Most of us love to give our horses and ponies treats, whether as a reward or simply as a way to interact with them. However, it’s important to recognise that not all treats are appropriate, particularly for horses affected by laminitis, insulin resistance, equine metabolic syndrome (EMS), or other metabolic conditions.
The good news is there is a commonly fed treat that is suitable for the majority of horses and ponies and as a bonus, it is also widely available, cheap and has several health benefits. What is that treat?
CARROTS!
The vast majority of commercial horse treats are processed and contain added sugars, fillers, grain by products and other ingredients which may not make them advisable or suitable to feed to many horses and ponies. Fresh carrots however, are low in energy and sugar and do not contain artificial ingredients which can have detrimental health effects on our horses and ponies.
From a nutritional perspective, carrots provide beta-carotene, an antioxidant that horses and ponies can convert to vitamin A, supportingimmune health, gastrointestinal health and eye function.
When feeding horses and ponies carrots it is important to take into consideration that they should be fed in moderation. For horses or ponies that eat quickly, have dental issues or are at risk of choke, carrots should be cut into small pieces or grated before feeding.
When used appropriately, carrots can be a simple, nutritious treat option that fits well within many feeding programs.
Camilla Whishaw is a highly regarded, experienced horsewoman and naturopath, helping to holistically treat and manage a broad range of equine health conditions and injuries, with a passion for mare and stallion fertility.
As a world-renowned practitioner, presenter, author, and consultant in the field of Equine Naturopathy, Camilla shares her knowledge through keynote presentations, interviews, lectures, panel sessions, and workshop training.
