Trick or Treat: Things to Think About when Giving Your Horse a Treat

Introduction

Treats can be given to horses for many different reasons. Horse treats can be helpful with training, since they can be given as a reward for a specific behavior that a horse performs. By giving a treat, the horse learns that behavior is encouraged. Horse owners also typically use treats to show their affection and love for their horses. Giving a few treats can be a way that a person and a horse can bond. There are many different options for treats, from commercial products to homemade, to even just a simple apple or carrot.

Using Treats With Training

When working with horses, there are several different behavioral training methods that can be used. Using treats in training is an example of training with positive reinforcement. Positive reinforcement is a training method during which a horse is rewarded for a behavior to increase the likelihood of repeating that behavior in the future. In this situation, treats are the reward for a behavior. Some research has shown that horses trained with positive reinforcements have a more positive perception of humans. When used correctly, treats can be a useful training tool. By giving your horse a treat after doing a correct behavior, your horse will start to associate that good behavior with something that we as owners want them to continue to do. For example, positive reinforcement can be used for teaching ground manners. If the horse is standing still on the cross-ties, a treat can be given as a reward for showing positive behavior. It is important when using treats as part of positive reinforcement training that you give your horse the treat immediately after performing the asked-for behavior. If you wait too long to give the treat, you may confuse your horse as to what behavior you are rewarding.

While positive reinforcement with treats can be an effective training tool with horses, owners should be aware of some possible bad habits that can arise when giving treats. For example, some horses may become nippy or pushy if they know they will get food as a reward for correct behavior. If a horse is being nippy, instead of feeding treats by hand, you can offer treats in a bucket (Figure 1). If you are offering treats by hand, make sure you place the treat in the center of your palm with your hand wide open and flat. This will reduce the risk of your fingers being nipped. Additionally, bring your hand up to the horse’s mouth instead of making them reach for it.  By bringing the treat to them, your horse will learn not to lunge for a treat. It is also important that feeding treats does not become a habit.

If your horse is being pushy, it may be necessary to stop the current positive reinforcement method of using treats. You could use a different reward for positive reinforcement, such as scratching or petting them in a place they like. You could also use other training methods to ensure your safety and the unwanted behavior of the pushy horse is mitigated.

Types of Treats

Commercially Available Treats

There are many horse treats that tack stores and online shops sell. The options are endless, with different flavors, shapes, textures, and unique toppers like peppermints or gummies. In any tack shop, there is usually a large row of treats. Some of these commercial treats have added vitamins and minerals but remember that treats should not make up the bulk of your horse’s diet.  Forage and concentrates should supply their key nutrients; do not rely on treats to supply vitamins and minerals to your horse’s diet.

Fruits/Vegetables

There are many different fruits and vegetables that can be given to horses as treats. While the most popular are apples and carrots, there are other safe produce that can be given. Some safe fruit that can be given to our horses include bananas, oranges, pineapple, pears, strawberries, watermelon, blueberries, peaches, and apricot. For peaches and apricots, make sure that the pits are removed, since they can be a choking hazard. There are also many safe vegetables besides the popular carrot, including beets, corn, cucumber, pumpkin, squash, lettuce, and turnips.

While most fruits and vegetables are generally safe for horses, there are some that are not safe for horses to eat. While not a complete list, some fruits and vegetables that should not be fed to horses include persimmons, avocados, tomatoes, potatoes, broccoli, and cauliflower. Some of these are toxic to horses, and others may cause gastrointestinal issues like excessive gas.

Homemade Treats

Homemade treats are treats that owners can make at home. There are many different recipes that horse lovers can follow to bake different kinds of treats that are safe for horses to eat. Most of these recipes have ingredients that can be found easily in a grocery store, such as molasses, oats, and carrots.

Alternative Treats

Talk to any horse owner, and you are likely to hear of some weird food they have given their horse as a treat. This could range from gummy candies, cake, or even beer. Remember that treats should be given in small amounts and not be a main component of your horse's diet. In addition, many processed human food items, such as candy and cookies, contain high levels of sugar and starch. If you have a horse with metabolic issues (such as laminitis), you may want to avoid these treats. Ultimately, remember that feeding in moderation is key.

The lists below are acceptable and unacceptable food treats for horses. Note this is not a complete list; always talk with your veterinarian or equine nutritionist if you are unsure of feeding something to your horse.

Acceptable Horse Treats

• Apples: This is a safe treat. Cut the apple into slices so your horse will not choke.
• Carrots: This is a safe treat. If a large carrot, break into smaller pieces before giving it to your horse.
• Peaches: This is a safe treat. Before giving to your horse, take out the pit in the center. Just like apples, slice the peach into smaller pieces to ensure that your horse does not choke.
• Bananas: This is a safe treat. Break the banana into small chunks to ensure that your horse does not choke.
• Cucumber: This is a safe treat. Break the cucumber into small pieces to ensure your horse does not choke.
• Peppermints: This is a safe treat. Keep peppermints in moderation.
• Sugar cubes: This is a safe treat. Keep the amount given in moderation.
• Commercial treats: This is a safe treat. Follow feed directions on label.

Potentially Acceptable Horse Treats

• Animal Crackers: These are high in sugars and/or starches, don't give in excessive amounts, and potentially avoid for horses/ponies with metabolic issues.
• Gummy candy: These are high in sugars and/or starches, don't give in excessive amounts, and potentially avoid for horses/ponies with metabolic issues.
• Cake: These are high in sugars and/or starches, don't give in excessive amounts, and potentially avoid for horses/ponies with metabolic issues.

Unacceptable Horse Treats

• Broccoli: Stay away from giving this to your horse. Broccoli may cause an excess buildup of gas in the hindgut.
• Tomatoes: Stay away from giving this to your horse. Tomatoes are a part of the nightshade family, which are toxic to horses.
• Potatoes: Stay away from giving raw potatoes as a treat. Potatoes are a part of the nightshade family, which is toxic to horses.
• Lawn clippings: Do not give your horse lawn clippings. Lawn clippings can quickly mold and ferment, which can be toxic to your horse.

Other Things to Consider

Palatability

Just like us, horses like certain flavors when it comes to their food. There have been several research studies showing that horses can be picky eaters and have specific taste preferences. With the wide variety of flavors available for treats, it can be hard sometimes to find the one flavor that your horse loves. Expect some trial and error, and you may need to try several different treats before you find the right one.

Amount to Feed

When feeding commercial treats, try to follow the guidelines provided by the product. Typically, the recommendation is listed somewhere on the bag or container. However, if it is not provided, a general rule of thumb is one to two pieces no matter the size of the treat.  For treats such as carrots or apples, consider the weight of your horse or pony, but generally,1-2 is acceptable.

Storage

Keep treats in a cool, dry place to ensure that they stay fresh. A sealable bucket or container that will keep out water and any bugs or rodents is a good way to store treats. If the treats are perishable, place them in a fridge to keep them cool. Do not give treats that are moldy or look like a rodent has gotten to them. If feeding commercial treats, make sure to look for expiration dates on the package and use the treats by that date. 

Choke

Most horses when given a treat will chew the treat before swallowing, however, there are some horses that will try to swallow large pieces. Large pieces of fruits, vegetables, and larger horse cookies can increase the risk of a horse choking. Choke is when a horse’s throat (esophagus) is obstructed by partially chewed food that gets stuck, which does not allow food or water to be swallowed. A horse will start to cough excessively to move this mass of food. To ensure that this does not happen, treats should be broken up into smaller pieces. This is especially important to remember for older horses due to the decline of teeth. Most treats are made into bite-size nuggets but remember to break apart bigger treats like apples or carrots.

Conclusion

Treats can be used in positive reinforcement training to reward correct behavior, or they can be used to simply show our affection for our horses. Horses can become pushy or nippy if they learn to expect treats, so be alert for this type of behavior. There are a wide number of options for treats including fruits, vegetables, commercially made, homemade, or even human candies such as peppermints. You may need to offer your horses several different types to find their preferred treat, as horses do have specific taste preferences. Remember to always feed treats in moderation, and if you are unsure about feeding your horses a specific type of treat, talk with your veterinarian or an equine nutritionist.

Additional Resources/References 

Fabus, T. (2014). Homemade Horse Treats. Michigan State University Extension. 

 Larssen, R., & Roth, L. (2022). Regular positive reinforcement training increases contact-seeking behaviour in horses. Applied Animal Behaviour Science, 252, 105651.