What fruit can horses not eat?

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By Rachel

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Watch out, horse owners! Fruits with pits like peaches, avocados, and cherries can be dangerous for your equine friend. They could choke on the pit or develop gas and colic problems. Also, steer clear of grapes, raisins, citrus fruits, tomatoes, onions, garlic, and moldy or rotten fruits. Stick to safe fruits like apples, bananas, watermelon, and blueberries, but don’t overdo it to avoid stomach issues. Remember, a balanced diet is key to your horse’s well-being.

What Fruit Can Horses Not Eat?

As a horse enthusiast, you want to make sure that your equine friend is healthy and happy. One of the ways to ensure that is by providing them with the right diet. While horses are herbivores, not all fruits and vegetables are safe for them to consume. In this article, we will discuss the fruits that horses should avoid, especially those that have a “stone” or pit in them.

The Danger of Fruits with Pits

Any kind of fruit that has a “stone” or pit, like whole peaches, avocados, and cherries, can be dangerous for a horse. The pit can easily get lodged in their throat, causing them to choke. Ingesting these fruits in excess can also lead to bad gas and colic problems, which can hurt them.

It is important to note that while some fruits are safe for horses to eat, they should always be given in moderation. Horses have a sensitive digestive system, and any sudden changes in their diet can cause discomfort and even health problems.

Fruits That Horses Should Avoid

Aside from fruits with pits, there are other fruits that horses should avoid. These include:

  • Grapes and Raisins: These fruits can cause kidney failure in horses.
  • Citrus Fruits: The high acid content in citrus fruits can upset a horse’s stomach.
  • Tomatoes: While the fruit itself is not toxic, the leaves and stems of the tomato plant contain solanine, which can be harmful to horses.
  • Onions and Garlic: These vegetables can cause anemia in horses.
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It is also important to avoid feeding horses any fruit that is moldy or rotten. Mold can produce toxins that can be harmful to horses.

Fruits That Horses Can Eat

Now that we’ve discussed the fruits that horses should avoid, let’s talk about the fruits that are safe for them to eat. These include:

  • Apples: A popular treat for horses, apples are safe for them to eat as long as they are given in moderation. Make sure to remove the seeds and core, as they can be a choking hazard.
  • Bananas: Horses can eat bananas, but again, they should be given in moderation.
  • Watermelon: This fruit is safe for horses to eat, but make sure to remove the seeds.
  • Blueberries: Another safe fruit for horses, blueberries are a great source of antioxidants.

Remember, even though these fruits are safe for horses to eat, they should still be given in moderation. Too much of any fruit can upset their stomach and cause health problems.

Conclusion

As a horse enthusiast, you want to make sure that your equine friend is healthy and happy. Providing them with a balanced diet is crucial to their overall well-being. While horses can eat some fruits, it is important to avoid those with pits and to give all fruits in moderation. By following these guidelines, you can ensure that your horse stays healthy and happy for years to come.

References for “What fruit can horses not eat?”

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