
No rhubarb pie for pony! Rhubarb contains calcium oxalates, which are toxic and potentially lethal to horses. Rhubarb can injure urinary tracts and digestive systems, and can even lead to in kidney failure and death in equines.
8. MEAT OF ANY KIND
Horses are herbivores, not carnivores or omnivores. Their sensitive digestive systems are simply not equipped to handle meat, so it's best to prevent ingestion of meat by your horse entirely - even in tiny amounts.
9. DAIRY PRODUCTS
Horses can often be lactose intolerant, and their sensitive digestive systems can react poorly to dairy. Milk products in themselves aren't "toxic," but dairy can lead to digestion issues and colic in horses.
10. TOMATOES
Tomatoes are part of the Solanaceae family, which are toxic to horses. This includes the green parts of the plant, which contain an alkaloid that slows gut function. Tomatoes can cause increased heart rate, constipation and other dangerous symptoms in horses.
11. BREAD, ROLLS, MUFFINS...
Though they are largely not toxic to horses, bread products can swell in horses' throats and cause choking. Remind your guests not to feed your horses any kind of bread products!
12. DOG & CAT TREATS
Dog and cat treats containing grain products may seem harmless and yummy for horses, but they often contains meat and are not healthy to feed your horse.
So what goodies CAN I feed my horse?
In addition to good old carrots and apple slices, here are some seasonal holiday treats that are typically just fine to feed your horse in small quantities (if his diet allows!)
- PUMPKIN
Orange pumpkins are fine for horses in small quantities! But keep in mind that does not cover all squashes and pumpkins.
- RAISINS & GRAPES
A few raisins or grapes are a delicious treat for your horse! Keep in mind however that these are not safe for dogs to ingest.
- BANANA
- STRAWBERRIES
- WATERMELON & CANTALOUPE
- SNOW PEAS
Enjoy the holiday season, stay safe and cozy, and remember - your Coat Defense powder is a quick and easy way to dry your horse in cold weather, no bath necessary!
