How to Make Homemade Horse Treats and Supplements

Horses are creatures of habit and love the occasional treat. Homemade horse treats can be a great way to show your equine friend some extra love, and they can be crafted with ingredients that benefit their health! Whether you want to create treats to reward good behavior or youā€™re looking for a natural, nutritious supplement to support your horseā€™s diet, homemade options offer a healthier alternative to store-bought versions filled with preservatives and artificial additives.

Making your own horse treats and supplements allows you to control the ingredients, ensuring they are tailored to your horseā€™s dietary needs and preferences. In this guide, weā€™ll show you how to make tasty, nutritious treats and supplements that your horse will love!

1. Benefits of Homemade Horse Treats and Supplements

Before we dive into the recipes, letā€™s look at why homemade horse treats and supplements can be a great choice for both you and your horse.

1.1. Control Over Ingredients

  • Avoid Unwanted Additives: Many commercial horse treats contain artificial flavors, preservatives, and fillers. Making your own treats lets you use wholesome, natural ingredients like oats, carrots, and herbs.

  • Customizable for Your Horse: If your horse has dietary restrictions or allergies, homemade treats allow you to carefully select ingredients that meet their specific needs.

1.2. Cost-Effective

  • Affordable: Homemade treats can be much more affordable than store-bought treats, especially if you buy ingredients in bulk.

1.3. Healthier Options

  • Nutrient-Rich: Homemade treats can be packed with healthy ingredients like flaxseeds, molasses, or herbs that can support joint health, coat condition, and digestive function.

  • Low Sugar and Fat: Commercial horse treats often have added sugar or unhealthy fats. With homemade recipes, you can keep the sugar content low while still providing a tasty snack.

2. Essential Ingredients for Homemade Horse Treats

When making treats or supplements for your horse, you can choose from a variety of healthy ingredients. Here are some common and beneficial options:

  • Oats: A staple in many horse diets, oats are high in fiber and provide a good source of energy.

  • Carrots: Horses love carrots! They are a great source of vitamin A and can be easily incorporated into treats.

  • Apples: Apples are a sweet, low-fat treat packed with fiber and vitamin C.

  • Molasses: A natural sweetener, molasses contains minerals like calcium and magnesium, but it should be used in moderation due to its sugar content.

  • Flaxseeds: Rich in omega-3 fatty acids, flaxseeds support coat condition and reduce inflammation.

  • Peppermint: Many horses love the flavor of peppermint, and it can be great for digestion.

  • Coconut Oil: This healthy fat supports coat condition and digestive health.

  • Herbs: Herbs like turmeric, ginger, and cinnamon can have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.

  • Alfalfa: Alfalfa is high in fiber and can be a great base for horse treats, especially for horses that need to gain weight or require extra energy.

3. Simple Homemade Horse Treat Recipes

Now, letā€™s dive into a few simple, easy-to-make horse treat recipes that are both delicious and nutritious.

3.1. Oat and Apple Horse Treats

These treats are packed with fiber, vitamins, and a touch of sweetness from the apples!

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups rolled oats

  • 1/2 cup grated carrots

  • 1/2 cup chopped apples (remove seeds and core)

  • 1/4 cup molasses

  • 1 egg (optional, for binding)

  • 1/4 cup flour (can use oat flour for a gluten-free option)

Instructions:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350Ā°F (175Ā°C).

  2. In a large bowl, mix the oats, grated carrots, and chopped apples.

  3. Add the molasses and egg (if using) and stir until the mixture is evenly combined.

  4. Slowly add the flour, mixing until it forms a dough.

  5. Roll the dough into small balls or flatten them with a cookie cutter.

  6. Place the treats on a parchment-lined baking sheet.

  7. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown.

  8. Allow treats to cool completely before serving to your horse.

3.2. Flaxseed and Molasses Horse Treats

Flaxseeds are a great source of omega-3 fatty acids, promoting a shiny coat and reducing inflammation.

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup rolled oats

  • 1/2 cup ground flaxseed

  • 1/4 cup molasses

  • 1/4 cup grated carrot

  • 1 egg

  • 1/2 cup water (or as needed)

Instructions:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350Ā°F (175Ā°C).

  2. In a large bowl, combine oats, flaxseed, grated carrot, and molasses.

  3. Crack the egg into the mixture and stir to combine.

  4. Add water slowly until the dough reaches a thick, cookie dough consistency.

  5. Roll the dough into small balls or shape them into cookies with a cookie cutter.

  6. Place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.

  7. Bake for about 20 minutes, or until golden brown.

  8. Let them cool completely before serving.

3.3. Peppermint and Coconut Horse Treats

These treats are perfect for horses who love peppermint and benefit from the digestive properties of coconut.

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup rolled oats

  • 1/2 cup unsweetened shredded coconut

  • 1/4 cup dried peppermint (or peppermint extract)

  • 1/4 cup molasses

  • 1 egg

  • 1/2 cup flour (use oat flour for a gluten-free option)

Instructions:

  1. Preheat the oven to 350Ā°F (175Ā°C).

  2. In a bowl, mix together the oats, coconut, dried peppermint, and flour.

  3. Add the molasses and egg, then stir to form a dough.

  4. Shape the dough into balls or use a cookie cutter to make fun shapes.

  5. Place the treats on a parchment-lined baking sheet.

  6. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown.

  7. Let them cool before giving them to your horse.

4. Homemade Supplements for Horses

In addition to treats, you can also create homemade supplements that support various aspects of your horse’s health.

4.1. Joint Supplement

Horses, especially older or active ones, can benefit from a joint supplement that promotes mobility and reduces inflammation.

Ingredients:

  • 1 tablespoon turmeric powder

  • 1 tablespoon ground ginger

  • 1 tablespoon ground flaxseed

  • 1/4 cup coconut oil

Instructions:

  1. Mix the turmeric, ginger, and flaxseed together in a small bowl.

  2. Add the coconut oil and stir to combine.

  3. Serve a small amount (1 teaspoon per day) mixed into your horseā€™s feed or as a supplement treat.

4. Probiotic Supplement

Probiotics help maintain digestive health, especially after a change in diet or medication.

Ingredients:

  • 1/4 cup plain yogurt (unsweetened, with live cultures)

  • 1 tablespoon ground flaxseed

  • 1 tablespoon honey (optional for sweetness)

Instructions:

  1. Mix the yogurt, flaxseed, and honey (if using) in a small bowl.

  2. Serve a small amount daily (1-2 tablespoons) mixed with your horseā€™s feed.

5. Tips for Safe and Healthy Homemade Treats

  • Moderation: While homemade treats can be healthy, they should be given in moderation to avoid overeating or over-supplementation. Always consider your horse’s overall diet and health needs.

  • Consult with Your Vet: Before introducing new ingredients or supplements, itā€™s a good idea to consult with your vet, especially if your horse has any health conditions.

  • Store Properly: Store treats in an airtight container to keep them fresh. Some treats, like those with molasses, should be used within a week, while others can last up to a month.

Conclusion

Making homemade horse treats and supplements is a fun and rewarding way to enhance your horseā€™s diet.

Not only do you get to control the ingredients and ensure your horse gets wholesome, natural snacks, but you also create a meaningful bond by providing them with delicious rewards. With these simple recipes and tips, youā€™ll be able to treat your horse to something special, knowing itā€™s healthy, safe, and made with love!

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