9 Best Treats for Horses: What Do Horses Like to Eat

9 Best Treats for Horses: What Do Horses Like to Eat? Ever wondered what your horse’s favorite snack might be? As equine enthusiasts, we must treat our four-legged friends to delectable, delicious, and nutritious goodies. Let’s explore the top 9 treats that horses can’t resist!

Fruity Delights: Carrots and Apples

Carrots and apples are a horse’s quintessential treat! They’re nutrient-packed and provide a delightful crunch. Always remember to slice them into bite-sized pieces to ensure easy digestion.

Minty Sweets: Peppermints

Peppermints are an instant hit with horses, satisfying their innate craving for something sweet. They make excellent training rewards but, like any candy, should be given sparingly.  My horse, Marc, loves these!

Nourishing Bites: Hay Cubes and Pellets

These not only serve as a fantastic treat but also promote dental health. Available in assorted flavors, they can help add a bit of variety to a standard diet.

Classic Favorite: Sugar Cubes

A timeless treat for horses! Sugar cubes are a surefire hit, but, being pure sugar, they should be fed in moderation.

Tropical Twist: Bananas

Surprisingly, horses love bananas! They’re a sweet treat packed with potassium. You can even feed them the peel, but introduce it slowly to ensure they like it.

Natural Goodness: Oats

Oats, a common constituent of horse feed, also make for a wholesome treat. They’re fiber-rich and energy-packed, making them a beneficial snack.

Summer Special: Watermelon

Watermelon serves as a refreshing treat for hot summer days. It’s hydrating and loved by horses. Remember to remove the rind and seeds before feeding.

Store-Bought Favorites: Commercial Horse Treats

There’s a wide variety of commercial horse treats available. They’re specially formulated to be safe and nutritious for horses and come in many enticing flavors.

Home Cooked Love: Homemade Treats

For those who enjoy cooking, homemade horse treats can be a hit. Ingredients like applesauce, oats, molasses, and carrots can be used to make delicious horse-friendly cookies.

Conclusion

Feeding your horse treats can enhance your bond and make training sessions more enjoyable. But remember, treats should supplement, not replace regular meals. Horses’ diets should primarily consist of hay, pasture, and necessary grains and supplements. Also, due to their sensitive digestive systems, any new treat should be introduced gradually and fed moderately.

A pro tip while treating your horse: Use it as a chance to check their teeth and mouth. It’s a non-invasive way to monitor their oral health.

Ultimately, the best treat for your horse is the one they enjoy, and that promotes their overall health. So go ahead, and pamper your equine friend with some scrumptious and nutritious treats. They’ve earned it with their unwavering companionship and unconditional love.

Takeaway

And there you have it – a smorgasbord of nine delectable treats that are sure to tickle your horse’s taste buds and make them love you even more! The horse-snacking world is filled with options, from fruits and traditional favorites to surprising choices and homemade treats. Remember, the way to a horse’s heart is not just through its stomach but also through love, respect, and understanding.

Happy treating!