Just like dogs love to be rewarded for something with a treat, horses are no exception. According to farmers and veterinarians, horse treats are a great way to reward your horse, but you should take into account that the chosen treat needs to be as nourishing as possible. That is why you should do a little bit of research before making any decision.
The best way to shop for natural as well as for nourishing commercially produced types of horse treats is by finding a reliable and reputable animal supply store. And if you wonder why is this so important, the reason is pretty simple, a reliable animal supply store that specializes only in selling animal products can provide you with products that come from reputable brands. What's more, the staff in stores like that are able to help you out with everything related to animals as they are experienced, knowledgeable and professional which means that they can provide you with the needed information and can help you with your choice.
Now, when it comes to the treats, the first and most important rule you need to follow is to try to choose healthy products. Except for treating your friend with something natural like fruit and veggies, you can also choose some commercially produced yet healthy treats like whole oats, bran, copra meal, etc. All of these things are great for the horse's sensitive digestive system, however, when it comes to fruit and veggies, consult with your vet what are the right ones for your horse as some of them can be toxic to horses.
In case you plan to travel for some horse show or you simply plan to go with your horse on a long ride, fruits and veggies are not the ideal option for a treat especially if the weather is too hot. In that case, once again you can opt for some commercially produced treats like cookies or pellets as you can keep them anywhere while not being worried whether they will diminish or not.
The thing you should avoid giving your horse/s is bread as it has the potential to build a doughty mass in the gut which could cause colic. And in case your horse has a Cushing's disease or is resistant to insulin, you should avoid giving it sugary treats.
A rule to follow is to give it treats but in a moderate way in order to avoid digestive problems. By giving it from everything but in a little dosage, your horse/s can receive the needed ratios of proteins, vitamins, minerals, fats and carbohydrates which is more than enough.
