My horses are boarded at a friends house and I realized a few days ago that they are feeding them a ton of sugar...pepermints, ricekrispy treats, oatmeal bars, and other "people" food. I have been told this is very bad for a horse, but I was wondering if anyone knew why. I think common sense tells you it's bad, but...I don't know...I guess not. I want some info to back me so they quit feeding it to their horses too. I have stoped them and let them know that my horses are only to have horse treats and that's it, but I would like to explain to them why it's bad.

 

Thanks

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It has the potential to rot their teeth as well as cause other insulin related problems.  They would have to be feeding tons to do much damage as long as your horse does not have anything like cushings!

My mare is pregnant, but other then that they have no other special health issues. She is a 14 year old mare and my other one is a yearling mutt. I worry more about the yearling's teeth since he is so young and starting sugar so early. They also have a young one. It just seems like a bad idea. Thanks for your imput. I was under the impression it was REALLY bad for horses.

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it just depends on how much they are giving.  Of course pounds of something is always bad!

You can go to www.safergrass.org to learn about how sugars and starches in the diet affect horses.

A moderate amount is harmless.  We feed our horses peppermints sometimes and it's totally fine.  In fact, last year for my horse's birthday, I talked to the vet and she said it was perfectly safe to give him a small piece of cake!  I totally agree that you should control what your horses eat, but don't worry mints and stuff won't kill them.

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Happiness is a fast horse under saddle and an open field ahead!