A sweet, red fruit like strawberries is often a favorite snack of humans. So have you ever asked yourself the question “Can horses eat strawberries?”. Strawberries are not toxic to the consumption of horses and may be recommended for use on various occasions.
However, horse owners should know a few things before adding strawberries to their horse’s meal list. This article is centered on the impact of strawberries on the horses and how the strawberry could be included in the diet plan of the horse. This has to be done in equal proportions as this is one of the basics in the health of the horse. Let’s find out!
Nutritional content of strawberries
Similar to pears, grapes, or watermelons, strawberries also have many other vitamins and minerals that may be very vital to the health of the horse. These fruits when offered to the horse will help make your horse healthier and happier.
Strawberries are composed of 91 percent water and 7.7 percent carbohydrates. They contain only 0.3 percent fat and 0.7 percent protein.
100 grams of fresh strawberries contain:
- Energy: 32 calories.
- Water: 91%.
- Protein: 0.7 grams.
- Carbs: 7. 7 grams.
- Sugar: 4. 9 g
- Fiber: 2 grams.
- Fat: 0. 3 g
Other minerals in strawberries are vitamin C, manganese, folate, potassium, magnesium, and vitamin K.
Can horses eat strawberries? Health benefits of strawberries for horses
Can horses eat strawberries? Of course horses can eat strawberries. Because it has many nutritional ingredients, it is also considered a source of many benefits for horse health.
Add water
There is a fundamental thing that horse owners must know: horses must have water to drink regardless of the time of day. On average, horses need to drink 20-60 liters of water every day. Because water makes up nearly 70% of their body weight, if they lose about 10% of their water they will be in danger. Dehydrated horses are often at first risk of colic and weight loss due to insufficient water production of saliva, leading to reduced food intake.
Of course, strawberries cannot replace the role of water, but with a water content of up to 91%, strawberries are also considered a “water-rich” fruit. And that’s why it would be ideal for horses to snack on after they have had a long day of training.
Strengthens the immune system
Vitamin C contents of strawberries are thrice that of red grapes and ten times that of tomatoes. The minerals present in the strawberries are also very nutrient densely present and these are useful to maintain the acid and alkali balance of the body and lead to health improvement in the body. It is necessary to note that organic acids in strawberries contribute to increased stimulation of digestion, and also to the appetite.
Also, vitamin C, one of the many antioxidants most richly represented in strawberries will only help your horse in warding off diseases. It is mostly vital to the immune system of horses, especially in such circumstances as travel, competition, or even when the horse is unwell. Incorporating strawberries in horses’ diet can help the horse owners prepare their companion a shield against diseases and infections.
Enhance digestive health
The nutritional benefits are that strawberries comprise fiber that will assist a horse in the digestion process. Fiber aids in the regulation of bowel movements and the prevention of some duodenum disorders such as constipation. Allowing horses to take strawberries may be a way of ensuring that the stomach of their four-legged friends is functioning well.
In addition, strawberries possess some fibers which can help the bacteria in the stomach of the horse. The intestinal microbiota is a combination of microorganisms that permanently or periodically inhabit the horse’s gastrointestinal tract. These microorganisms are significant to the health of the Intestines because they are involved in digestion and digestion product uptake. The gut flora might get its fiber needs from the horses and hence improve digestion and nutrient uptake.
Like most fruits, strawberries should be consumed in moderation for a balanced meal. But, if you want to provide the best combination plan, you have to consult your vet in terms of the allowance of strawberries to your horse.
Potential considerations and risks
However, to be sure about the question “Can horses eat strawberries?”, you should weigh some of the potential risks your horse may face with the health benefits your horse receives in the case of feeding strawberries to horses.
Some important points to keep in mind:
- Sugar content: Strawberries are sweet, thus, if your horse is sick, especially with diseases such as laminitis or diabetes, you should not give the horse strawberries to eat.
- Pesticides and other chemicals: The strawberries in supermarkets may contain pesticides and chemical sprays. If you do not wish your horse to consume toxins, then purchase organic or chemical-free strawberries.
- Size: In fact, they present some level of hazard to consume especially for little horses, this is because, although they are relatively small fruits compared to others such as oranges, they may still block the airways if they are ingested. Horses can chew more easily if you cut their food into smaller pieces.
- Strawberry hypersensitivity is a rare ailment in horses but is known to result in itching, rashes, gastric disturbance, and occasionally respiratory failure.
- Moderation is key: Strawberries should also be given as a delicacy not a staple in your horse’s diet menu. If taken to overdose, it may cause a problem like obesity, gastrointestinal upset, or affect the balance of nutrients taken in the diet.
How to Feed Strawberries Safely to Horses
There are some tips to keep in mind before feeding strawberries to your horse.
- Clean completely: Before serving strawberries, try to rinse them under running water to reduce or even remove any pesticides or dirt that may be present on the strawberries. You must feed your horse ripe berries and avoid rotten and moldy ones.
- Small servings: Start with small amounts and monitor for reactions and any uncomfortable behavior such as agitation, rash, itching, or a tendency to have difficulty breathing.
- Consider your horse’s overall diet: Bear in mind how many grams of sugar your horse ingests. One thing to keep in mind is that treats, including strawberries, should not exceed 10% of your horse’s total food intake.
- Contact an expert: If you are in doubt about whether to feed your horse with strawberries or any other product, consult your veterinarian or nutritionist for personalized advice on your horse.
It is advisable to make sure that horses do not feed on strawberry plants or leaves because they may contain deleterious compounds that would discomfort the horse.
Experts advise feeding horses no more than six to ten strawberries per week and ideally no more than one or two per day.
Final Thought
Although strawberries should ideally form a part of the horse’s diet, they should be in the right form and moderate amounts only. There are tons of vitamins and minerals along with a high fiber content and have a lot of potential in building the immune and digestive systems. Consequently, it would be advisable to observe certain recommendations related to food control for the necessary health of the horse. Hopefully, this useful article will help you find the answer to your question “Can horses eat strawberries?”.
