Are you a doting horse owner who never gets tired of showering love and attention on your equine friend? Sometimes, we might feel tempted to slip our horses a sweet treat or a savory morsel from our plates. But not all human food is horse-friendly. This fun and engaging Episode 12 of Don't Feed the Humans will share some oh-so-serious dos and don'ts of horse feeding. Let's make sure we only feed our horses what's safe for their stable-bound stomachs.
Dont Feed The Humans Ep 12 Table of Contents
Every horse owner should be mindful that their majestically-mane quadrupeds have a different digestive system than we do. It's essential to have a basic understanding of what food items are beneficial, neutral, or downright harmful to horses. Let's dive into the details.
The Good, the Bad, and the Deadly
Fruits and vegetables form the best category of human food that horses can enjoy in moderation. These can be used as treats or training rewards. Here's a list of what's safe for horses to chow down:
1. Apples: A true classic, horses adore apples! However, remove the seeds and core as the seeds contain a trace amount of cyanide that could be toxic to your horse if ingested in large quantities.
2. Carrots: Equine enthusiasts all around the world have used carrots as horse treats for ages. Munching on carrots lets your horse enjoy a fiber-filled snack.
3. Celery: A low-calorie choice that offers healthy fiber, water, and minerals without significant sugar content.
4. Bananas: Horses love the taste of bananas, and they are rich in potassium. But feed them this nutritious treat in moderation due to their higher sugar content.
While these foods can have your horse neighing in delight, some more sinister options could cause them harm. Here are some items to avoid feeding your beloved trotter:
1. Onions and Garlic: These contain compounds that can lead to Heinz body anemia in horses, which causes red blood cells to burst – not a pleasant experience for poor Tigger or Silver.
2. Chocolate: Apart from the fact that it's high in sugar, chocolate (like all things delicious) contains toxins called theobromine and caffeine that are harmful to horses.
3. Avocado: It might be excellent on toast for us, but we must keep our avocados away from horses. The fatty fruit contains persin, a substance toxic to equines.
Realism on a Plate
Let's imagine you're watching your favorite reality TV show when your horse, Star, gazes longingly at your bowl of popcorn. It's only natural to want to treat your fluffy friend to some popcorn too. However, despite being non-toxic, popcorn could add unhealthy sugar and fat to Star's diet. It's better to save it for yourself and provide Star with a healthier treat like her favorite apple – sans seeds, of course!
The Final Hurdle
As horse owners, it's crucial to remember that a balanced, nutritious diet is vital to ensure their health, happiness, and longevity. So while we may enjoy indulging in snacks and treats—both healthy and otherwise—it's essential to prioritize the well-being of our equine buddies. In Episode 12 of Don't Feed the Humans, we hope to have imparted a valuable life-lesson: always opt for horse-friendly treats!
If you're enjoying this series on How to Own a Horse, don't forget to share the post and let your fellow horse aficionados in on the secret to responsible equine nutrition. We encourage you to explore our other entertaining and informative guides; there's always more knowledge to be sought and adventures to be galloped.
And lastly, always consult with your veterinarian before introducing new treats to your horse’s diet. They know your furry friend best and can provide the safest guidance on nutrition. Happy horse-feeding!
