While horses’ diets can be diverse, incorporating both grazing and processed feed, there are many foods that can be harmful to them and should be avoided, such as chocolate, lawn clippings, certain types of fruit and vegetables, and many common plants and trees.
Foods to Avoid
Horses are grazing animals, which means they naturally consume a diet mostly of grasses. However, there are some foods that humans eat, which are unsuitable and can be harmful to horses. Some of these include:
- Chocolate and Caffeinated Food: These contain theobromine, which is toxic to horses.
- Lawn Clippings: Fermenting lawn clippings can cause colic and other digestive problems.
- Certain fruits and vegetables: Avocados, onions, and tomatoes can cause various problems from digestive distress to anemia.
- Bread and Baked Goods: These can expand in the horse’s stomach, causing discomfort or potentially colic.
- Dairy Products: Horses lack the enzymes needed to break down lactose, which can result in digestive issues.
Harmful Plants and Trees
Many plants and trees found in pastures, roadsides, and woods can also be harmful to horses. If ingested, they can cause various symptoms ranging from mild illness to death. Some common hazardous plants and trees are:
- Rhododendrons and Azaleas: These are dangerously toxic to horses and can cause drooling, diarrhea, colic, and depression. Severe cases can lead to coma or death.
- Yew Trees: All parts, except the berries, are incredibly toxic. Ingestion can result in sudden death, often within minutes.
- Oak Trees: While not as immediately hazardous, ingesting too much of the leaves or acorns can cause kidney damage in horses.
- Oleander: This plant is deadly to horses. Ingestion in large quantity can cause cardiac failure.
- Ragwort: Regular consumption of this plant over time can cause liver failure.
| Harmful Foods | Effects |
| Chocolate and Caffeinated Food | Theobromine toxicity |
| Lawn Clippings | Digestive problems |
| Certain fruits and vegetables | Various health issues |
| Bread and Baked Goods | Digestive problems, colic |
| Dairy Products | Digestive problems |
| Harmful Plants / Trees | Effects |
| Rhododendrons and Azaleas | Drooling, diarrhea, colic, depression |
| Yew Trees | Sudden death |
| Oak Trees | Kidney damage |
| Oleander | Cardiac failure |
| Ragwort | Liver failure |
Measures to Protect Your Horse
Vigilance in checking pastures for hazardous plants and ensuring the horses have access to plenty of safe, nutritious feed can prevent most instances of poisoning. Regularly survey your horse’s pasture, removing any plants you are unfamiliar with or that appear on the list of dangerous plants. When feeding your horse treats or adding diversity to their diet, verify the safety of all foods before feeding them to your horse.
Ensure that any individuals caring for the horse also understand what foods are toxic and need to be avoided. Dry feeds should be well-monitored, as these feeds, while convenient, can contain many things horses should not eat, such as moldy ingredients, which can be harmful.
Nightshade Plants
Another group of plants harmful to horses comprises the nightshade family. They can cause a range of symptoms, from mild to extremely severe. Some of the common nightshade plants horses should not eat are:
- Deadly Nightshade: It contains toxic alkaloids that can cause dilated pupils, difficulty breathing, and potentially, heart failure.
- Black Nightshade: It can lead to gastroenteritis and nervous system problems.
- Horse Nettle: It has toxic glycoalkaloids that can result in colic, bloody stool, and even paralysis.
- Jimson Weed: Also known as devil’s snare, this plant contains toxic alkaloids that can cause hyperthermia, rapid heartbeat, and hallucinations.
| Nightshade Plants | Symptoms |
| Deadly Nightshade | Dilated pupils, difficulty in breathing, heart failure |
| Black Nightshade | Gastroenteritis and nervous system problems |
| Horse Nettle | Colic, bloody stool, paralysis |
| Jimson Weed | Hyperthermia, rapid heartbeat, hallucination |
Harmful Garden Plants
Owners who keep their horses near gardens or grow plants for the horses need to be careful as some common garden plants are harmful to horses. These include:
- Foxglove: The plant has a toxic crystalline compound called digitalin that can cause heart problems.
- Lilies: These are toxic to horses and can cause kidney failure.
- Daffodils: The bulbs of these plants, in particular, are toxic and can cause salivation, vomiting, and diarrhea.
| Garden Plants | Symptoms |
| Foxglove | Heart issues |
| Lilies | Kidney failure |
| Daffodils | Salivation, vomiting, diarrhea |
Importance of Regular Pasture Checks
The presence of harmful plants in horse pastures can change rapidly due to various factors like weather conditions, movements of birds and other animals, and growth rates of different plant species. Thus, regular and thorough checks are crucial to keep horses safe. To improve the effectiveness of your checks:
- Vary the times and days you check the pasture to spot changes promptly.
- Record what types of plants you find and learn to recognize new ones.
- Remove unfamiliar plants and consult a local extension or plant identification app for unidentified plant species.
- Seek help from a local botanist or an equestrian expert if needed.
These proactive measures will help you maintain safe and nutritious pastures for your horses.
Potential Allergenic Foods
In some cases, horses may have allergies to specific feed ingredients or plants, which can result in a range of adverse reactions. Individual allergies can vary; however, some examples of potential allergens are:
- Alfalfa: Some horses may be allergic to this common forage and may experience hives or respiratory issues.
- Soybean Meal: Often used as a protein supplement, it can cause a skin rash or intermittent lameness in allergic horses.
- Flaxseed Meal: Even though beneficial for some horses, it may provoke digestive distress or skin conditions in sensitive individuals.
| Allergenic Foods | Symptoms |
| Alfalfa | Hives, respiratory issues |
| Soybean Meal | Skin rash, intermittent lameness |
| Flaxseed Meal | Gastrointestinal distress, skin conditions |
Monitoring Commercially Prepared Feeds
While commercially prepared feeds can provide a safe, balanced diet for your horse, it is essential to carefully monitor their quality and ingredients. Some points to consider when selecting and feeding commercial products are:
- Expiration Dates and Storage: Make sure to check the expiration dates on all products, and store the feeds in a cool, dry place to prevent spoilage that could lead to harmful mold growth.
- Balancing the Diet: Ensure the feed is appropriate for your horse’s individual requirements and not overly rich, as overfeeding with an imbalanced diet can lead to various health issues, such as laminitis or colic.
- Recognizing and Avoiding Harmful Ingredients: Always read the labels and check for any potentially harmful or toxic ingredients that your horse should not consume.
Handling Food Waste Around Horses
It is essential to manage human food waste around horses, as improper disposal can expose horses to harmful substances. To avoid accidental consumption of inappropriate or hazardous foods, follow these guidelines:
- Secure All Trash Bins: Ensure that all trash cans have secure, tight-fitting lids, and keep them away from horses’ reach or foraging areas.
- Proper Disposal of Kitchen Scraps: Ensure all human food waste is promptly disposed of in designated waste containers and not thrown into the horse pasture.
- Educating Family and Visitors: Make sure anyone who interacts with or feeds your horse is aware of the kinds of foods that are toxic and unsafe for consumption.
Your vigilance in ensuring a safe environment for your horse includes proper feeding, protecting them from harmful foods, and addressing any food allergies that may arise.
Hay and Feed Quality
Just as important as what horses shouldn’t eat is ensuring what they do eat is of good quality. This focuses primarily on their main dietary staple—hay—and any supplemental feed. When inspecting hay and feed quality, consider:
- No Mold or Dust: Both can lead to respiratory problems and colic.
- Properly Dried and Stored: Hay that is baled too wet may develop harmful mold.
- Free from Contaminants: No trash or harmful plants should be mixed in the hay.
| Feed Quality Concerns | Risks |
| Mold or Dust in Feed | Respiratory problems, colic |
| Improperly Dried and Stored Feed | Mold growth |
| Contaminants in Feed | Various health problems |
Feed Supplements
While feed supplements can provide many benefits for horses, it’s crucial to ensure they are safe and necessary. A few things to note are:
- Appropriate Supplements: Only feed supplements your horse needs. Over supplementation can cause more harm than good.
- Quality Brand: Make sure to choose products from reputable brands that voluntarily follow quality manufacturing practices.
- Avoid Unnecessary Additives: Beware of supplements that contain large amounts of sugars, artificial colors, or other additives that bring no nutritional value.
| Feed Supplements Concerns | Risks |
| Inappropriate Supplements | Health problems due to over supplementation |
| Poor Quality Brands | Subpar nutritional value, potential for contaminants |
| Unnecessary Additives | No nutritional value, potential health risks |
Fruits and Vegetables to Avoid
While many fruits and vegetables are safe for horses, there are some that horses cannot eat. These include:
- Avocados: All parts of the avocado, including the fruit, pits, leaves, and bark, are toxic to horses.
- Cherries: The seeds, leaves, and bark of cherry trees contain cyanide and can be fatal to horses if ingested in large amounts.
- Onions or Leeks: These can cause digestive upset and, if consumed in large amounts over time, can lead to Heinz body anemia.
- Tomatoes: As a member of the nightshade family, tomato plants—including green (unripe) tomatoes—are toxic to horses.
- Rhubarb: The leaves, in particular, contain high levels of oxalic acid, which can cause kidney problems.
| Unsafe Fruits/Vegetables | Risks |
| Avocado | Toxicity |
| Cherries | Cyanide poisoning |
| Onions or Leeks | Digestive upset, Heinz body anemia |
| Tomato | Toxicity |
| Rhubarb | Kidney problems |
By paying careful attention to the types and quality of food horses consume, owners can help protect them from harm and ensure they receive the necessary nutrition for good health and performance.
Foods Contrary to Equine Dietary Needs
The diet of horses should primarily consist of grass, hay, and other vegetation. Some foods that are unhealthy or harmful for horses due to not fitting with their digestive physiology include:
- Bread Products: These can compact within the digestive tract, leading to colic or choke.
- Milk and Dairy Products: As adult herbivores, horses lack the enzymes to break down lactose.
- Meat and Animal Products: Horses are not designed to digest meat, which can cause digestible upsets or harmful disease vectors.
| Foods Contrary to Equine Diet | Risks |
| Bread Products | Risk of colic or choke |
| Milk and Dairy Products | Lactose intolerance, diarrhoea |
| Meat and Animal Products | Digestive upset, disease vectors |
Dangerous Food Items Discarded by Humans
Certain items discarded from human food preparation can be harmful or fatal to horses. These items should never be within reach of horses:
- Fruit Pits and Seeds: Apart from choking hazards, certain pits and seeds contain cyanide, which is harmful to horses.
- Coffee Grounds: Coffee grounds contain caffeine, which is toxic to horses.
- Used Cooking Oil: Consumption can lead to vomiting, lipemia or colic.
| Hazardous Discarded Foods | Risks |
| Fruit Pits and Seeds | Choke risk, cyanide toxicity |
| Coffee Grounds | Caffeine toxicity |
| Used Cooking Oil | Vomiting, lipemia or colic |
Toxic Tree Leaves and Bark
Some trees commonly found in pastures and along pasture borders are harmful to horses. Owners need to check for:
- Oak Trees: Acorns, leaves, and young stems are harmful and can cause kidney damage and colic.
- Red Maple Trees: The wilted leaves can cause red blood cell damage if ingested by horses.
- Black Walnut Trees: The shavings or bark of these trees can cause laminitis in horses.
| Toxic Trees | Risks |
| Oak Trees | Kidney damage, colic |
| Red Maple Trees | Hemolytic anemia |
| Black Walnut Trees | Laminitis |
Continued vigilance in managing horse feeding and their environment can prevent unnecessary harm and secure their well-being.
Eccentric Equine Eating Habits
Occasionally, horses may develop unusual eating habits called “pica”. These habits can lead to the consumption of non-food items, several of which could be harmful. Things to be cautious about include:
- Wood Chewing: Horses that chew on fences or trees may ingest harmful amounts of wood and paint. Wood chewing can also lead to dental problems.
- Dirt and Sand: Consuming dirt or sand can cause an impaction in the horse’s intestines, leading to colic.
- Manure Eating: While not typically harmful, if a horse regularly eats manure, it may be an indication of nutritional lack, and potentially can spread parasites.
| Eccentric Habits | Risks |
| Wood Chewing | Digestive blockages, dental problems |
| Dirt and Sand Eating | Sand colic |
| Manure Eating | Possible parasitic infection, sign of nutritional lack |
Toxic Weeds and Plants
Common weed and plant types toxic to horses include:
- Tansy Ragwort: Causes liver damage when ingested by horses in both fresh and dried forms.
- Foxglove: Contains toxins affecting the heart and can be fatal to horses if ingested.
- Locoweed: Chronic ingestion leads to neurological signs, reproductive problems, and weight loss.
| Toxic Weeds and Plants | Effects |
| Tansy Ragwort | Liver damage |
| Foxglove | Fatal, affects heart |
| Locoweed | Neurological signs, reproductive problems, weight loss |
Inadequate Water Quality
While not directly related to food, the quality and availability of water is a crucial part of equine nutrition.
- Cleanliness: Water should be clean and free from harmful bacteria and algae.
- Availability: Water must be available at all times.
- Temperature: During cold months, check that water hasn’t frozen over.
| Water Issue | Effects |
| Contaminated Water | Digestive and general health problems |
| Lack of Water | Dehydration |
| Frozen or Too Cold Water | Possible dehydration, Hypothermia |
Whether managing the quality of horse feed or the surroundings horses graze in, it’s important to be consistently vigilant and adopt good management practices. Prioritize providing a balanced diet appropriate for the horse’s age, size, and activity level, and consult with a veterinarian or equine nutritionist to address any health or diet concerns.
Food Related Diseases in Horses
Food-related diseases are primarily caused by dietary imbalances or toxicity. Some common conditions are:
- Laminitis: Often caused by overeating on lush pasture, grain, or other high-starch feeds.
- Colic: Can be triggered by many feed-related causes including sudden changes in diet, dehydration, and overfeeding.
- Equine Metabolic Syndrome (EMS): Usually a result of high-sugar diets.
| Food-Related Diseases | Causes |
| Laminitis | Overconsumption of lush pasture, grain, or high-starch feeds |
| Colic | Sudden diet changes, dehydration, overfeeding |
| Equine Metabolic Syndrome (EMS) | High-sugar diets |
Benefits of a Well-balanced Diet
By contrast, a well-balanced diet helps in:
- Maintaining Ideal Body Condition: Balanced nutrition helps to maintain a healthy weight and body condition in horses.
- Promoting a Healthy Coat and Hooves: A diet with the right amount of nutrients can help promote a shiny coat and healthy hooves.
- Supporting Digestive Health: A high-fiber diet promotes an active and healthy digestive system.
- Boosting the Immune System: Adequate antioxidants and omega-3 fatty acids can strengthen a horse’s immune system.
| Benefits of a Balanced Diet | Effects |
| Maintaining Ideal Body Condition | Weight Management |
| Promoting Healthy Coat and Hooves | Improved Appearance |
| Supporting Digestive Health | Enriched Gut Health |
| Boosting Immune System | Disease Prevention |
Special Diets for Specific Needs
Certain horses have individual nutritional needs due to age, pregnancy, illness, or work demands:
- Foals and Young Horses: Require a diet high in proteins and certain minerals for growth.
- Breeding Mares and Stallions: Need a higher nutrient intake.
- Senior horses: May require diets higher in fiber and specific nutrients due to a decline in digestive efficiency.
- Working horses: Require more calories and electrolytes to replace those consumed during work.
| Special Diet Needs | Reason |
| Foals & Young Horse | Growth |
| Breeding Mares and Stallions | Higher nutrient intake |
| Senior Horses | Compensate for decreased digestive efficiency |
| Working Horses | Increased calorie and electrolyte requirements |
The key to a healthy horse diet is balance, moderation, and awareness of individual needs. Regular veterinary check-ups and monitoring of your horse’s body condition can help identify dietary needs and prevent any further complications.
Frequently Asked Questions about Horse Diets
Can Horses Eat Chocolate?
A: No, horses should not eat chocolate. Chocolate contains a substance called theobromine, which is toxic to horses. Ingestion can lead to theobromine poisoning, causing serious health issues such as heart problems and seizures.
Can Horses Eat Citrus Fruits?
A: Yes, however in moderation. Horses can eat citrus fruits like oranges and lemons, but keep in mind they have high sugar content, and some horses may not like their strong taste.
Is it Safe for Horses to Eat Garlic?
A: Feeding horses garlic in small amounts is usually safe and can even have some health benefits like deterring insects. However, large quantities can be harmful to horses, potentially leading to anemia.
Can Horses Eat Peanuts or Peanut Butter?
A: Yes, horses can safely eat peanuts and peanut butter, but only in small amounts due to high fat content. However, make sure the peanuts are not in the shell, as the hard shells can cause digestive issues.
Are Tomatoes Safe for Horses to Consume?
A: No, horses should not eat tomatoes. Tomatoes, especially the leaves and vines, contain solanine, which is toxic to horses and can cause serious health problems.
How about Feeding Horses Avocado?
A: No, horses should not eat avocados. Avocados contain persin, a toxin that can cause lung and heart problems in horses.
Can Horses Consume Onions?
A: No, don’t feed onions to horses. Onions contain a compound called N-propyl disulphide, which can cause anemia in horses by damaging red blood cells.
Is it Safe for Horses to Eat Potato?
A: No, horses shouldn’t eat potatoes. Raw potatoes are hard and can pose a choking hazard. Additionally, potatoes can contain solanum alkaloids which are toxic to horses, especially in green potatoes.
Can Horses Eat Sugarcane?
A: Yes, horses can eat sugarcane in moderation. It should be cut into small pieces to prevent choking. However, be cautious, as excessive sugar can lead to obesity and other health issues.
Can Horses Consume Corn?
A: Yes, corn can be a part of a horse’s diet, often found in commercial feeds. However, uncooked whole corn is hard to digest for horses, hence it’s best served cracked or rolled. Never feed horses moldy corn, as it can contain fatal toxins.
How about Mushrooms?
A: It’s best to avoid feeding horses mushrooms. While many types are safe for consumption, some species are highly toxic, and it can be difficult to distinguish between varieties.
Is it Safe for Horses to Eat Lettuce?
A: Yes, horses can eat lettuce. It’s a good source of fiber and can be used as a low-calorie treat from time to time.
Can Horses Eat Bread?
A: Yes, horses can eat bread, but it should be given in moderation as a treat rather than as a staple in their diet. Bread doesn’t offer much nutritional value to horses and consuming large amounts may cause digestive upset.
Are Carrots Good for Horses?
A: Definitely! Carrots are a healthy treat for horses. They provide vitamins and nutrients, and most horses love the taste. However, like other treats, carrots should be fed in moderation and it’s a good idea to cut them up to avoid choking hazards.
Can Horses Eat Apples?
A: Yes, horses can eat apples. They are a great source of vitamins and fiber. Again, be sure to cut the apples into smaller pieces to prevent any risk of choking.
Is it Safe for Horses to Eat Grapes?
A: Mostly, yes. Grapes are generally safe for horses, and most of them find grapes tasty. However, ensure that they are fed in moderation due to their high sugar content.
Can Horses Eat Dairy Products like Cheese or Yogurt?
A: Dairy is not typically part of a horse’s diet and some horses may have sensitivity or intolerance to lactose. While small amounts likely won’t harm them, there are many other healthier snack options for horses.
Is Cabbage Safe for Horses to Consume?
A: While cabbage isn’t harmful to horses, it can cause excessive gas buildup in their digestive system which can lead to problems. It’s best to stick to leafy greens that are easier for horses to digest, like lettuce.
Should Horses Avoid Lawn Clippings?
A: Yes, horse owners should avoid feeding them lawn clippings. Clippings can quickly ferment, leading to a potentially fatal buildup of gas in the horse’s stomach. Additionally, clippings could contain harmful pesticides or fertilizers.
Can Horses Eat Meat or Eggs?
A: Horses are herbivores, and their digestive tracts are designed for processing plant matter, not meat or eggs. While they might technically be able to consume them, these foods aren’t suited to their nutritional needs or digestive capabilities and should be avoided.
Are Bananas Safe for Horses to Eat?
A: Yes, bananas are safe for horses to consume and are generally well-liked by horses. They are high in potassium and should be given in moderation as a treat. You can also feed the banana peel; just ensure it’s free of any pesticides.
Can Horses Consume Strawberries?
A: Yes, horses can eat strawberries. They are high in antioxidants and make excellent treats for horses, but like all fruits, should be provided in moderation due to their sugar content.
Are Peppers Safe for Horses?
A: Yes and no. Bell peppers are perfectly safe for horses to eat. However, hot or chili peppers should be avoided due to their spiciness which could potentially upset a horse’s digestive system.
Can Horses Eat Tree Leaves and Bark?
A: It depends on the type of tree. Some leaves and bark such as those from elm, poplar, and apple trees are safe for horses to consume. However, others like red maple, oak, and yew are extremely toxic to horses. Always research or consult a vet before introducing new natural elements into a horse’s diet.
Is Spinach Good for Horses?
A: Spinach can be safely consumed by horses, but because of its relatively high oxalic acid content, it should only form a small part of their diet. Too much oxalic acid can interfere with the absorption of calcium in the horse’s body.
Can Horses Eat Pumpkin?
A: Yes, most horses enjoy eating pumpkin, and it’s safe for them. Pumpkin is rich in fiber and has substantial amounts of vitamin A. However, like all other treats, it should be given in moderation, and remember to remove any seeds before feeding.
How about Watermelon?
A: Yes, horses can eat watermelon, including the rind. Watermelon is a great treat for horses, especially on a hot day, as it is hydrating due to its high water content. Still, it should be fed in moderation due to its sugar content, and always make sure to take out the seeds.
Are Oats Safe for Horses to Consume?
A: Yes, oats are one of the most commonly fed grains to horses due to their high nutritional value and high digestibility. However, they should always be fed as part of a balanced diet.
Can Horses eat Zucchini?
A: Yes, horses can safely eat zucchini. It is generally a healthy treat for them due to its high water content and lower sugar levels compared to fruits. But like other treats, ensure it’s given in moderation.
Are Sunflower Seeds safe for Horses?
A: Yes, horses can eat sunflower seeds. In fact, these seeds can be a good source of healthy fats and Vitamin E for horses. However, it’s best to offer these seeds in a hulled form to avoid the fibrous, hard shells.
Can Horses Eat Celery?
A: Yes, horses can eat celery. It’s a crunchy treat that offers vitamins and fiber and it’s also low in sugar, making it a great treat for horses. Ensure that it’s chopped into small, manageable pieces to prevent choking.
How about Beetroot?
A: Yes, horses can eat beetroot. Beetroot is rich in nutrients and can be a healthy addition to the horse’s diet. Despite its high sugar content, when fed in small amounts, it should not cause any harm.
Is Honey safe for Horses?
A: Yes, horses can have honey. Honey is often used to increase the palatability of horse feed and can be soothing for horses suffering from throat irritation. Owing to its high sugar content though, it should be fed sparingly.
Can Horses eat Grass Cuttings?
A: No, you should not feed your horse grass clippings. The clippings can start to ferment before the horse eats them, producing harmful levels of gas in the digestive system.
Are Sweet Potatoes safe for Horses?
A: Yes, sweet potatoes are safe for horses to consume, but they should always be cooked first to break down the hard fibres and to neutralise any potential harmful toxins.
Is it Safe for Horses to eat Walnuts?
A: It’s best to avoid feeding your horse walnuts. Even though a small amount is not likely to cause harm, they can potentially cause digestive upset. Furthermore, black walnut shavings in horse bedding can cause laminitis, a serious hoof ailment.
