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�������������������������� ������������������������������ ���������������������������� �������������������������������������������������������������������� Horse snacks and treats have come a long way since I was a child. The gold standard used to be an apple or a carrot. Now there is a full aisle of different bagged treats of every conceivable flavor, shape, color and size. Some have fruit, others are sugarless, some with simple oats and corn, and others with a list of chemical names that would stun a chemist. When holidays arrive, the aisle nearly doubles in size with the snacks made into party favors, wreathes, stockings and even Easter baskets. Yes, we’ve come a long way, baby. In North America alone, there are over 60 manufacturing companies that make commercially available horse treats. In addition to the large manufactures, there are numerous smaller “kitchen treats” that are available locally as well as horse treat cookbooks. Add a cute name to the treat and the economic impact mushrooms. Face it, we all buy treats for our horses at some time or another. A little information can make your decisions easier as to which kind to buy so that it is at least something healthy for our equine partners. Ingredients Most ingredients in treats are similar to that of an equine feed. This includes oats, corn, barley, beet pulp, wheat, brans, rice flour, alfalfa, apples, carrots, raisins, molasses, brown sugar, peppermint, cinnamon and a smattering of vitamins and minerals. Some even contain special herbs. Most treats have a lot of sugar content (whether directly or indirectly) and therefore should be kept to a “treat” and not as a mainstay of diet. See Table 1 for a listing of safe fruits and vegetables that are safe for your horse to eat as a treat. Freshness Some commercially prepared treats do not contain preservatives while others do. Be sure to check the expiration date or use by date carefully. Those that do not contain any date should be used with caution. Preservatives (e.g. BHA or BHT) can make an extended shelf life and in reality, safer overall for your horse. Any treat package that claims there is no need for an expiration date should be viewed with caution. Taste/Palatability The packaging of the treats not only protects the treats from damage but also attracts us as humans to make the purchase. It’s the taste; however, that makes the difference to the horse. Oddly enough, horses like humans have preferences for different foods, shapes and even texture. Some like chewy treats while others like crunchy. Some like round shapes (to move freer in the mouth) while others like the enjoyment of odd shapes against their tongues. Some like those treats that have grooves in them so that they can be broken easier (and consumed quicker) while others enjoy the “slow melt in your mouth“ approach. If apples and carrots are used, always cut them up. Apples should be sliced and not chunked as the chucks could potentially cause choke when swallowed whole. Carrots should also be cut in small 3-4 inch pieces. One piece at a time allows for better chewing instead of handing a bagful all at once to be “inhaled” instead of properly chewed. Other Cautions Most treats are high in pure sugar content. Like in the human, excessive sugar intake can result in various physical ailments as well as obesity. If your horse is metabolically challenged (e.g. IR), check with your vet as to the proper treat. There have been cases reported that excessive sugar intake has resulted in founder. Sugar is OK in small doses, but we as caretakers, must limit their intake amounts. Another caution in selecting the treat is to check the ingredients carefully so as not to trigger a positive drug test result if competing. Certain herbs and other ingredients can trigger a positive result. To add to the confusion, the actual drug test is constantly changing so be sure to understand the ingredients you need to stay away from and how long after consumption are they detectable. Summary Most treats are fine to give as positive reinforcement, end of ride or just ……..because. Limit the amounts, review the tastes, consider where the treats are going to be before being given (do they need refrigeration or special handling), and finally, the costs to you. Your horse will appreciate the occasional treat and you will have the enjoyment of giving them too. Remember, they are NOT meant to be a meal for your horse, only a treat for special occasions. I’ve not heard of a Treat-a-holic Anonymous for horses, but I definitely know a couple of horses that could be founding members! ������������������������������������ �������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� ������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������ �������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� �������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 66 www.EliteEquestrian.us EE


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