Horses Nutrition

Browse 115 guides from veterinary sources about horses nutrition.

Adult Horse Nutrition Guide: Daily Feeding Basics for Maintenance and Work

Learn how much hay, feed, water, and salt an adult horse needs for maintenance or work, plus warning signs your horse’s...

Best Diet for Horses with Laminitis: Low-NSC Feeding Basics

Learn how to feed a horse with laminitis using low-NSC hay, safer pasture limits, and balanced nutrition to lower flare...

Best Diet for Horses: A Complete Forage-First Feeding Guide

Learn the best forage-first diet for horses, including hay, pasture, ration balancers, safe feeding amounts, and...

Best Diet for Performance Horses: Fueling Work Without Digestive Trouble

Learn how to feed performance horses for energy, recovery, and gut health with forage-first strategies that help lower...

Best Hay for Horses: Types, Quality, and How to Choose

Learn the best hay for horses, how much to feed, what quality looks like, and warning signs of mold, dust, or unsafe...

Best Supplements for Horses: Which Ones Help and Which Are Overhyped?

Learn which horse supplements may help, which are overhyped, safe dosing basics, warning signs of trouble, and smarter...

Best Treats for Horses: Safe Options, Portions, and What to Avoid

Learn which horse treats are safest, how much to feed, and which foods to avoid to lower the risk of choke, obesity,...

Can Horses Drink Beer? Alcohol Risks and Why It’s Unsafe

Can horses drink beer? Learn why alcohol is unsafe for horses, signs of toxicity, when to call your vet, and safer ways...

Can Horses Drink Coffee? Caffeine Risks and Why to Avoid It

Can horses drink coffee? Learn why caffeine is unsafe for horses, signs of toxicity, when to call your vet, and safer...

Can Horses Drink Juice? Fruit Juice Safety and Sugar Overload

Can horses drink juice? Learn which fruit juices are risky, why sugar overload matters, warning signs to watch for, and...

Can Horses Drink Milk? Dairy Questions Answered for Horse Owners

Can horses drink milk? Learn when dairy may upset adult horses, what signs to watch for, and safer treat options to...

Can Horses Drink Soda? Sugar, Caffeine, and Artificial Ingredient Risks

Can horses drink soda? Learn why sugar, caffeine, and artificial sweeteners can be risky, what signs to watch for, and...

Can Horses Drink Sports Drinks? Electrolyte Myths and Better Hydration Options

Can horses drink sports drinks? Learn why human sports drinks are a caution choice, dehydration warning signs, and...

Can Horses Drink Tea? Herbal Tea vs. Caffeinated Tea Safety

Can horses drink tea? Learn why caffeinated tea is risky, when plain herbal tea may be safer, warning signs to watch...

Can Horses Eat Almonds? Nut Safety and Whether They’re Worth Feeding

Can horses eat almonds? Learn when almonds may cause choking or stomach upset, how much is too much, and safer horse...

Can Horses Eat Apples? Safe Serving Size, Benefits, and Choking Risks

Can horses eat apples? Yes, in small pieces and moderation. Learn safe serving size, benefits, seed concerns, and when...

Can Horses Eat Avocado? Why Avocados Are Unsafe for Horses

Avocados are toxic to horses. Learn why avocado fruit, leaves, skin, and pits are unsafe, what signs to watch for, and...

Can Horses Eat Bananas? Peel Safety, Sugar Content, and Portion Tips

Can horses eat bananas? Learn if banana peels are safe, how much sugar bananas contain, portion tips, and when to call...

Can Horses Eat Basil? Fresh Herb Safety for Horses

Can horses eat basil? Learn when fresh basil is safe, how much to offer, warning signs to watch for, and safer treat...

Can Horses Eat Beef? Understanding Why Horses Should Not Eat Meat

Can horses eat beef? Learn why horses should not eat meat, what to do if your horse eats some, warning signs to watch...

Can Horses Eat Blackberries? Safe Treat Advice for Berry-Loving Horses

Can horses eat blackberries? Learn when they’re safe, how much to offer, which horses need caution, and signs it’s time...

Can Horses Eat Blueberries? Portion Size, Antioxidants, and Safety

Can horses eat blueberries? Learn safe portion sizes, antioxidant benefits, sugar concerns, and when blueberries are...

Can Horses Eat Bread? Is Bread Safe, and How Much Is Too Much?

Can horses eat bread? Learn when small amounts may be tolerated, why bread can still cause choke or colic, and safer...

Can Horses Eat Breakfast Cereal? Why Sugary Cereals Are a Bad Choice

Can horses eat cereal? Most breakfast cereals are a poor choice due to sugar, starch, and additives that may raise...

Can Horses Eat Broccoli? Cruciferous Vegetables and Digestive Concerns

Can horses eat broccoli? Learn when small amounts may be tolerated, why gas and colic are concerns, safer treat...

Can Horses Eat Cabbage? Safety, Gas Concerns, and Portion Advice

Can horses eat cabbage? Learn when small amounts may be okay, why gas and colic matter, and how to offer safer portions...

Can Horses Eat Candy? Why Sugary Human Sweets Are a Bad Idea

Candy is not a good treat for horses. Learn which sweets are risky, warning signs to watch for, and safer low-sugar...

Can Horses Eat Cantaloupe? Melon Safety, Rind Questions, and Portions

Can horses eat cantaloupe? Learn when melon is safe, whether rind is okay, how much to offer, and signs your horse...

Can Horses Eat Carrots? How Much Is Safe and When to Limit Them

Can horses eat carrots? Learn how many are safe, when carrots may raise risks, and which horses should limit them to...

Can Horses Eat Cauliflower? Is It a Safe Vegetable Treat?

Can horses eat cauliflower? Learn when this vegetable treat is safe, how much to offer, warning signs to watch for, and...

Can Horses Eat Celery? Chopping, Strings, and Safe Feeding Tips

Can horses eat celery? Yes, in small chopped pieces. Learn about strings, choke risk, serving size, and when to call...

Can Horses Eat Cheese? Dairy Safety and Digestive Considerations

Can horses eat cheese? Learn why dairy is a caution food for horses, how much is risky, warning signs to watch for, and...

Can Horses Eat Cherries? Pits, Stems, and Tree-Related Toxicity Risks

Can horses eat cherries? Fresh, pitted cherry flesh may be a small treat, but pits, stems, leaves, and wilted cherry...

Can Horses Eat Chicken? Why Meat Is Not Appropriate for Horses

Can horses eat chicken? Learn why meat is not appropriate for horses, what to do after an accidental bite, warning...

Can Horses Eat Chocolate? Why Chocolate Is Unsafe for Horses

Chocolate is not safe for horses. Learn why theobromine and caffeine are risky, what signs to watch for, and safer...

Can Horses Eat Cinnamon? Spice Safety and How Much Is Too Much

Can horses eat cinnamon? Learn when small amounts may be okay, how much is too much, warning signs to watch for, and...

Can Horses Eat Coconut? Fresh, Flakes, and Oil Safety Explained

Can horses eat coconut? Learn when fresh coconut, unsweetened flakes, and coconut oil may be okay, what to avoid, safe...

Can Horses Eat Corn? Whole Corn, Sweet Corn, and Feed Form Questions

Can horses eat corn? Learn when cracked or rolled corn may fit, why whole or moldy corn is risky, and how much is safer...

Can Horses Eat Crackers? Salt, Refined Carbs, and Treat Safety

Can horses eat crackers? Learn when a small plain cracker may be tolerated, why salt and refined carbs matter, and...

Can Horses Eat Cucumbers? Hydrating Treat or Bad Idea?

Can horses eat cucumbers? Learn when cucumbers are a safe hydrating treat, how much to offer, warning signs to watch...

Can Horses Eat Eggs? Raw or Cooked, and Should They?

Can horses eat eggs? Learn whether raw or cooked eggs are safe, how much is too much, warning signs to watch for, and...

Can Horses Eat Fish? Why Fish Is Not a Suitable Horse Food

Can horses eat fish? Learn why fish is not a suitable horse food, what to do if your horse ate some, warning signs, and...

Can Horses Eat Flaxseed? Whole vs. Ground Flax and Feeding Benefits

Yes, horses can eat flaxseed. Learn when ground flax is better than whole, safe serving amounts, benefits, and signs...

Can Horses Eat Garlic? Supplement Claims vs. Safety Risks in Horses

Can horses eat garlic? Learn why garlic supplements may raise anemia risk in horses, what signs to watch for, and safer...

Can Horses Eat Grapes? Safe Amounts, Seeds, and Sugar Concerns

Can horses eat grapes? Learn safe serving sizes, seed and choke concerns, sugar risks for metabolic horses, and when to...

Can Horses Eat Green Beans? Safe Vegetable Treat Advice

Can horses eat green beans? Learn when they are safe, how much to offer, warning signs to watch for, and better...

Can Horses Eat Honey? Sugar Load, Stickiness, and When to Avoid It

Can horses eat honey? Learn when tiny amounts may be okay, why sugar and stickiness matter, and which horses should...

Can Horses Eat Honeydew? Safe Treat Guidelines for Melons

Can horses eat honeydew? Learn when this melon is safe, how much to offer, and when sugary treats are risky for horses...

Can Horses Eat Kale? Safe or Not for Horses?

Can horses eat kale? Yes, but only in small amounts. Learn when kale is safe, how much to offer, warning signs, and...

Can Horses Eat Kiwi? Skin, Seeds, and Treat Safety

Can horses eat kiwi? Learn if kiwi flesh, skin, and seeds are safe, how much to offer, warning signs to watch for, and...

Can Horses Eat Lemons? Are Sour Citrus Fruits Safe for Horses?

Can horses eat lemons? Learn when small amounts may be tolerated, why sour citrus can upset some horses, warning signs,...

Can Horses Eat Lettuce? Salad Greens and Horse Treat Safety

Can horses eat lettuce? Learn which salad greens are safer, how much to offer, when to worry, and smart horse treat...

Can Horses Eat Limes? Citrus Safety and Feeding Considerations

Can horses eat limes? Learn when small amounts may be tolerated, why citrus needs caution, safer treat options, and...

Can Horses Eat Mango? Pit, Skin, and Portion Advice

Can horses eat mango? Yes, in small amounts. Learn why the pit is unsafe, when skin may be too fibrous, and how much...

Can Horses Eat Marshmallows? Sugary Treat Safety for Horses

Can horses eat marshmallows? Learn when a tiny plain marshmallow may be tolerated, why sugar is risky, and safer treat...

Can Horses Eat Mint Leaves? Fresh Mint vs. Peppermint Candy

Can horses eat mint leaves? Fresh mint is usually safe in small amounts, but peppermint candy needs caution because of...

Can Horses Eat Mints? Peppermints, Sugar, and Safe Treat Limits

Can horses eat mints? Learn when peppermint treats are okay, why sugar-free mints are risky, and how many treats fit a...

Can Horses Eat Mushrooms? Wild Mushroom Risks and What to Do

Can horses eat mushrooms? Learn why wild mushrooms are risky, what symptoms to watch for, and when to call your vet...

Can Horses Eat Oatmeal? Cooked Oats vs. Horse Feed Oats

Can horses eat oatmeal? Learn when plain cooked oats may be okay, why horse feed oats differ, safe portions, and signs...

Can Horses Eat Onions? Why Onions Are Dangerous for Horses

Can horses eat onions? No. Onions can damage red blood cells and cause anemia in horses. Learn risks, warning signs,...

Can Horses Eat Oranges? Citrus Safety, Peel Questions, and Sugar Content

Can horses eat oranges safely? Learn when orange flesh is okay, why peel and seeds are risky, and how sugar affects...

Can Horses Eat Parsley? Is This Kitchen Herb Safe for Horses?

Can horses eat parsley? Learn when parsley is risky, how much may cause trouble, warning signs to watch for, and safer...

Can Horses Eat Pasta? Noodles, Starch, and Digestive Concerns

Can horses eat pasta? Learn why noodles are a caution food, how starch affects the equine gut, when to call your vet,...

Can Horses Eat Peaches? Pit Dangers, Flesh Safety, and Serving Advice

Can horses eat peaches? Yes, small amounts of ripe peach flesh can be safe, but pits are dangerous. Learn serving tips,...

Can Horses Eat Peanut Butter? Sticky Treat Risks and Ingredient Concerns

Can horses eat peanut butter? Learn why sticky texture, sugar, salt, and ingredient concerns make it a caution treat,...

Can Horses Eat Peanuts? In-Shell, Salted, and Portion Questions

Can horses eat peanuts? Learn when plain peanuts may be okay, why shells and salted peanuts are risky, and how much is...

Can Horses Eat Pears? Safe Portions, Seeds, and Choking Prevention

Can horses eat pears? Learn safe portions, why seeds and cores matter, and how to cut pears to lower choking risk and...

Can Horses Eat Peas? Garden Pea Safety and Moderation Advice

Can horses eat peas? Yes, in small amounts. Learn when garden peas are okay, portion tips, colic cautions, and safer...

Can Horses Eat Pineapple? Fresh vs. Canned and Sugar Concerns

Can horses eat pineapple? Learn when fresh pineapple is okay, why canned pineapple is riskier, and how sugar concerns...

Can Horses Eat Plums? Pit Safety and Stone Fruit Risks for Horses

Can horses eat plums? Yes, in small amounts without the pit. Learn stone fruit risks, cyanide concerns, choking...

Can Horses Eat Pork? Is Bacon or Ham Safe for Horses?

Can horses eat pork? Bacon, ham, and sausage are not good treats for horses. Learn the risks, warning signs, and safer...

Can Horses Eat Potatoes? Why White Potatoes Are Not a Good Horse Food

Can horses eat potatoes? White potatoes are not a good horse food because potato plants and green or sprouted tubers...

Can Horses Eat Pumpkin Seeds? Seasonal Treat or Problem Food?

Can horses eat pumpkin seeds? Learn when they are safe, how much to offer, warning signs to watch for, and safer...

Can Horses Eat Pumpkin? Fresh Pumpkin, Rind, Seeds, and Holiday Feeding

Can horses eat pumpkin? Learn what parts are safest, how much to offer, when pumpkin is risky, and why holiday pumpkin...

Can Horses Eat Raspberries? What Horse Owners Should Know

Can horses eat raspberries? Learn when raspberries are safe, how much to offer, warning signs to watch for, and better...

Can Horses Eat Rice? Plain Rice, Rice Bran, and Feeding Differences

Can horses eat rice? Learn when plain rice is okay, why rice bran is different, safe serving tips, and signs your horse...

Can Horses Eat Rosemary? Herb Safety for Curious Horse Owners

Can horses eat rosemary? Learn when rosemary is generally safe, how much to offer, warning signs to watch for, and...

Can Horses Eat Sesame Seeds? Small Seed Safety for Horses

Can horses eat sesame seeds? Learn when small amounts may be okay, when to avoid them, warning signs to watch for, and...

Can Horses Eat Spinach? Leafy Green Safety for Horses

Can horses eat spinach? Learn when small amounts may be okay, why oxalates matter, signs of trouble, and safer leafy...

Can Horses Eat Strawberries? Benefits, Seeds, and Feeding Limits

Can horses eat strawberries? Learn the benefits, whether seeds are safe, how many to feed, and when sugary treats are a...

Can Horses Eat Sunflower Seeds? Black Oil Seeds, Shells, and Calories

Can horses eat sunflower seeds? Learn when black oil seeds are okay, why shells matter, calorie concerns, and when to...

Can Horses Eat Sweet Potatoes? Raw vs. Cooked and Portion Guidance

Can horses eat sweet potatoes? Learn when raw or cooked sweet potato may be okay, portion guidance, choking risks, and...

Can Horses Eat Tomatoes? Nightshade Risks and What Owners Should Avoid

Can horses eat tomatoes? Learn when ripe tomato flesh may be tolerated, why tomato plants are toxic, warning signs, and...

Can Horses Eat Walnuts? Nut Safety and Mold Concerns

Can horses eat walnuts? Learn why walnuts are a caution food for horses, including choking, digestive upset, black...

Can Horses Eat Watermelon? Rind, Flesh, Seeds, and Serving Tips

Can horses eat watermelon? Learn if the flesh, rind, and seeds are safe, how much to offer, warning signs to watch for,...

Can Horses Eat Yogurt? Is Dairy Ever a Good Idea for Horses?

Can horses eat yogurt? Learn why dairy is usually not a good fit for horses, how much is risky, warning signs to watch...

Can Horses Eat Zucchini? Summer Squash Safety for Horses

Can horses eat zucchini? Learn when summer squash is safe, how much to offer, warning signs to watch for, and better...

Diet for Horses Prone to Colic: Feeding Habits That Lower Risk

Learn safer feeding habits for horses prone to colic, including forage targets, meal size, water intake, and when to...

Diet for Horses with Cushing’s Disease: Feeding PPID Horses Safely

Learn how to feed horses with PPID safely, including low-NSC hay, pasture limits, ration balancers, and when laminitis...

Diet for Horses with Tying-Up: Feeding Considerations for Muscle Disorders

Learn how to feed horses prone to tying-up with low-starch, forage-first diets, safer treats, and vet-guided options...

Diet for Horses with Ulcers: Feeding Strategies to Support the Stomach

Learn how to feed horses with ulcers using more forage, smaller meals, and lower-starch diets to support stomach health...

Digestive Supplements for Horses: Probiotics, Buffers, and Gut Support Explained

Learn how horse digestive supplements work, when probiotics and buffers may help, safety limits, warning signs, and...

Electrolytes for Horses: When They’re Useful and How to Use Them Safely

Learn when horse electrolytes help, how much is safe, warning signs to watch for, and practical ways to support...

Equine Metabolic Syndrome Diet: How to Feed EMS Horses Safely

Learn how to feed horses with equine metabolic syndrome safely with low-NSC hay, pasture limits, soaking tips, and...

Foal Nutrition Guide: Feeding Young Horses for Healthy Growth

Learn how to feed foals for steady, healthy growth, from colostrum and milk to creep feed and weaning, plus warning...

Food Allergies in Horses: Signs, Diagnosis, and Diet Management

Learn how food allergies may affect horses, including itching, hives, diagnosis with elimination diets, and practical...

Food Sensitivities in Horses: What’s Real and How to Evaluate Diet Triggers

Food sensitivities in horses are uncommon but possible. Learn what signs are real, how elimination diets work, and when...

Grain and Concentrates for Horses: When They Help and When They Hurt

Learn when grain helps horses, how much is safe, warning signs of overload, and lower-starch feeding options to discuss...

Hoof Supplements for Horses: Ingredients, Expectations, and Safety

Learn which hoof supplement ingredients may help horses, how long results take, common safety concerns, and when to...

Horse Feeding Schedule: How Often Should Horses Eat?

Learn how often horses should eat, how much forage they need daily, and warning signs a feeding schedule may be raising...

Horse Nutritional Requirements by Weight, Workload, and Physiologic Stage

Learn how much hay, feed, protein, and minerals horses need by body weight, workload, age, pregnancy, and...

Horse Weight Gain Diet: How to Add Condition Safely

Help an underweight horse gain safely with more forage, fat, and vet-guided feeding changes. Learn how much to feed and...

Horse Weight Loss Diet: Safe Feeding Strategies for Overweight Horses

Help an overweight horse lose weight safely with low-NSC forage, measured hay, grazing control, and vet-guided feeding...

How Much Should a Horse Eat Per Day? Portions by Weight and Activity

Learn how much a horse should eat daily by body weight and workload, plus safe forage limits, grain portions, and...

Joint Supplements for Horses: Do They Work and When Are They Used?

Learn when horse joint supplements may help, what ingredients have the best evidence, safety concerns, and realistic...

Kidney Disease Diet for Horses: What Owners Need to Know

Learn how to feed a horse with kidney disease, including safer forage choices, protein targets, water support, warning...

Liver Disease Diet for Horses: Feeding Changes That May Help

Learn how diet may support horses with liver disease, including forage choices, meal timing, protein balance, warning...

Pasture Grass and Grazing for Horses: Nutrition, Risks, and Management

Learn how pasture grass fits into a horse’s diet, how to reduce laminitis and colic risk, and when grazing limits or...

Pregnant and Lactating Mare Nutrition: Feeding for Mare and Foal Health

Learn how to feed pregnant and lactating mares safely, with stage-by-stage nutrition tips to support mare body...

Ration Balancers for Horses: What They Are and Who Needs One

Learn what ration balancers do for horses, which horses benefit most, safe feeding amounts, warning signs, and...

Raw vs. Commercial Diet for Horses: A Practical Evidence-Based Comparison

Raw vs. commercial horse diets explained: forage needs, feed safety, costs, and when to use ration balancers, pellets,...

Senior Horse Nutrition Guide: Feeding Older Horses Safely and Effectively

Learn how to feed senior horses safely with forage, complete feeds, dental-friendly options, and warning signs that...

Therapeutic Diets for Horses: When Special Feeding Plans Matter

Learn when horses need therapeutic diets, which feeding changes help, warning signs to watch for, and how your vet can...

Toxic Foods for Horses: What Horses Should Never Eat

Learn which foods are toxic to horses, early warning signs, when to call your vet, and safer treat options to help...

Vitamins and Minerals for Horses: What Horses Need and How to Balance Them

Learn which vitamins and minerals horses need, common deficiency and excess risks, and how to balance hay, pasture, and...

Medical Disclaimer

The information provided on this page is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Dietary needs vary by individual animal based on breed, age, weight, and health status. Food tolerances and sensitivities differ between animals, and some foods that are safe for one species may be harmful to another. Always consult your veterinarian before making changes to your pet’s diet. Use of this website does not create a veterinarian-client-patient relationship (VCPR) between you and SpectrumCare or any veterinary professional. If you believe your pet has ingested something harmful or is experiencing a medical emergency, contact your veterinarian or local emergency animal hospital immediately.