9/07/2012

Helpful Information Regarding Horse Treats

By Kerri Turner


If you are new to the world of horse ownership, you may be wondering what snacks make good horse treats. It is a good idea to know what is appropriate for this large animal before you just feed it anything that you want. Many people get ideas from fictional television shows and these ideas are not always the best.

One of the most popular treats shown on television is sugar cubes. Under no circumstances should you feed these majestic animals sugar. It is bad for their teeth and not healthy for their digestive systems. Like people, they will eat as many sugar cubes and sugary snacks as they are given, but it is not good for their weight.

Carrots and apples are also a popular snack. These are best served cut up into pieces that are easily chewed. Carrots should be broken into pieces approximately two inches long. Apples that have been quartered are the easiest for the animal to handle. Do not overdo it though. Too many carrots or apples can cause problems with bowel movements due to the high water content.

One fruit that is like candy to a horse is the banana. It offers our majestic friend the same health benefits that humans gain by eating one, including the boost of energy and the added potassium. The equine enjoys the whole banana, skin and all so peeling is unnecessary. You may wish to cut it into chunks depending on how big of a banana it is.

When it comes to fresh produce, nearly anything that is organic is recommended. Horses love watermelon, rind and all, especially when it is hot outside. Cut it into long, slender strips instead of chunks to make it easier to chew. Many find that their horses also enjoy a mixture of oats with grapes, cherries, strawberries and blueberries as a refreshing meal.

The animal will also enjoy vegetables including green beans, beet greens or tops, peas in their shells, lettuce and celery. When feeding him celery, remove some of the strings from the backside as many times the animal will have trouble digesting them. If the animal is prone to having a sweet tooth, it may take a little persuading but he will eventually eat the vegetables as well.

It is very important to make sure that any fruits or vegetables you feed him are pesticide free and free of any fungicides. If necessary, soak them in vinegar and then rinse them thoroughly in water before feeding. Equine are sensitive to molds and bacteria. To ensure good health, do not feed the animal any produce that is turning bad.

Healthy horse treats are known to be as much of a benefit to the animal as healthy snacks are to their human owners. Snack time is the ideal opportunity for you to bond with your animal. It will also ensure a boost of energy along with vitamins and antioxidants.




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