Treat Safety and Recipe

I am a firm believer in the idea that horses deserve gifts just as much as humans do. Let’s face it, I should probably be paying Lenny for therapy sessions at this point! 

Today, I want to introduce you to my treat creation “Head-Bobbers” (name inspired by Lenny’s reaction to the sweet, minty goodness). I promise you will never see your horse happier than when he is munching on these treats!

Take a look at your treat box…what do you see on the ingredient list? Is the list a mile long and does it contain ingredients that you cannot even pronounce? Then those treats are probably not best to give your horse.

Treat Safety

The "supplements" you see on the box may not always be best for your horse. You should be wary about feeding your horse any ingredients to which they are sensitive or allergic. For example, Lenny usually gets a "sugar high" from certain feeds, so I avoid the ingredients that cause this reaction. Sugar raises a horse's insulin and increases the risk of laminitis. My treat recipe contains molasses, so do not go overboard when feeding your horse these delicious bites!

One easy method to use when looking for healthy horse treats is to choose a variety that includes a combination of ingredients from your horse's regular food and natural, from-the-earth treats (oats, carrots, apples, and in some cases, molasses). I discussed the importance of diet in colic-sensitive horses in a previous post, so try not to go overboard with fancy ingredients or supplements in your treats. 

 If you own a show horse, be wary of every ingredient in store-bought treats. Certain supplements and ingredients, especially herbs, can be detected on drug tests (be cautious of peppermints, too!).

My Recipe

Head-Bobbers are simple, but horses LOVE them. Want to know the best part? You only need to use 6 simple ingredients! Check it out:

Ingredients:

1.     1 apple

2.     1 carrot

3.     2 ½ cups of oats

4.     2 tbsp oil

5.     1 cup of molasses

6.     Peppermints (optional)

 

Instructions:

1.     Preheat oven to 300 degrees F

2.     Grate the carrot and the apple, and mix together in a large bowl

3.     Add the oats, oil, and molasses, and mix well so that the molasses coats everything

4.     Roll the mixture into small, round portions, and place them on a cookie sheet. If you are using peppermints, press a mint into the top of each treat. I like to make some with mints and some without.

5.     Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the treats harden (they will be a hard but “chewy” texture). Refrigerate for 1 hour.

And you’re done! Remember, overindulgence is never a good thing—even for horses! Treats are not an equine dietary staple, so portion these out (resist the “begging eyes” of your horse!).

Lenny-approved!

With the holidays just around the corner, these treats will also make a great gift for any horse-lover in your life! Use the peppermints add a cheerful touch of color, place them in a pretty bag, tie it up with a festive ribbon, and check that holiday gift off your list!