Overfeeding Horses Fruit and Veggies
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An Arabian mare who belongs to a lady at my barn has almost died of colic five times. Every time her owner visits, she brings a two-pound bag of carrots and four or five apples and throws them into the Arabian’s feed bucket. Could this be why her horse has had colic so many times?
- Kayti
Horses’ digestive systems are very sensitive, Kayti, so there are many potential causes of colic. Overfeeding treats—including fruits and vegetables—can lead to digestive upset, which can certainly cause a horse to colic. To help prevent this, we recommend feeding only small amounts of treats on any given day. Most of a horse’s calories should come from a high-quality, nutritionally complete diet intended for her life stage and nutritional lifestyle. You should know that signs of colic include the following: pawing or kicking at the abdomen, rolling, sweating, tail switching and urinating and defecating in small amounts. If you notice any of these signs or notice that the horse is behaving abnormally, please contact a veterinarian immediately.