Feed & Plants

Can My Horse Eat This?

Search common treats, feeds and plants. Safety depends on dose, preparation and the individual horse.

Generally suitable

Apple

Generally suitable as an occasional treat

Why it matters: Cut into manageable pieces. Whole apples can be a choke risk for some horses; treats should not replace balanced forage.
Serving guidance: Offer only as part of a balanced ration or as a small treat. Introduce new foods gradually and cut hard produce into manageable pieces when choking is a concern.
What to do if eaten: If a large amount was eaten or the horse develops choking, colic, diarrhea or unusual behavior, stop access and contact your veterinarian.

Generally suitable

Carrot

Generally suitable in moderation

Why it matters: Slice lengthwise or into appropriate pieces for horses that bolt treats.
Serving guidance: Offer only as part of a balanced ration or as a small treat. Introduce new foods gradually and cut hard produce into manageable pieces when choking is a concern.
What to do if eaten: If a large amount was eaten or the horse develops choking, colic, diarrhea or unusual behavior, stop access and contact your veterinarian.

Generally suitable

Banana

Generally suitable in small amounts

Why it matters: Peel is not usually necessary but many horses prefer the fruit; keep sugary treats limited.
Serving guidance: Offer only as part of a balanced ration or as a small treat. Introduce new foods gradually and cut hard produce into manageable pieces when choking is a concern.
What to do if eaten: If a large amount was eaten or the horse develops choking, colic, diarrhea or unusual behavior, stop access and contact your veterinarian.

Generally suitable

Watermelon

Small portions are generally acceptable

Why it matters: Remove large rind pieces if your horse gulps feed; keep treats modest.
Serving guidance: Offer only as part of a balanced ration or as a small treat. Introduce new foods gradually and cut hard produce into manageable pieces when choking is a concern.
What to do if eaten: If a large amount was eaten or the horse develops choking, colic, diarrhea or unusual behavior, stop access and contact your veterinarian.

Generally suitable

Strawberries

Generally suitable as an occasional treat

Why it matters: Wash and offer a few pieces rather than large quantities.
Serving guidance: Offer only as part of a balanced ration or as a small treat. Introduce new foods gradually and cut hard produce into manageable pieces when choking is a concern.
What to do if eaten: If a large amount was eaten or the horse develops choking, colic, diarrhea or unusual behavior, stop access and contact your veterinarian.

Generally suitable

Blueberries

Generally suitable in small amounts

Why it matters: Useful as tiny treats; introduce new foods gradually.
Serving guidance: Offer only as part of a balanced ration or as a small treat. Introduce new foods gradually and cut hard produce into manageable pieces when choking is a concern.
What to do if eaten: If a large amount was eaten or the horse develops choking, colic, diarrhea or unusual behavior, stop access and contact your veterinarian.

Generally suitable

Pear

Generally suitable in moderation

Why it matters: Remove a very hard stem/core if needed and cut for horses prone to choke.
Serving guidance: Offer only as part of a balanced ration or as a small treat. Introduce new foods gradually and cut hard produce into manageable pieces when choking is a concern.
What to do if eaten: If a large amount was eaten or the horse develops choking, colic, diarrhea or unusual behavior, stop access and contact your veterinarian.

Generally suitable

Celery

Generally suitable

Why it matters: Cut fibrous stalks into manageable pieces.
Serving guidance: Offer only as part of a balanced ration or as a small treat. Introduce new foods gradually and cut hard produce into manageable pieces when choking is a concern.
What to do if eaten: If a large amount was eaten or the horse develops choking, colic, diarrhea or unusual behavior, stop access and contact your veterinarian.

Generally suitable

Pumpkin

Plain pumpkin flesh is generally suitable

Why it matters: Avoid moldy pumpkin and heavily spiced sweet preparations.
Serving guidance: Offer only as part of a balanced ration or as a small treat. Introduce new foods gradually and cut hard produce into manageable pieces when choking is a concern.
What to do if eaten: If a large amount was eaten or the horse develops choking, colic, diarrhea or unusual behavior, stop access and contact your veterinarian.

Generally suitable

Beet Pulp

Common fiber feed when used appropriately

Why it matters: Use a reputable commercial product and follow soaking/feeding directions when recommended by the manufacturer or nutritionist.
Serving guidance: Offer only as part of a balanced ration or as a small treat. Introduce new foods gradually and cut hard produce into manageable pieces when choking is a concern.
What to do if eaten: If a large amount was eaten or the horse develops choking, colic, diarrhea or unusual behavior, stop access and contact your veterinarian.

Generally suitable

Alfalfa

Useful forage for many horses when it fits the ration

Why it matters: Higher protein and calcium than many grass hays; suitability depends on age, workload and total ration.
Serving guidance: Offer only as part of a balanced ration or as a small treat. Introduce new foods gradually and cut hard produce into manageable pieces when choking is a concern.
What to do if eaten: If a large amount was eaten or the horse develops choking, colic, diarrhea or unusual behavior, stop access and contact your veterinarian.

Generally suitable

Grass Hay

Core forage for many horses

Why it matters: Quality, maturity, hygiene and nutrient content vary. Forage analysis is valuable when balancing a ration.
Serving guidance: Offer only as part of a balanced ration or as a small treat. Introduce new foods gradually and cut hard produce into manageable pieces when choking is a concern.
What to do if eaten: If a large amount was eaten or the horse develops choking, colic, diarrhea or unusual behavior, stop access and contact your veterinarian.

Use caution

Oats

Common concentrate but not automatically appropriate

Why it matters: Starch and calories can exceed the needs of easy keepers or horses with metabolic issues. Balance the whole diet.
Serving guidance: Use only when there is a clear reason and the preparation and amount are appropriate. Individual metabolic, dental and gastrointestinal needs matter.
What to do if eaten: If the amount is unknown, intake was large, or signs develop, call your veterinarian or an equine poison service for case-specific advice.

Use caution

Corn

Energy-dense concentrate requiring careful use

Why it matters: High starch; should be processed and fed as part of a balanced ration, not free-fed.
Serving guidance: Use only when there is a clear reason and the preparation and amount are appropriate. Individual metabolic, dental and gastrointestinal needs matter.
What to do if eaten: If the amount is unknown, intake was large, or signs develop, call your veterinarian or an equine poison service for case-specific advice.

Use caution

Barley

Can be used in formulated horse diets

Why it matters: Usually requires processing for digestibility and careful ration balancing.
Serving guidance: Use only when there is a clear reason and the preparation and amount are appropriate. Individual metabolic, dental and gastrointestinal needs matter.
What to do if eaten: If the amount is unknown, intake was large, or signs develop, call your veterinarian or an equine poison service for case-specific advice.

Use caution

Wheat Bran

Not a complete feed

Why it matters: Frequent large unbalanced servings can disrupt mineral balance. Do not rely on traditional bran mashes as a cure-all.
Serving guidance: Use only when there is a clear reason and the preparation and amount are appropriate. Individual metabolic, dental and gastrointestinal needs matter.
What to do if eaten: If the amount is unknown, intake was large, or signs develop, call your veterinarian or an equine poison service for case-specific advice.

Use caution

Bread

Not toxic in small plain amounts but not useful horse nutrition

Why it matters: Avoid large quantities and moldy bread; better treats exist.
Serving guidance: Use only when there is a clear reason and the preparation and amount are appropriate. Individual metabolic, dental and gastrointestinal needs matter.
What to do if eaten: If the amount is unknown, intake was large, or signs develop, call your veterinarian or an equine poison service for case-specific advice.

Use caution

Molasses

Palatable but sugar-dense

Why it matters: Often present in feeds; limit extra sugar in insulin-dysregulated or overweight horses.
Serving guidance: Use only when there is a clear reason and the preparation and amount are appropriate. Individual metabolic, dental and gastrointestinal needs matter.
What to do if eaten: If the amount is unknown, intake was large, or signs develop, call your veterinarian or an equine poison service for case-specific advice.

Use caution

Peppermint Candy

A tiny occasional treat only

Why it matters: High sugar; avoid sugar-free products with unfamiliar sweeteners and do not feed by the handful.
Serving guidance: Use only when there is a clear reason and the preparation and amount are appropriate. Individual metabolic, dental and gastrointestinal needs matter.
What to do if eaten: If the amount is unknown, intake was large, or signs develop, call your veterinarian or an equine poison service for case-specific advice.

Avoid / potentially dangerous

Lawn Clippings

Do not feed piles of lawn clippings

Why it matters: Clippings can ferment rapidly and horses may bolt them, increasing digestive and choke risk. Grazing standing pasture is different.
Serving guidance: Use only when there is a clear reason and the preparation and amount are appropriate. Individual metabolic, dental and gastrointestinal needs matter.
What to do if eaten: If the amount is unknown, intake was large, or signs develop, call your veterinarian or an equine poison service for case-specific advice.

Avoid / potentially dangerous

Moldy or Dusty Hay

Do not feed

Why it matters: Mold and excessive dust can harm respiratory and digestive health. Discard questionable forage.
Serving guidance: Use only when there is a clear reason and the preparation and amount are appropriate. Individual metabolic, dental and gastrointestinal needs matter.
What to do if eaten: If the amount is unknown, intake was large, or signs develop, call your veterinarian or an equine poison service for case-specific advice.

Avoid / potentially dangerous

Yew

Highly toxic emergency

Why it matters: Even small amounts can be fatal. Remove access and contact a veterinarian immediately after suspected ingestion.
Serving guidance: Use only when there is a clear reason and the preparation and amount are appropriate. Individual metabolic, dental and gastrointestinal needs matter.
What to do if eaten: If the amount is unknown, intake was large, or signs develop, call your veterinarian or an equine poison service for case-specific advice.

Avoid / potentially dangerous

Oleander

Highly toxic

Why it matters: All parts are dangerous. Suspected ingestion requires urgent veterinary help.
Serving guidance: Use only when there is a clear reason and the preparation and amount are appropriate. Individual metabolic, dental and gastrointestinal needs matter.
What to do if eaten: If the amount is unknown, intake was large, or signs develop, call your veterinarian or an equine poison service for case-specific advice.

Avoid / potentially dangerous

Wilted Red Maple Leaves

Dangerous to horses

Why it matters: Wilted or dried leaves can cause severe red-blood-cell damage. Seek veterinary help after exposure.
Serving guidance: Use only when there is a clear reason and the preparation and amount are appropriate. Individual metabolic, dental and gastrointestinal needs matter.
What to do if eaten: If the amount is unknown, intake was large, or signs develop, call your veterinarian or an equine poison service for case-specific advice.

Avoid / potentially dangerous

Black Walnut Shavings

Unsafe bedding for horses

Why it matters: Exposure can trigger laminitis and limb swelling. Remove the horse and contact a veterinarian if exposure is suspected.
Serving guidance: Use only when there is a clear reason and the preparation and amount are appropriate. Individual metabolic, dental and gastrointestinal needs matter.
What to do if eaten: If the amount is unknown, intake was large, or signs develop, call your veterinarian or an equine poison service for case-specific advice.

Avoid / potentially dangerous

Ragwort / Groundsels

Toxic, including when dried in hay

Why it matters: Chronic exposure can cause serious liver damage. Control plants and inspect hay.
Serving guidance: Use only when there is a clear reason and the preparation and amount are appropriate. Individual metabolic, dental and gastrointestinal needs matter.
What to do if eaten: If the amount is unknown, intake was large, or signs develop, call your veterinarian or an equine poison service for case-specific advice.

Avoid / potentially dangerous

Foxglove

Toxic

Why it matters: Cardiac glycosides can cause life-threatening poisoning.
Serving guidance: Use only when there is a clear reason and the preparation and amount are appropriate. Individual metabolic, dental and gastrointestinal needs matter.
What to do if eaten: If the amount is unknown, intake was large, or signs develop, call your veterinarian or an equine poison service for case-specific advice.

Avoid / potentially dangerous

Rhododendron / Azalea

Toxic

Why it matters: Ingestion can cause serious gastrointestinal and cardiovascular signs.
Serving guidance: Use only when there is a clear reason and the preparation and amount are appropriate. Individual metabolic, dental and gastrointestinal needs matter.
What to do if eaten: If the amount is unknown, intake was large, or signs develop, call your veterinarian or an equine poison service for case-specific advice.

Avoid / potentially dangerous

Avocado

Best treated as unsafe for horses

Why it matters: Leaves, bark, seed and fruit contain persin and have been associated with toxicity in large animals.
Serving guidance: Use only when there is a clear reason and the preparation and amount are appropriate. Individual metabolic, dental and gastrointestinal needs matter.
What to do if eaten: If the amount is unknown, intake was large, or signs develop, call your veterinarian or an equine poison service for case-specific advice.

Avoid / potentially dangerous

Chocolate / Cocoa

Do not feed

Why it matters: Contains methylxanthines and is not an appropriate horse treat.
Serving guidance: Use only when there is a clear reason and the preparation and amount are appropriate. Individual metabolic, dental and gastrointestinal needs matter.
What to do if eaten: If the amount is unknown, intake was large, or signs develop, call your veterinarian or an equine poison service for case-specific advice.

Avoid / potentially dangerous

Coffee / Caffeine

Do not feed

Why it matters: Caffeine is a stimulant and may also violate competition medication rules.
Serving guidance: Use only when there is a clear reason and the preparation and amount are appropriate. Individual metabolic, dental and gastrointestinal needs matter.
What to do if eaten: If the amount is unknown, intake was large, or signs develop, call your veterinarian or an equine poison service for case-specific advice.

Avoid / potentially dangerous

Green Potato / Potato Plant

Avoid

Why it matters: Nightshade plant parts and green potatoes can contain toxic glycoalkaloids.
Serving guidance: Use only when there is a clear reason and the preparation and amount are appropriate. Individual metabolic, dental and gastrointestinal needs matter.
What to do if eaten: If the amount is unknown, intake was large, or signs develop, call your veterinarian or an equine poison service for case-specific advice.

Avoid / potentially dangerous

Nightshade Plants

Toxic

Why it matters: Prevent access and seek veterinary guidance after suspected ingestion.
Serving guidance: Use only when there is a clear reason and the preparation and amount are appropriate. Individual metabolic, dental and gastrointestinal needs matter.
What to do if eaten: If the amount is unknown, intake was large, or signs develop, call your veterinarian or an equine poison service for case-specific advice.

Use caution

Acorns / Oak

Potentially harmful in quantity

Why it matters: Heavy intake can cause digestive and kidney problems. Reduce access during mast years and call a vet if signs develop.
Serving guidance: Use only when there is a clear reason and the preparation and amount are appropriate. Individual metabolic, dental and gastrointestinal needs matter.
What to do if eaten: If the amount is unknown, intake was large, or signs develop, call your veterinarian or an equine poison service for case-specific advice.

Use caution

Clover

Can be useful pasture but species and conditions matter

Why it matters: Some clovers can contribute to slobbers or photosensitization; pasture identification and management matter.
Serving guidance: Use only when there is a clear reason and the preparation and amount are appropriate. Individual metabolic, dental and gastrointestinal needs matter.
What to do if eaten: If the amount is unknown, intake was large, or signs develop, call your veterinarian or an equine poison service for case-specific advice.

Plant and feed safety can depend on species, dose, preparation, contamination and the individual horse. Suspected poisoning needs veterinary or poison-control advice.