Pumpkins are basically suitable for horses – but they should be fresh and washed, have no paint or wax residue and, above all, no moldy areas. The woody handle should also be removed – horses can easily choke on it.
Around Halloween, horse owners keep asking themselves if pumpkins are safe and well-tolerated for horses? This is generally the case – pumpkins are perfectly suitable as a snack or treat, but they should only be given in moderation.
In autumn and especially around Halloween you can hardly miss them – the pumpkins! You can find them in a wide variety of colors and shapes at markets and in farm shops as well as in supermarkets, you can use them to conjure up wonderful dishes or use them as autumnal decorative elements in the garden or in the living room – there are hardly any limits to your imagination.
For us humans, pumpkins are not only extremely tasty, but also extremely healthy, which is why pumpkin seeds, for example, are also used as herbal medicine. Pumpkins consist of around 90% water and therefore only have a few calories (approx. 28 kcal per 100 g). They not only contain valuable minerals such as potassium and iron, but also have a high content of vitamin E and beta-carotene, which the body can convert into vitamin A. important for eyes, skin and mucous membranes. And the glycemic load of pumpkins is also low (= this is an indicator of the triggered insulin requirement).
But what does the whole thing look like for horses – are pumpkins just as healthy and digestible for them? Many horse lovers ask themselves this question year after year – and the answer can basically be answered with a clear ‘yes’: As far as is known, gourds are definitely recommended for horses and can be used safely, as the ‘Michigan State University’ in found in an article. The only restriction: you should not overdo it with pumpkins and use them carefully and moderately.
In any case, due to its ingredients, there is nothing wrong with giving pumpkin to your horses as a supplementary snack or as a treat – as long as you don’t overdo it with the quantity and frequency: cut into small pieces (danger of a blocked gullet!) and give him a pumpkin or two -Provide cuts a day, no more, and no more often, the University of Michigan Council says, so the rewards don’t miss their mark or mess up the feeding schedule.
The pumpkins should of course be fresh and washed, have no paint or wax residue and, above all, no moldy areas. The woody handle should also be removed – horses can easily choke on it. By the way, you don’t have to hollow out the pumpkins – many horses like to eat the seeds. There are also a few horses that don’t like pumpkin – then all further efforts are superfluous.
With its high content of beta-carotene, vitamin E, folic acid and fiber, its low calorie content and its low glycemic load, pumpkin is a useful and recommended autumn snack for many horses, even for horses with metabolic diseases such as EMS. In addition, most horses love the taste. Nevertheless, you should only use pumpkins with your horses cautiously – because too much, even of good things, can very easily cause damage. So is Michigan State University’s advice: “Remember, when feeding horses seasonal treats like pumpkins, moderation and restraint must come before all else to prevent any risk of colic.” It’s definitely better for your horse – even if it tries to convince you otherwise!”
Table of Contents
Are pumpkins poisonous to horses?
Orange pumpkins, including the seeds are safe to feed to horses. Michigan State University Extension offers these reminders when giving your horse a seasonal treat such as pumpkin: Smaller pieces – slice pumpkin into smaller pieces. One slice at a time – do this to prevent potential choking.
Is raw pumpkin good for horses?
The minerals found in pumpkin, including calcium, potassium, copper, and phosphorus, can help all of your equine’s body parts to optimally function. Additionally, the high water content can keep your hoofed pal properly hydrated. Horses can safely consume pumpkin flesh, rind, and seeds.
Can wild horses eat pumpkin?
Yes, horses love eating pumpkin and it is a safe vegetable to feed to horses – including the seeds! Some horses may not appreciate the taste of pumpkin, while others absolutely love it.
Are pumpkins poisonous to animals?
Pumpkins are a safe treat for many animals – from pets to livestock. Make sure the pumpkins aren’t rotting, covered in candle wax, or painted before feeding.
