Treat Options for Metabolic Horses
For some owners, treats serve as a reward for a job well done, while for others, they are part of the “closing shift” after a long day at the barn. Regardless of the reason, offering treats is a meaningful way to show appreciation to your horse and add a little excitement to an otherwise repetitive feeding schedule.
However, for horses with Equine Metabolic Syndrome (EMS), Insulin Resistance (IR), or Cushing’s disease (PPID), finding appropriate treats can be challenging. These horses require diets that are low in starch, sugar, calories and protein- which extends to their treats as well.
When “metabolic horses” consume traditional treats, the sugars and starches cause a spike in their blood-glucose levels, triggering insulin production. While this may not be an issue for healthy horses, metabolic horses have difficulty processing insulin effectively, leading to an over-abundance of the hormone. This is especially concerning because prolonged, heightened levels of insulin can result in laminitis, obesity, and high levels of insulin in the blood.
While sensitive horses can eat things like pumpkin seeds, celery, and fruits skins (such as apple peels and watermelon rinds), it’s not always convenient to keep these things on hand. However, that doesn’t mean our metabolic equine friends have to be left out.
The following are some suitable treat options I have found:
1. Omega Nibblers - These heart shaped cookies are made with ground flaxseed and are high in Omega 3 and 9. They contain only 6.7% sugar, 7.4% starch, and come in peppermint and apple flavors.
2. Nutrigood Low-Sugar Snacks - A pelleted treat option boasting a sugar content of less than 6.5%, with only 2.5% dietary starch. Available in carrot and apple flavors.
3. Equi Treats - These treats consist of ground timothy hay with less than 10% sugar and starch combined. They come in peppermint, apple-banana, and cherry vanilla for a unique twist.
4. Herballs Horse Treats - Wheat & alfalfa based with no added sugar, these treats smell incredible (like rosemary & mint). I've never met a horse who doesn't love them.
