DIY Horse Treats: Healthy and Delicious Recipes

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Every horse owner loves to spoil their horse with tasty treats, but it’s important to remember that not all treats are created equal.

Many store-bought horse treats contain high levels of sugar, preservatives, and artificial ingredients. Luckily, you can make your own horse treats at home, ensuring they are both healthy and delicious. Homemade treats are not only fun to prepare, but they allow you to control the ingredients, making them safer and more nutritious for your equine friend.

In this article, we’ll share a few simple and healthy DIY horse treat recipes that your horse will love.

1. Carrot and Apple Bites

Carrots and apples are two of a horse’s favorite snacks, and they can easily be transformed into healthy homemade treats. This recipe uses simple ingredients and is easy to make.

Ingredients:

  • 2 large carrots, grated
  • 1 apple, grated (core and seeds removed)
  • 1 cup oats
  • ½ cup flour (whole wheat or oat flour is preferred)
  • 1 tablespoon molasses (optional, for sweetness)
  • 1 egg

Instructions:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. In a mixing bowl, combine the grated carrots, grated apple, oats, and flour. Stir to mix evenly.
  3. Add the egg and molasses (if using), and mix until the dough comes together. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour to make it workable.
  4. Scoop spoonfuls of dough and shape them into small balls or press them into cookie shapes on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
  5. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown and firm to the touch.
  6. Let the treats cool completely before serving them to your horse.

These treats are rich in fiber and natural sweetness from the apples and carrots, making them both tasty and healthy!

2. Oat and Banana Cookies

Bananas are packed with potassium and make a great addition to your horse’s diet. This simple recipe combines oats and bananas to create a chewy and delicious treat.

Ingredients:

  • 1 ripe banana
  • 1 cup oats
  • ½ cup whole wheat flour
  • 2 tablespoons unsweetened applesauce
  • 1 tablespoon honey (optional)

Instructions:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Mash the banana in a bowl until smooth.
  3. Add the oats, flour, applesauce, and honey (if using), and stir until combined. The dough should be thick and sticky.
  4. Drop spoonfuls of dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Flatten them slightly with the back of the spoon.
  5. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until golden brown.
  6. Allow the cookies to cool before serving.

These cookies are a great source of fiber, potassium, and antioxidants, and they are easy to make with just a few ingredients.

3. Minty Delights

Horses often enjoy the fresh taste of mint, and this simple recipe adds a refreshing twist to homemade treats. The minty aroma is sure to make your horse excited for snack time!

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup oats
  • 1 tablespoon dried mint (or fresh mint, finely chopped)
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • ½ cup applesauce
  • 1 egg
  • ½ cup flour (whole wheat or oat flour)

Instructions:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. In a mixing bowl, combine the oats, mint, honey, applesauce, and egg. Stir well to combine.
  3. Gradually add the flour, mixing until the dough comes together.
  4. Roll the dough into small balls and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
  5. Flatten each ball slightly with your fingers.
  6. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until golden brown.
  7. Let the treats cool before serving.

These minty treats are a great way to offer your horse something aromatic and tasty while also benefiting from the digestive properties of mint.

4. Pumpkin and Oats Treats

Pumpkin is not only a delicious fall flavor, but it’s also packed with nutrients like fiber and vitamin A. This recipe is perfect for making treats that are both nutritious and irresistible to your horse.

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup canned pumpkin (unsweetened)
  • 1 cup oats
  • 1 egg
  • 2 tablespoons coconut oil (or vegetable oil)
  • 1 cup whole wheat flour

Instructions:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the pumpkin, oats, egg, and coconut oil.
  3. Slowly add the flour, mixing until the dough becomes firm enough to roll.
  4. Roll the dough into small balls or shape them with cookie cutters, and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
  5. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until firm and golden brown.
  6. Let the treats cool completely before serving them to your horse.

Pumpkin is not only tasty but also good for your horse’s digestive health, making these treats both delicious and functional.

5. Sweet Potato and Carrot Mash

For a soft, easy-to-eat treat, try this sweet potato and carrot mash. It’s full of vitamins and perfect for older horses or those with dental issues.

Ingredients:

  • 1 small sweet potato, cooked and mashed
  • 1 large carrot, grated
  • 1 cup oats
  • 1 tablespoon molasses (optional)

Instructions:

  1. Cook the sweet potato until soft, then mash it in a bowl.
  2. Add the grated carrot, oats, and molasses (if using), and mix everything together.
  3. Form small balls or spoonfuls of the mash and place them in the fridge for about an hour to firm up.
  4. Serve cold or at room temperature.

This mash is packed with fiber and vitamins, making it a nutritious treat that your horse will enjoy.

Homemade horse treats are a great way to show your horse you care while ensuring they get healthy, natural ingredients. These DIY treats are easy to make, and you can customize them based on your horse’s preferences and dietary needs. Always remember to feed treats in moderation, as part of a balanced diet. With these simple recipes, you can spoil your horse with tasty and nutritious snacks that are sure to be a hit at snack time!