What Food Can Horses Not Eat? Keeping Your Equine Friend Safe
Certain foods, while harmless to humans, can be extremely dangerous, even fatal, to horses. Knowing what food can horses not eat is absolutely essential for responsible horse ownership. This knowledge will help prevent serious health issues and ensure the well-being of your equine companion.
Introduction: A Delicate Digestive System
Horses possess a complex and sensitive digestive system, quite different from our own. While they are natural grazers designed to consume large quantities of forage, their bodies are not equipped to handle certain substances. Unlike humans, horses cannot vomit to expel toxins. This, combined with a specific gut flora, makes them particularly vulnerable to the harmful effects of certain foods. Neglecting to learn about what food can horses not eat can lead to colic, laminitis, neurological damage, and even death.
Common Toxic Foods for Horses
Understanding the specific dangers associated with certain foods is paramount. Here is a list of some of the most common and dangerous items to avoid feeding your horse:
- Nightshades (Potatoes, Tomatoes, Eggplants): These contain solanine, a toxic alkaloid that can cause neurological problems and digestive upset. Green potatoes are especially dangerous.
- Avocados: Persin, found in the fruit, leaves, and pit, can cause colic, diarrhea, and even heart problems.
- Chocolate: Contains theobromine, a stimulant that can cause irregular heartbeat, muscle tremors, and seizures.
- Cruciferous Vegetables (Cabbage, Broccoli, Cauliflower): These can cause gas and severe discomfort, leading to colic.
- Onions & Garlic (in large quantities): Contain compounds that can damage red blood cells, leading to anemia. Small amounts of garlic are sometimes used as a supplement, but large quantities should be avoided.
- Stone Fruits (Peaches, Plums, Cherries): The pits contain cyanide compounds, which are highly toxic.
- Rhubarb: Contains oxalic acid, which can cause kidney damage.
- Moldy or Spoiled Feed: Mycotoxins produced by molds can cause a variety of health problems, including liver damage and neurological disorders.
- Lawn Mower Clippings: Fermentation in the clippings can produce toxins, leading to colic and laminitis.
- Yew: Extremely poisonous evergreen shrub; even small amounts can be fatal.
- Oleander: Highly toxic plant; ingestion can lead to heart problems and death.
- Locoweed: Contains swainsonine, which can cause neurological damage and weight loss. The effects of locoweed are often permanent and cumulative.
The Importance of Forage: What Horses Should Eat
The foundation of a horse’s diet should always be high-quality forage, such as hay or pasture. Forage provides essential fiber, which is crucial for maintaining a healthy digestive system. Supplemental feeds, such as grains, should be used sparingly and only when necessary to meet the horse’s energy needs (e.g., during periods of intense work or lactation). Always introduce new feeds gradually to allow the gut flora to adjust.
Identifying Toxic Plants in Pastures
Many toxic plants can grow in pastures, posing a serious threat to grazing horses. Regularly inspect pastures for the presence of poisonous plants and remove them. Consider consulting with a local agricultural extension agent for help identifying potentially harmful plants in your area. Proper pasture management, including weed control and rotational grazing, can help minimize the risk of horses consuming toxic plants.
Understanding the Risks of Moldy Feed
Moldy feed is a significant hazard. Mycotoxins produced by molds can have devastating effects on a horse’s health. Always inspect hay and grain for signs of mold, such as discoloration, unusual odors, or a powdery texture. Never feed moldy feed to horses. Store feed in a cool, dry place to prevent mold growth. If you suspect your horse has consumed moldy feed, contact your veterinarian immediately.
The Dangers of Lawn Mower Clippings
Lawn mower clippings are a common culprit for colic and laminitis in horses. The fermentation process that occurs in the clippings produces toxins that can disrupt the horse’s digestive system. Additionally, lawn clippings often contain poisonous weeds that are further concentrated by the mowing process. It is never safe to feed lawn mower clippings to horses.
Table: Comparing Safe and Unsafe Foods
| Food Group | Safe Foods (Generally) | Unsafe Foods |
|---|---|---|
| ————– | ————————– | ————————————————- |
| Fruits | Apples (without seeds) | Avocados, Stone fruits (with pits), Rhubarb |
| Vegetables | Carrots, Beets | Nightshades (Potatoes, Tomatoes, Eggplants), Onions, Garlic, Cruciferous Vegetables (in excess) |
| Forage | Grass, Hay | Moldy Hay, Lawn Mower Clippings |
| Treats | Safe Horse Treats | Chocolate |
| Plants | Some Herbs | Yew, Oleander, Locoweed |
Recognizing the Signs of Poisoning
Early recognition of poisoning is crucial for successful treatment. Symptoms can vary depending on the toxin ingested, but common signs include:
- Colic (abdominal pain)
- Diarrhea
- Loss of appetite
- Lethargy
- Incoordination
- Muscle tremors
- Seizures
- Difficulty breathing
- Abnormal heart rate
If you suspect your horse has ingested a toxic substance, contact your veterinarian immediately. Knowing what food can horses not eat is only half the battle; you must also be vigilant and observant to detect signs of illness quickly.
Prevention is Key: Best Practices for Feeding
Preventing accidental ingestion of toxic substances is the best approach. Follow these best practices:
- Carefully inspect all feed before offering it to your horse.
- Store feed in a secure location where horses cannot access it.
- Remove toxic plants from pastures.
- Avoid feeding horses anything unless you are certain it is safe.
- Educate everyone who interacts with your horse about the dangers of feeding inappropriate foods. Knowing what food can horses not eat should be common knowledge.
- Consult with your veterinarian or equine nutritionist to develop a balanced and safe feeding plan for your horse.
FAQs: Common Concerns About Horse Diets
What are the dangers of feeding horses “human food?”
Many foods that are safe for human consumption are dangerous for horses. This is because horses have a sensitive digestive system that cannot process certain substances. Avoid feeding horses table scraps or any food that is not specifically formulated for equine consumption.
Can horses eat apples?
Yes, apples are generally safe for horses in moderation, but always remove the core and seeds, as they contain small amounts of cyanide compounds. Chop the apples into smaller pieces to prevent choking.
Is garlic safe for horses?
Small amounts of garlic are sometimes used as a natural supplement to repel flies, but large quantities can damage red blood cells and lead to anemia. Consult with your veterinarian before adding garlic to your horse’s diet.
What is colic, and how is it related to diet?
Colic is a general term for abdominal pain in horses. It can be caused by a variety of factors, including diet. Feeding inappropriate foods, such as those listed above, can disrupt the horse’s digestive system and lead to colic. Proper feeding management is crucial for preventing colic.
How can I prevent my horse from eating toxic plants in the pasture?
Regularly inspect your pasture for poisonous plants and remove them. Proper pasture management, including weed control and rotational grazing, can also help minimize the risk.
What should I do if I suspect my horse has been poisoned?
Contact your veterinarian immediately. The sooner your horse receives treatment, the better the chance of a full recovery.
Are sweet feeds safe for horses?
Sweet feeds, which contain molasses, can be a source of quick energy, but they should be fed in moderation. Too much sugar can contribute to laminitis and other health problems.
Can horses eat bread?
Bread offers little nutritional value and may cause digestive upset. Bread should generally be avoided in the equine diet.
What are the risks of feeding horses treats?
While some commercial horse treats are safe, many human treats are not. Read labels carefully and avoid feeding horses treats that contain ingredients known to be toxic, such as chocolate.
Is pasture grass alone enough to sustain my horse?
While pasture grass can provide a good source of nutrition, it may not be sufficient to meet all of your horse’s needs, especially during periods of heavy work or lactation. Supplemental feed may be necessary.
How often should I change my horse’s water?
Horses should have access to fresh, clean water at all times. Change the water at least once a day, and more often in hot weather.
What are the signs of laminitis, and how is it related to diet?
Laminitis is a painful condition that affects the sensitive tissues of the hoof. It can be caused by a variety of factors, including diet. Overconsumption of sugars and starches can trigger laminitis. Careful dietary management is crucial for preventing laminitis.