What Can Horses Not Eat? 25 Toxic & Dangerous Foods

Horses have sensitive digestive systems, and feeding them the wrong foods can lead to serious health issues. What can horses not eat? Many common foods, plants, and household items are toxic to horses, causing colic, poisoning, or even death.

In this guide, we’ll break down the most dangerous foods, toxic plants, and surprising items that should never be part of a horse’s diet. Whether you’re a new horse owner or a seasoned equestrian, knowing what’s off-limits can help prevent accidental poisoning and costly vet visits.

Proper horse care goes beyond just feeding—it includes training, health management, and even ensuring you have the right gear. Not sure what to wear when horse riding? Dressing appropriately can improve safety and comfort while handling your horse.

Now, let’s dive into Part 1—covering some of the most toxic foods for horses.

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Part 1: What Can Horses Not Eat? Highly Toxic Foods

What Can Horses Not Eat? Chocolate and Caffeinated Foods

Many people love chocolate, but for horses, it’s a big no-no. Chocolate contains theobromine, a compound that can cause irregular heartbeat, seizures, colic, and even death in large amounts. Caffeinated products like coffee and tea are equally dangerous, leading to restlessness and an increased heart rate.

Why It’s Harmful:

• Theobromine and caffeine overstimulate the central nervous system.
• Can cause colic, tremors, and abnormal heart rhythms.
• No safe amount—avoid it entirely.

What Can Horses Not Eat? Avocado and Its Parts

Avocados may be a superfood for humans, but they’re highly toxic to horses. The persin found in avocado leaves, pits, and skin can cause severe respiratory issues, colic, and even heart failure in horses.

Signs of Avocado Poisoning in Horses:

• Difficulty breathing
• Swelling in the head or neck
• Heart arrhythmias

What Can Horses Not Eat? Onions, Garlic, and Other Alliums

While small amounts of garlic are sometimes used as a natural supplement, excessive consumption of onions, garlic, chives, or leeks can cause hemolytic anemia in horses. These foods damage red blood cells, reducing oxygen flow and leading to weakness, jaundice, and even organ failure.

Key Dangers:

• Destroys red blood cells, leading to anemia.
• Symptoms include fatigue, pale gums, and difficulty breathing.

What Can Horses Not Eat? Tomatoes, Potatoes, and Eggplants

These members of the nightshade family contain solanine, a toxic compound that can disrupt nerve function in horses. Green or sprouted potatoes are especially dangerous, as their solanine levels are much higher.

Why Avoid Them?

• Causes digestive upset and neurological issues.
• Green potatoes are particularly toxic.

What Can Horses Not Eat? Dairy Products

Horses are lactose intolerant, meaning their digestive systems can’t process milk, cheese, yogurt, or other dairy products properly. Feeding dairy can lead to bloating, diarrhea, and stomach pain.

Harmful Effects of Dairy in Horses:

• Can trigger colic and digestive distress.
• No ability to break down lactose efficiently.

What Can Horses Not Eat? Meat and Animal Products

Horses are strict herbivores, meaning their digestive systems aren’t built to process meat. Feeding meat-based products can cause severe digestive problems and even lead to behavioral changes.

Why Horses Should Never Eat Meat:

• Their stomachs lack enzymes to digest animal proteins.
• Can lead to colic and severe discomfort.

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That wraps up Part 1, where we covered some of the most dangerous foods for horses. In Part 2, we’ll discuss toxic plants that horses should never consume. Stay tuned!

Part 2: Toxic Plants Horses Must Never Eat

Horses naturally graze, but not everything growing in a pasture is safe. Some plants contain toxic compounds that can cause severe health issues, from mild digestive distress to fatal poisoning. Knowing which plants are dangerous can help prevent accidental ingestion.

Oleander

Oleander is one of the most toxic plants for horses. Even a few leaves can be fatal, as it contains cardiac glycosides, which affect the heart’s function. Ingesting this plant can cause irregular heartbeat, colic, and sudden death.

Symptoms of Oleander Poisoning:

• Severe colic and diarrhea
• Irregular or weak pulse
• Sudden collapse or death

Yew

Yew is often used as a decorative shrub, but it’s extremely toxic to horses. It contains taxine alkaloids, which interfere with heart function and can cause sudden death within hours. Even dried yew clippings remain deadly.

Why Yew is Lethal:

• Rapidly affects the heart, leading to sudden collapse.
• Just a handful of leaves can be fatal.

Bracken Fern

Bracken fern contains thiaminase, an enzyme that breaks down vitamin B1 (thiamine). Without enough B1, horses develop neurological issues that can become life-threatening if left untreated.

Signs of Bracken Fern Toxicity:

• Loss of coordination and staggering
• Depression and weight loss
• Seizures in severe cases

Hemlock (Water and Poison Hemlock)

Hemlock is highly poisonous, and even a small amount can be fatal. It contains coniine and other alkaloids, which disrupt the nervous system, causing paralysis and respiratory failure.

Dangers of Hemlock:

• Causes muscle tremors and weakness.
• Leads to respiratory paralysis and death.

Ragwort (Tansy Ragwort)

Ragwort contains pyrrolizidine alkaloids, which cause irreversible liver damage in horses. The worst part? The toxins accumulate over time, meaning symptoms may not appear until the damage is severe.

Symptoms of Ragwort Poisoning:

• Loss of appetite and weight loss
• Jaundice (yellowing of skin and gums)
• Neurological issues like aimless wandering

Buttercups

Although buttercups are common in pastures, they contain protoanemonin, which irritates the digestive system. Horses usually avoid eating fresh buttercups, but when grazing is scarce, they might ingest them.

Effects of Buttercup Poisoning:

• Excessive salivation and mouth ulcers
• Colic and diarrhea
• Swelling of the muzzle

Acorns and Oak Leaves

Oak trees drop acorns, which contain tannins that can cause severe digestive upset in horses. While some horses may eat small amounts with no issue, excessive consumption leads to kidney and liver damage.

Why Acorns Are Dangerous:

• Causes stomach ulcers and colic.
• Long-term consumption can lead to kidney failure.

Some common pasture plants can be highly toxic, leading to serious health issues if consumed. The FDA provides a useful guide on toxic plants and foods for animals to help owners identify dangerous vegetation.

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That’s it for Part 2, where we covered some of the most toxic plants for horses. In Part 3, we’ll dive into human foods that might seem safe but are actually dangerous. Stay tuned!

Part 3: Human Foods That Are Dangerous for Horses

It might be tempting to share snacks with your horse, but not all human foods are safe. Some can cause mild digestive upset, while others lead to severe health problems. Even seemingly harmless treats can pose hidden risks. Let’s look at which human foods horses should never eat and why.

Bread and Processed Baked Goods

Horses have delicate digestive systems that aren’t designed to handle highly processed foods like bread, cakes, or cookies. These foods can expand in the stomach, causing blockages and colic.

Why Avoid Bread and Pastries?

• Can cause choking or digestive blockages.
• High sugar content may lead to metabolic issues.
• Disrupts the gut microbiome.

Sugary Snacks (Candy, Gum, and Sugary Cereals)

While a sugar cube or apple is fine, refined sugar in candies and cereals is harmful to horses. Some sugar-free gums and candies contain xylitol, which is toxic to many animals, including horses.

Dangers of Sugary Treats for Horses:

• Can cause insulin spikes, increasing the risk of laminitis.
• May contain artificial sweeteners like xylitol, which is highly toxic.
• Leads to obesity and metabolic disorders if fed regularly.

Salty and Spicy Foods

Horses require salt in their diet, but too much can be dangerous. Processed salty snacks like chips and pretzels can throw off their electrolyte balance, leading to dehydration or kidney issues. Spicy foods, on the other hand, can irritate their stomach lining.

Why Salty and Spicy Foods Are Harmful:

• Excess sodium can lead to salt toxicity.
• Spices irritate the stomach, potentially causing ulcers.
• Highly processed snacks have no nutritional value for horses.

Nuts and Seeds

While some nuts are harmless in tiny amounts, many pose choking hazards or contain high levels of fat and oils, which horses struggle to digest. Certain nuts, like macadamia and walnuts, are outright toxic.

Risks of Feeding Nuts to Horses:

• Can cause digestive upset and colic.
• Some nuts contain toxins harmful to horses.
• High-fat content disrupts normal digestion.

Cabbage, Broccoli, and Other Cruciferous Vegetables

Cruciferous vegetables like cabbage, broccoli, and cauliflower contain compounds that produce gas during digestion. Since horses can’t burp, trapped gas can cause painful bloating and colic.

Why Avoid These Vegetables?

• Can cause severe gas buildup, leading to colic.
• Some contain goitrogens that affect thyroid function.
• No real nutritional benefit for horses.

Citrus Fruits (Oranges, Lemons, and Grapefruits)

Horses may enjoy an occasional orange slice, but large amounts of citrus fruits can cause stomach irritation. The high acidity can lead to digestive discomfort, while the rinds pose a choking hazard.

Why Too Much Citrus is a Problem:

• High acidity can disrupt gut bacteria.
• Thick peels are difficult to digest.
• May cause mouth sores in some horses.

Peanut Butter

Although peanut butter is a favorite among dogs, it’s not ideal for horses. It contains added sugars, oils, and preservatives, which aren’t suitable for a horse’s diet. Plus, some peanut butter brands contain xylitol, a toxic ingredient.

Reasons to Avoid Peanut Butter:

• Hard to digest due to high fat and oil content.
• Some brands contain xylitol, which is deadly for horses.
• Can be sticky and pose a choking hazard.

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That wraps up Part 3, where we discussed human foods that can be dangerous for horses. In Part 4, we’ll look at grains and feed-related dangers that horse owners should be aware of. Stay tuned!

Part 4: Grains and Feed-Related Dangers for Horses

While horses rely on forage as their primary food source, grains and commercial feeds are often added to their diet. However, not all grains are suitable, and some processed feeds contain ingredients that can be harmful. Let’s go over the grains and feed-related risks horses should avoid.

Moldy or Spoiled Hay and Grain

Hay and grain might seem like horse-friendly foods, but if they’re moldy, dusty, or spoiled, they can cause serious health problems. Mold contains mycotoxins, which can lead to colic, respiratory issues, and even neurological disorders.

Signs of Moldy Feed Poisoning:

• Loss of appetite or reluctance to eat
• Coughing or nasal discharge (due to respiratory irritation)
• Diarrhea, colic, or muscle tremors in severe cases

🟢 Tip: Always check for a musty smell, white or black mold spots, or excessive dust before feeding hay or grain.

Bran (Wheat Bran and Rice Bran)

Bran has long been used as a feed supplement, but excessive amounts can cause bran mash syndrome (also known as “big head disease”), a condition caused by an imbalanced calcium-to-phosphorus ratio. This can weaken bones and lead to lameness.

Why Too Much Bran is a Problem:

• Alters calcium-phosphorus balance, affecting bone health.
• Can cause chronic lameness or fractures over time.
• Often high in starch, increasing the risk of colic and laminitis.

Uncooked Beans and Legumes

Raw beans, including soybeans, kidney beans, and black beans, contain anti-nutritional factors like lectins and protease inhibitors, which interfere with digestion and nutrient absorption.

Dangers of Feeding Raw Beans to Horses:

• Can cause bloating and gastrointestinal distress.
• Some beans contain toxic compounds that disrupt enzyme activity.
• Not a natural part of a horse’s diet.

Corn and Corn-Based Feeds

While corn is a common ingredient in many horse feeds, feeding too much whole or cracked corn can lead to digestive disturbances and metabolic disorders. Corn has a high starch content, which increases the risk of laminitis and insulin resistance, especially in horses prone to metabolic conditions.

Why Corn Should Be Fed With Caution:

• High in starch, leading to blood sugar spikes.
• Can ferment quickly in the gut, causing gas and colic.
• Improperly stored corn can contain aflatoxins, which are toxic to horses.

Barley and Oats: Are They Always Safe?

Oats and barley are often considered safer grains for horses, but processing matters. Whole, unprocessed grains are harder for horses to digest and can pass through the system undigested, leading to poor nutrient absorption.

When Oats and Barley Can Be a Problem:

• Whole oats may not be fully digested, leading to wasted nutrients.
• Barley is higher in starch, increasing laminitis risk.
• Overfeeding grains without proper fiber balance can cause digestive issues.

Bread, Pasta, and Other Processed Flour Products

Refined flour-based foods like bread, pasta, crackers, and tortillas have no place in a horse’s diet. They lack fiber and swell in the digestive tract, potentially leading to choking, blockages, or colic.

Why Flour-Based Foods Are Harmful to Horses:

• Lacks essential fiber needed for digestion.
• Can cause impaction colic if eaten in large amounts.
• High glycemic index, making it risky for horses with metabolic issues.

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That’s a wrap for Part 4, covering grains and feed-related dangers for horses. In Part 5, we’ll go over household items and accidental toxins horses may ingest—some of which might surprise you! Stay tuned!

Part 5: Household Items and Accidental Toxins Horses May Ingest

Horses are naturally curious and may nibble on objects they shouldn’t. While some things might seem harmless, common household items and accidental toxins can pose serious health risks. From chemicals to everyday objects, here’s what to keep away from your horse.

Lawn Clippings and Garden Waste

It might seem like a good idea to feed horses freshly cut grass, but lawn clippings can be deadly. Cut grass ferments quickly, producing gas that can cause colic and laminitis. It may also contain pesticides, fertilizers, or toxic weeds.

Dangers of Lawn Clippings:

• Ferments quickly, leading to gas buildup and colic.
• May contain toxic plants or chemical residues.
• Horses tend to eat clippings too fast, increasing choking risk.

Houseplants and Ornamental Shrubs

Many decorative plants are toxic to horses if they nibble on them out of boredom or curiosity. Common culprits include azaleas, rhododendrons, and lilies. Even a small amount can cause serious poisoning.

Symptoms of Houseplant Poisoning:

• Excessive drooling or mouth irritation.
• Colic, diarrhea, or vomiting.
• Weakness, tremors, or difficulty standing.

Rodenticides and Pesticides

Rat poison, insecticides, and herbicides contain highly toxic chemicals that can be fatal if ingested. Horses may accidentally consume these by eating contaminated hay, pasture, or feed.

Why Rodenticides Are Dangerous:

• Many contain anticoagulants, which cause internal bleeding.
• Organophosphates in insecticides can attack the nervous system.
• Even small amounts can be lethal.

🟢 Tip: Store all chemicals in sealed containers far away from where horses feed or roam.

Paint, Treated Wood, and Lead-Based Materials

Chewing on painted fences, stall doors, or treated wood can expose horses to toxic substances like lead, arsenic, and creosote. Older barns may still have lead-based paint, which is highly poisonous.

Signs of Lead Poisoning in Horses:

• Loss of coordination and muscle weakness.
• Weight loss and reduced appetite.
• Neurological symptoms, such as depression or seizures.

Plastic, Twine, and Foreign Objects

Horses may accidentally swallow plastic bags, baling twine, feed bags, or small metal objects while searching for food. These foreign objects can cause choking, impactions, or perforations in the intestines.

Common Foreign Object Hazards:

• Baling twine: Can cause severe blockages.
• Plastic bags: Risk of suffocation and intestinal obstruction.
• Nails and screws: May puncture the digestive tract.

Salt-Based Ice Melts and Antifreeze

In colder months, road salt and antifreeze spills are serious risks. Horses may lick these substances out of curiosity, but antifreeze (ethylene glycol) is highly toxic, even in small amounts.

Dangers of Antifreeze and Road Salt:

• Ethylene glycol poisoning causes kidney failure and is often fatal.
• Excessive salt intake leads to dehydration and neurological issues.
• Horses may ingest contaminated snow or water.

🟢 Tip: If antifreeze spills in a barn or near turnout areas, clean it up immediately to prevent exposure.

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That concludes Part 5, covering household items and accidental toxins that can harm horses. In Part 6, we’ll discuss seasonal and environmental dangers that horse owners should be aware of. Stay tuned!

Part 6: Seasonal and Environmental Dangers for Horses

Horses face different dietary risks depending on the season and their surroundings. Certain environmental factors, weather conditions, and seasonal changes can make normally safe foods dangerous or introduce toxic elements into their diet. Let’s go over seasonal and environmental hazards horse owners should watch out for.

When traveling with horses, keeping their diet and health in check is crucial. Understanding how long a horse health certificate is good for can help ensure they remain in peak condition while on the move.

Frosted Grass and Cold-Weather Laminitis

Fresh pasture is great for horses, but when temperatures drop, frosted grass can trigger laminitis—a painful inflammatory condition affecting the hooves. Cold weather changes the sugar content in grass, making it more dangerous for horses prone to metabolic issues.

Why Frosted Grass Is Risky:

• Sudden sugar spikes increase the risk of insulin resistance and laminitis.
• Some horses have a harder time digesting frozen forage.
• Colder temperatures may lead to dehydration, worsening digestive problems.

🟢 Tip: Limit turnout on frosty mornings, especially for horses prone to equine metabolic syndrome (EMS) or laminitis.

Spring Grass and Sugar Overload

Spring brings lush, green pastures, but new grass is often too rich in sugar. Horses that gorge on fresh pasture can develop colic, diarrhea, or laminitis.

Dangers of Early Spring Grass:

• High in fructans, which disrupt gut bacteria and cause gas buildup.
• May lead to rapid weight gain, increasing stress on joints and hooves.
• Can cause sudden metabolic imbalances, triggering laminitis.

🟢 Tip: Introduce horses to spring pasture gradually, starting with short, controlled grazing sessions.

Drought-Stressed Forage and Weeds

During dry months, pasture grass becomes scarce, and horses may start nibbling on toxic weeds or dried-up plants that they’d normally avoid. Drought conditions also make certain plants more concentrated in toxins.

Risks of Drought-Stressed Forage:

• Toxic weeds become more appealing when good forage is unavailable.
• Certain plants, like Johnsongrass and sorghum, produce high levels of cyanide in drought conditions.
• Dehydration and lack of moisture in forage increase the risk of impaction colic.

Rotting or Fermented Fruit in Autumn

Fallen apples, pears, and other fruits might seem like a natural treat, but as they rot, they ferment and produce alcohol, leading to gas buildup, colic, and in some cases, toxicosis. Horses that eat large amounts of fruit can also experience sugar overload.

Dangers of Fermenting Fruit:

• Produces gas and bloating, leading to colic.
• High sugar content can trigger insulin spikes.
• Can contain mold, which leads to digestive upset or poisoning.

🟢 Tip: Regularly clean up fallen fruit in pastures to prevent accidental overconsumption.

Snow and Ice: Hydration Risks in Winter

Some horses eat snow when water sources freeze over, but this doesn’t provide enough hydration. Dehydration in winter can cause impaction colic, a condition where dry food gets stuck in the intestines.

Why Winter Dehydration is Dangerous:

• Horses don’t feel as thirsty in cold weather, leading to reduced water intake.
• Dry hay without enough water increases colic risk.
• Frozen water sources may prevent horses from drinking enough.

🟢 Tip: Keep water sources heated or break ice multiple times a day to encourage drinking. Adding a little salt to feed can also promote hydration.

Toxic Pollen and Allergic Reactions in Summer

Summer brings higher pollen counts, which can trigger respiratory distress, skin allergies, and digestive upset in sensitive horses. Certain flowers and plants also release toxins when stressed by heat.

Summer Toxins and Allergies to Watch Out For:

• Red maple leaves (toxic when wilted) can blow into pastures.
• Tansy ragwort and St. John’s Wort thrive in summer fields and cause liver damage.
• Some horses develop allergic colic from ingesting high-pollen plants.

🟢 Tip: If your horse shows signs of seasonal allergies or digestive upset, check their pasture for toxic summer plants.

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That concludes Part 6, where we covered seasonal and environmental dangers that affect a horse’s diet. In Part 7, we’ll explore surprising myths about horse nutrition and common feeding mistakes to avoid. Stay tuned!

Part 7: Common Feeding Mistakes and Myths About Horse Nutrition

When it comes to feeding horses, there’s a lot of misinformation out there. Some feeding habits that seem harmless—or even beneficial—can actually be dangerous. Let’s debunk common myths and highlight mistakes that could put a horse’s health at risk.

Owning a horse comes with many responsibilities, from choosing the right feed to training costs. If you’re wondering how much does it cost to train a horse, it’s important to budget for proper nutrition alongside training expenses.

Myth 1: Horses Can Eat Anything That Cows Eat

Many horse owners assume that since cattle and horses are both herbivores, they can eat the same feed. However, cattle feed is often deadly for horses because it may contain ionophores, a type of antibiotic that’s highly toxic to equines.

Why Cattle Feed Is Dangerous:

• Ionophores (e.g., monensin, lasalocid) can cause fatal heart and muscle damage in horses.
• Higher protein and fat levels in cattle feed can disrupt a horse’s digestive system.
• Some cattle feeds contain urea, which horses cannot digest properly.

🟢 Tip: Always use feed formulated specifically for horses, and store cattle feed separately to avoid accidental mix-ups.

Myth 2: Horses Should Always Have Unlimited Grain

Grain is often used to supplement a horse’s diet, but too much can lead to serious health problems like colic, laminitis, and metabolic disorders. Horses are designed to digest fiber-rich forage, not large amounts of starch-heavy grain.

Problems with Overfeeding Grain:

• Excess starch ferments in the gut, leading to gas, bloating, and colic.
• High grain diets increase the risk of laminitis and insulin resistance.
• Some horses develop behavioral issues due to blood sugar fluctuations.

🟢 Tip: Most horses do fine on a forage-based diet, with grain used sparingly for extra energy when needed.

Myth 3: Feeding Horses Once a Day Is Sufficient

Horses are grazers by nature, designed to eat small meals throughout the day. Feeding large meals once or twice a day can lead to gastric ulcers, colic, and behavioral issues.

Why Horses Need Frequent Meals:

• Their stomachs produce acid constantly, so long gaps between meals increase ulcer risk.
• Large grain meals can overload the digestive system, causing fermentation and colic.
• Continuous grazing keeps gut bacteria balanced and reduces stress.

🟢 Tip: Provide free-choice hay or feed multiple small meals to keep their digestive system functioning properly.

Myth 4: Horses Need Supplements in Every Diet

The supplement industry markets a wide range of products for horses, but not all horses need them. Over-supplementing can create imbalances and, in some cases, be harmful.

When Supplements Can Be Harmful:

• Too much calcium can interfere with phosphorus absorption, affecting bone health.
• Excess selenium is toxic and can cause hair loss, lameness, or even death.
• Overloading vitamins and minerals can stress the liver and kidneys.

🟢 Tip: Only add supplements when there’s a documented deficiency or specific health need—not just because it’s trendy.

Myth 5: Horses Should Always Have Access to Treats

It’s fun to give horses treats, but too many can disrupt their diet. Some treats, like sugar cubes, molasses-based snacks, or store-bought horse cookies, contain high amounts of sugar and starch, increasing the risk of metabolic issues.

Safe vs. Unsafe Treats for Horses:
✅ Safe: Carrots, apples (in moderation), watermelon (without seeds), peppermint leaves.
❌ Unsafe: Sugary snacks, chocolate, processed human treats, too many high-sugar fruits.

🟢 Tip: Treats should be an occasional reward, not a daily habit. Always break treats into small pieces to prevent choking.

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FAQs About What Horses Cannot Eat

Many horse owners have questions about which foods are safe and which are harmful. Here are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about what horses cannot eat.

Part 8: Complete List of 25 Toxic & Dangerous Foods for Horses

Now that we’ve covered different categories of dangerous foods, here’s a complete list of 25 toxic and harmful foods that horses should never eat. Avoiding these will help keep your horse safe and healthy.

1. Chocolate and Caffeinated Foods

• Contains theobromine and caffeine, which can cause seizures, colic, and irregular heartbeat.

2. Avocado

• The persin toxin in leaves, skin, and pits can lead to respiratory distress and heart failure.

3. Onions, Garlic, and Other Alliums

• Can destroy red blood cells, causing anemia, weakness, and organ failure.

4. Tomatoes, Potatoes, and Eggplants (Nightshades)

• Contain solanine, which can cause neurological and digestive issues.

5. Dairy Products (Milk, Cheese, Yogurt)

• Horses are lactose intolerant, leading to bloating, diarrhea, and stomach pain.

6. Meat and Animal Products

• Horses are herbivores; consuming meat can cause severe digestive issues and colic.

7. Moldy or Spoiled Hay and Grain

• Contains mycotoxins, which can cause colic, respiratory issues, and neurological disorders.

8. Wheat Bran (in Excess)

• High phosphorus levels can lead to calcium imbalance and bone disease.

9. Raw Beans and Legumes

• Contain lectins and protease inhibitors, which disrupt digestion and nutrient absorption.

10. Corn and Corn-Based Feeds (in Excess)

• High in starch, increasing the risk of colic, laminitis, and metabolic disorders.

11. Barley and Oats (Whole or Unprocessed)

• Harder to digest, leading to poor nutrient absorption and digestive distress.

12. Bread, Pasta, and Other Processed Flour Products

• Can expand in the stomach, causing blockages, choking, or colic.

13. Lawn Clippings and Garden Waste

• Ferments quickly, leading to gas buildup, colic, and laminitis.

14. Houseplants (Azaleas, Rhododendrons, Lilies, etc.)

• Many contain toxic alkaloids, which can cause severe poisoning.

15. Yew Shrubs

• Contains taxine alkaloids, which cause sudden heart failure.

16. Bracken Fern

• Contains thiaminase, leading to neurological damage and vitamin B1 deficiency.

17. Hemlock (Poison and Water Hemlock)

• One of the most deadly plants, causing muscle paralysis and respiratory failure.

18. Ragwort (Tansy Ragwort)

• Contains pyrrolizidine alkaloids, which cause liver failure.

19. Buttercups

• Contain protoanemonin, which irritates the mouth and digestive tract.

20. Acorns and Oak Leaves

• High tannin content can cause kidney damage, colic, and digestive distress.

21. Fermenting or Rotten Fruits (Apples, Pears, etc.)

• Can cause gas buildup, colic, and toxicosis due to fermentation.

22. Rodenticides and Pesticides

• Contain highly toxic chemicals, leading to organ failure and death.

23. Salt-Based Ice Melts and Antifreeze

• Antifreeze (ethylene glycol) is lethal, and excess salt can cause dehydration and neurological issues.

24. Plastic, Twine, and Foreign Objects

• Can cause intestinal blockages, choking, or digestive perforations.

25. Excessive Sugar and Sugary Treats

• Can lead to insulin spikes, laminitis, and metabolic disorders.

This list of 25 toxic and dangerous foods for horses is a must-know for all horse owners. What can horses not eat? Anything that disrupts their delicate digestive system or causes toxic reactions should be completely avoided. Keeping their diet safe and natural is the best way to ensure a long, healthy life for your horse! 🐴🚫

Final Thoughts

Keeping a horse’s diet safe and balanced is one of the most important aspects of equine care. From avoiding toxic foods and plants to understanding seasonal risks and feeding mistakes, knowledge is key to preventing serious health issues.

By ensuring that your horse gets a diet based on high-quality forage, proper hydration, and limited grains or supplements, you’ll help them stay healthy, happy, and strong for years to come.