One of the biggest challenges our horses face nutritionally is a lack of variety. In the wild they graze and forage on grass, weeds, bark, some types of seeds, and fruit, just to name a few. Due to domestication and human schedules, the majority of horses are on strict, twice daily feeding regimes, where they are fed the same overly processed, nutrient lacking feed at each meal. Not only is this a species inappropriate feeding protocol, but it is also depriving our horses of a much needed variety in nutrients.
So if you're looking for a quick way to add a punch of nutrient density to your horse's diet, here are some raw, easy and safe fruit and vegetable treats they'll love.
Apple - Vitamin C, Potassium, Vitamin K, Manganese, copper, Vitamin A, Vitamin E, B1, B2, and B6
Apricot - Vitamins A, C, E, potassium, Beta Carotene, Lutein, Zeaxanthin (antioxidants)
Banana - Potassium, Vitamins B6 and C, Magnesium, copper, Manganese
Beetroot - Folate (B9), Potassium, iron, Vitamin C, Manganese
Blackberry - Vitamin C, Manganese, Antioxidants
Blueberry - Potassium, Folate, Vitamin B6, Antioxidants (Have anti-cancer properties)
Cantaloupe - Folic Acid, Zinc, Calcium, Copper, Iron, Vitamin K, Niacin, Choline, Magnesium, Phosphorus, Manganese, Selenium
Carrot -Vitamins A, K, C, Potassium, Calcium
Celery - Vitamins, A, K, C, Potassium, Folate (aids in digestion)
Coconut - Vitamins C, E, B1, B3, B5, B6, Iron, Selenium, Sodium, Calcium, Magnesium, Phosphorus
Cucumber - B vitamins, Copper, Potassium, Magnesium, Vitamin C, Phosphorous
Grapes - Vitamins C, K, Thiamine, Riboflavin, B6, Potassium, Copper, Manganese
Grapefruit - Vitamins A, C, Potassium, Thiamine, Folate, Magnesium
Honeydew - Potassium, Vitamins C, A, Folate, Magnesium, Choline
Mango (remove pit) - Vitamins C, A, E, B5, B6, K, Copper, Folate, Niacin, Potassium, Riboflavin, Manganese, Thiamine, Magnesium
Orange - Vitamins A, C, Calcium
Parsnip - Vitamin C, Folate, Manganese
Peaches - Vitamins C, E, K, Niacin, Folate, Iron, Choline, Potassium, Magnesium, Phosphorous, Manganese, Zinc, Copper
Pear - Vitamins C, K, Potassium, Copper
Pineapple - Vitamin C, Manganese, B6, Copper, Thiamin, Folate, Potassium, Magnesium, Niacin, Pantothenic Acid, Riboflavin, Iron
Plum (remove pit) - Calcium, Magnesium, Phosphorous, Potassium, Vitamins C, A, K, Folate
Pumpkin - Vitamins A, C, Potassium, Copper, Manganese, B2, Vitamin E, Iron
Strawberries - Vitamin C, Manganese, Folate, Potassium, Iron, Copper, Magnesium, Phosphorous, Vitamins B6, K, E
Sweet Potato - Vitamins A, C, Manganese, B6, Potassium, Pantothenic Acid, Copper, Niacin
Turnip - Calcium, Folate, Magnesium, Phosphorous, Potassium, Vitamin C
Watermelon (They love the rind too!) - Vitamins, A, B6, C, lycopene, antioxidants, amino acids
Zucchini - Calcium, Iron, Magnesium, Phosphorous, Potassium, Vitamins A, C, K, Folic Acid, Antioxidants
**Those horses with HYPP (Hyperkalemic Periodic Paralysis Disease), HH or nH, should avoid foods high in potassium.**
For the horse with IR, currently on a forage diet with normal range Insulin levels...are all the fruits listed above safe sugar levels for him? Thank you, Pam