It is perfectly natural that we want to reward our horses with ?treats? when we feel they deserve it, and there is no problem or risk associated with doing so. Yet, to be perfectly 'safe', we must be aware of what we can and cannot provide.
The horses' diet should be as natural as possible, ideally allowing access to quality pasture. Whether or not you have access to pasture, it is essential to provide your horses with quality hay and fresh, clean water. Since the historical evolution of horses has converged towards their housing and use for sports purposes, it has become essential to supplement their diet with a concentrated feed that allows them to meet their increased energy, protein and vitamin needs.
Feed to be given to horses (occasionally)
Carrot, Apple (pitted), Pear (pitted), Watermelon, Plum (pitted), Apricot (pitted), Melon (peeled), Peach (pitted), Strawberries, Mango, Grapes, Raisins, Banana ( without peel), Pineapple (without peel), Orange (without peel), Celery.
It should always be taken into account that excessive consumption of any of the aforementioned foods can unbalance the horse's diet, as well as its natural microbiota, essential for normal intestinal functioning, which is not desirable. Moderation is thus the key to success.
Food not to feed horses
1. Chocolate? Why? The consumption of large amounts of chocolate can become lethal for horses because the chemical molecule theobromine is toxic to the species. In competition horses, chocolate can even show doping.
2. Meat ? Because? Horses are herbivorous animals so their digestive system is not prepared to digest meat. As there are no studies that reveal the effects of meat consumption by horses, its supply should be made unfeasible.
3. Dairy products ? Because? Adult horses are lactose intolerant, so providing cheese, milk, ice cream or yogurt can contribute to intestinal dysbiosis and diarrhea.
4. Bread, cakes, etc. ? Because? As a general rule, processed foods for human consumption should not be fed to horses, which may cause abdominal pain (colic).
5. Tomato ? Because? Tomatoes contain a glycoalkaloid that is toxic to equine species. This glycoalkaloid is present in the stems and leaves of the plant and also in the fruit (particularly when it is green). In addition, the food contains atropine which can cause, among other effects, a decrease in intestinal motility, which can lead to colic.
6. Garlic ? Because? Garlic has in its constitution a toxic molecule called N-Propyl Disulfide, which promotes an alteration in the enzyme Glucose-6-Phosphate Dehydrogenase present in erythrocytes, reducing the cell's ability to prevent hemoglobin oxidation. As a consequence, oxidative damage to the hemoglobin molecule can occur. Damaged erythrocytes are subsequently removed from the circulation, resulting in anemia due to a decrease in the number of circulating red blood cells.
7. Onion ? Because? Onions are part of the garlic family, so they also contain N-propyl disulfide, which can also cause anemia. This family also includes chives and leeks.
8. Potato ? Because? The potato has, like the tomato, a glycoalkaloid toxic to the equine species called solanine. The ingestion of this food presents a higher risk when it is ?green? or rotten.
9. Avocado ? Because? Avocado is a toxic food for horses as well as the tree it comes from, including its bark and leaves. Avocados contain persin, a substance derived from the fatty acids present in the food, which is considered to be responsible for the toxicity of this fruit. Ingestion of avocado can cause an irregular heartbeat, breathing difficulties, neurological dysfunction or colic, and can even lead to the death of the horse.
10. Cruciferous vegetables ? Because? Cruciferous vegetables such as cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower, kale and brussels sprouts should not be fed to horses due to the gas production associated with eating these foods.
11. Moldy or dirty hay? In addition to being important to provide the horses with some quality hay, it is also important to pay attention to the condition of the hay, in order to verify that it does not contain dirt or mold. Mold spores can cause irreversible damage to the horse's respiratory system.
12. Food designed for other animal species? Horses must not be fed food designed for any other animal species. What is beneficial, for example, for cows is not beneficial for horses and can ultimately result in the death of the animals.
