All-Natural Horse Treats: Choosing the Healthiest Options for Your Equine Companion

As a horse owner, you want the best for your equine companion. You feed them nutritious meals, make sure they have clean water, and provide them with a comfortable place to rest. But have you considered what kind of treats you give your horse? Many commercial horse treats are full of artificial flavors, preservatives, and other unhealthy ingredients. Luckily, there are plenty of all-natural horse treats on the market that can provide a healthy and delicious snack for your horse. In this article, we will discuss how to choose the healthiest all-natural horse treats for your equine companion.

The Importance of Choosing All-Natural Horse Treats

Choosing all-natural horse treats is important for several reasons. Firstly, horses are herbivores, and their digestive systems are designed to process plants and other natural materials. Feeding your horse commercial treats full of artificial ingredients can upset their digestive system and cause health issues. Secondly, many commercial horse treats contain excessive amounts of sugar and salt, which can lead to obesity, insulin resistance, and other health issues. Lastly, all-natural horse treats are usually made with high-quality ingredients that provide essential nutrients, vitamins, and minerals that your horse needs.

Common Ingredients in Commercial Horse Treats to Avoid

When choosing horse treats, it is important to read the labels and avoid certain ingredients. Here are some common ingredients found in commercial horse treats that you should avoid:

Artificial Flavors and Colors

Many commercial horse treats contain artificial flavors and colors to make them more appealing to horses. However, these ingredients can cause allergic reactions, behavioral problems, and other health issues.

Preservatives

Preservatives are added to horse treats to extend their shelf life. However, many preservatives are toxic and can cause health problems for horses. Some common preservatives to avoid include BHA, BHT, and ethoxyquin.

Corn and Soy

Corn and soy are common ingredients in many commercial horse treats. However, they are not natural foods for horses and can cause digestive problems and allergic reactions.

Healthy Ingredients to Look for in All-Natural Horse Treats

When choosing all-natural horse treats, look for treats that contain the following healthy ingredients:

Whole Grains

Whole grains, such as oats and barley, are a great source of fiber, protein, and carbohydrates for horses. They provide energy and essential nutrients that horses need to stay healthy.

Fruits and Vegetables

Fruits and vegetables are a great source of vitamins and minerals for horses. Look for treats that contain natural fruits and vegetables, such as apples, carrots, and sweet potatoes.

Herbs

Herbs, such as mint and chamomile, can provide natural health benefits for horses. They can help calm nervous horses, soothe upset stomachs, and provide other health benefits.

Types of All-Natural Horse Treats

There are several types of all-natural horse treats to choose from, including:

Cookies and Biscuits

All-natural horse cookies and biscuits are a popular treat option. They come in a variety of flavors and are usually made with healthy ingredients.

Fruit and Vegetable Treats

Fruit and vegetable treats are another popular option for horses. They can be given as a standalone snack or mixed into your horse’s regular feed.

Herbal Treats

Herbal treats, made with natural herbs, can provide added health benefits for your horse. They can help calm nervous horses, soothe upset stomachs, and provide other health benefits.

Hay Cubes and Pellets

Hay cubes and pellets are compressed hay blocks that can be given as a treat or mixed into your horse’s regular feed. They are a great source of fiber and can help keep your horse’s digestive system healthy.

Homemade All-Natural Horse Treat Recipes

Making your own all-natural horse treats is a great way to ensure that your horse is getting healthy, high-quality ingredients. Here are a few easy recipes to try:

Apple Carrot Oat Cookies

Ingredients:

• 2 cups oats
• 1 cup grated carrot
• 1 cup grated apple
• 1/4 cup molasses
• 1/4 cup vegetable oil

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C).
2. Mix all the ingredients together in a bowl until well combined.
3. Roll the mixture into balls and place them on a baking sheet.
4. Flatten each ball with a fork.
5. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the cookies are golden brown.

Sweet Potato Hay Cubes

Ingredients:

• 2 large sweet potatoes
• 1 cup hay pellets
• 1/4 cup molasses
• 1/4 cup vegetable oil

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C).
2. Peel and chop the sweet potatoes into small cubes.
3. Boil the sweet potatoes until they are soft.
4. Mash the sweet potatoes until they are smooth.
5. Mix in the hay pellets, molasses, and vegetable oil until well combined.
6. Press the mixture into a greased baking dish and bake for 30-40 minutes, or until the cubes are firm.

Best Brands for All-Natural Horse Treats

There are several brands that specialize in all-natural horse treats. Some of the best brands include:

Manna Pro

Manna Pro makes a variety of all-natural horse treats, including apple wafers, carrot and spice treats, and peppermint nuggets.

Uncle Jimmy’s

Uncle Jimmy’s offers a range of all-natural horse treats, including hanging balls, flavored cones, and molasses snacks.

Omega Fields

Omega Fields makes all-natural horse treats that are rich in omega-3 fatty acids and other essential nutrients. Their treats come in several flavors, including apple, peppermint, and carrot.

How to Store All-Natural Horse Treats

All-natural horse treats should be stored in a cool, dry place to prevent spoilage. Avoid storing treats in areas that are exposed to direct sunlight, moisture, or heat. It is also important to check the expiration dates on your treats and discard any that have expired.

Feeding Your Horse All-Natural Treats

When feeding your horse all-natural treats, it is important to do so in moderation. Too many treats can lead to obesity, insulin resistance, and other health issues. A good rule of thumb is to limit treats to no more than 10% of your horse’s daily diet.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Choosing All-Natural Horse Treats

When choosing all-natural horse treats, there are a few common mistakes to avoid. These include:

Choosing Treats Based Solely on Price

It can be tempting to choose the cheapest all-natural horse treats available. However, cheaper treats may be made with lower quality ingredients and may not provide the same health benefits as higher quality treats.

Choosing Treats with Added Sugar

Some all-natural horse treats may contain added sugar, which can lead to health issues such as insulin resistance and obesity. It is important to read the ingredient label carefully and choose treats that are low in sugar.

Choosing Treats That Contain Fillers

Some all-natural horse treats may contain fillers such as corn or wheat. These fillers can provide empty calories and may not be easily digestible for horses. It is important to choose treats that are made with high-quality, easily digestible ingredients.

Conclusion

Choosing all-natural horse treats is a great way to provide your equine companion with healthy, high-quality snacks. When choosing treats, look for options that are made with whole food ingredients, free from added sugars and fillers, and offer added health benefits. Consider making your own treats at home or choose from reputable brands that specialize in all-natural horse treats. Remember to feed treats in moderation and store them properly to prevent spoilage.

FAQs

1. What are some common ingredients in all-natural horse treats? Some common ingredients in all-natural horse treats include apples, carrots, oats, and molasses.
2. Can all-natural horse treats provide health benefits for my horse? Yes, all-natural horse treats made with high-quality ingredients can provide added health benefits for your horse.
3. Can I make my own all-natural horse treats at home? Yes, there are many easy and delicious all-natural horse treat recipes available online that you can make at home.
4. How should I store all-natural horse treats? All-natural horse treats should be stored in a cool, dry place to prevent spoilage.
5. How many all-natural horse treats can I give my horse? Treats should be fed in moderation, with no more than 10% of your horse’s daily diet consisting of treats.