Horse Treats

Horse treats that add variety to your horse's diet.

Fresh food suggestions can be fed in small amounts.

They are suggested because they are appealing and tasty, low in sugar and they’re high in easily digested fiber.

Apples are amongst the lowest in Glycemic Indexes, which means they cause the least fluctuation in blood sugar levels. A GI of 55 or below is considered low. A GI of 70 or above is considered high.

APPLE

Average GI of 40

We have all heard: "An apple a day helps keep the doctor away." But have you ever considered that horses may want you to consider a similar philosophy for them?

The fruits, originally from Eastern Europe and southwestern Asia, are full of soluble as well as insoluble fiber, and their pectin is said to "help grab toxins like heavy metals and mercury," according to the World's Healthiest Foods, a nonprofit organization that helps educate people on healthy eating habits.

This ability to help remove toxins is why apples are touted as an antioxidant. As we all know, horses adore their crisp, refreshing taste and tantalizing aroma.

CELERY

Celery is considered so low in its glycemic index that it considered a “Free Food” for people with diabetes.

Celery packs a big crunch, and with distinctive flavor and aroma, horses find it extremely satisfying. This vegetable is brimming with Vitamin K and Vitamin C, and also provides substantial amounts of potassium, folate, Vitamin B6 and dietary fiber.

According to the Environmental Working Group's 2003 report "Shopper's Guide to Pesticides in Produce," celery is among the 12 foods on which pesticide residues have been most frequently found. So if you can, buy organic celery, or soak non-organic celery in apple cider vinegar for 20 minutes -- or better yet, grow your own vegetables!

CHERRIES

Glycemic Index of only 22.

Cherries are the tiny relatives of peaches and plums. And like their relatives, have sweet, meaty flesh that surrounds a pit. They provide a nice source of Vitamin C, and rare is the horse who will turn one down!

Please make sure to take the pits out before feeding!