It’s nearly that time of the year, when we all like to dig into some tasty treats on Christmas Day. But what about our equine friends? Here are some yummy treats for your horse during the holiday season.
Treat ideas for your horse
How about saving some carrots, swede, or parsnips aside from your Christmas dinner? These can make a tasty and healthy treat for your horses. Although, we should only stick to these veggies for our horse’s dinner as those belonging to the nightshade family such as Brussel sprouts, potatoes, and broccoli can be toxic to horses; they may be tasty for our Christmas dinner, but they must only stay on our plates.
If veggies aren’t on the menu this festive season, why not offer your horses something fruity? The traditional apple is always a favourite, but how about thinking outside the box and offering a pear, banana or even a slice of melon this Christmas. If you are feeding your horse fruits, remember that smaller amounts are safer- one piece of fruit will make a plentiful treat.
We can all agree that the smell of peppermint oil and cinnamon in the house reminds us of Christmas. So why not add some to a mash or a soaked feed to create a festive flavour. The smell of Christmas can linger in the stable yard too.
Did you know that Stout and many ales are not only a Christmas day tradition for us, but also for our horses. A small glug can be safely added to your horse's feed to add some extra flavour. However, do not let them swig the whole bottle as tempting as it may be, sticking to a small amount is very important.
How about an easy homemade treat if you are feeling adventurous. Stuffed Apple Snacks are a quick and easy sweet treat for the festive season. Mix together Oats, grated Carrot, Molasses and Honey and then stuff it all into a large hollowed-out apple. Put the stuffed apple into the fridge until the mixture has set inside and then your horse can enjoy!
For the horses that have been extra good this year, how about a bag of Spillers Treats as a Christmas present? The Spillers tasty original Apple and Spearmint flavours would make an excellent stocking filler for your equine friend. Or how about the Spillers Herb treats, which come in three tasty variants; original herb, plus glucosamine to aid healthy joints, and plus biotin for healthy hooves. All Spillers treats are approved by BETA NOPS and can be safely given to your horses when competing under BHA or FEI rules.
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Spillers Meadow Herb Treats plus Glucosamine£4.50 £4.50available for collection fromPlease select a Branch to view stock levelsPlease select all required options to show stock at -
Spillers Apple Treats - 1kg£4.50 £4.50available for collection fromPlease select a Branch to view stock levelsPlease select all required options to show stock at -
Spillers Meadow Herb Treats Plus Biotin£4.50 £4.50available for collection fromPlease select a Branch to view stock levelsPlease select all required options to show stock at -
Spillers Spearmint Treats - 1kg£4.50 £4.50available for collection fromPlease select a Branch to view stock levelsPlease select all required options to show stock at
To make things fun for your horses, decorate the stables by hanging up some of the treats, or even hide then in a haynet so your horse has a tasty surprise. Stable toys such as a Drip Feed Ball are also a great way to contain your tasty treats not only in the festive season.
Don’t forget to put some tinsel outside of the stables- even though it isn’t a treat for your horse, it will add some Christmas joy.
What to avoid feeding your horse as a treat
As much as we like to give our horses treats when we can, ensuring you are giving them food that is safe is very important. Here is a list of treats you should stay away from this festive season.
- Chocolate
- Rhubarb
- Unpitted Stone Fruits
- Peanuts
- Tomatoes
- Bread products
- Avocados
