02/08/2026
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SAFE TO FEED HORSES — OR NOT?
I’m often asked which fruits and vegetables are safe to feed horses — especially when owners want to offer healthy treats or use up extra produce at home.
While some foods can be fed safely in moderation, others should never be offered due to digestive upset, toxicity, or colic risk.
✅ SAFER OPTIONS (Treats Only & Properly Prepared)
(Feed in small amounts and introduce slowly)
• Apples (slice, remove seeds)
• Pears (slice, remove seeds)
• Carrots (slice lengthwise — not chopped)
• Parsnips (slice lengthwise)
• Bananas
• Oranges (chopped)
• Watermelon (rind removed)
• Strawberries
• Blueberries
• Pumpkin (plain, peeled, no spices)
• Celery (cut into small pieces)
➡️ REMEMBER: These should be treats only, not dietary staples. Feed these in moderation.
🚫 DO NOT FEED / AVOID
(Unsafe, questionable, or higher risk)
• Tomatoes (fruit and plant)
• Potato & tomato plants
• Potatoes (raw or cooked)
• Avocados (skin & pit are toxic)
• Onions, leeks & garlic
• Broccoli, cabbage, brussels sprouts, cauliflower (gas/colic risk)
• Spinach & chard
• Eggplant
• Rhubarb
• Stone fruit pits (peach, plum, cherry)
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⚠️ Important Feeding Safety Reminders ⚠️
🍀 Always introduce new foods gradually
🥕 Slice round or hard foods — horses can choke easily
🍓 Treat portions (under ~200g/day) are very different from feeding larger amounts
🍄 “Natural” does not mean safe — many natural plants are toxic to horses
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🚫 Never feed a horse that is not yours or without the owner’s permission.
Well-intended feeding is a common cause of colic and emergency vet calls.
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🚨 Emergency Reminder
If your horse shows any signs of colic — pawing, rolling, discomfort, reduced appetite, or changes in manure(or ADR) — contact your veterinarian immediately.
Nutrition guidance does not replace emergency veterinary care.
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💬 Need help with equine nutrition or feeding balance?
I offer individualized equine nutrition guidance and consultations — feel free to reach out.
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Cozy Critters Pet Care
Equine Nutrition • Animal Care • Farm Sitting
📞 941-224-7594
📧 [email protected]
