If you’re a horse owner, then maybe you’ve found yourself asking the question “can horses eat pumpkin?” And it’s probably around Halloween and Thanksgiving when you started wondering this.
At this time of year, there are lots of pumpkins around that are often going to waste. So below we’ll find out if you can feed pumpkin to your horse as a treat.
Can Horses Eat Pumpkin?
The great news is that pumpkin is a safe treat that's not toxic to horses. The flesh is made up mostly of water and it contains a good range of vitamins and minerals. Which makes it a good addition to a horse's diet. And on top of this, your horse will love the taste of pumpkin!
You might be surprised to learn that pumpkin is actually a fruit. This is because the seeds are inside, unlike vegetables which don't have seeds.
Are all Pumpkins Safe for Horses?
In this guide, we’re talking about standard pumpkins. The big, round, orange pumpkins that you get at Halloween. For all other types of pumpkins or members of the squash family, you must check their safety first.
Some members of the pumpkin family are toxic to horses. Especially Gourd pumpkins. These come in many different colors and sizes, including white.
So as a precaution, you shouldn't feed white or any other different colored pumpkin to your horse as a treat. These are hazards to your horse's health because they are poisonous and they will cause diarrhea and gastrointestinal irritation.
And when it comes to eating canned pumpkin, it's good to know that these are safe too. However, you must check the ingredients first. If the canned pumpkins contain any flavorings or spices, don't feed them to your horse. Spices and flavorings are potential hazards for your horses' health.
Is Pumpkin Healthy for Horses?
Pumpkin, like most fruit, is full of nutrients which means that it’s very healthy for horses.
Just like all fruits and vegetables, pumpkin is a fantastic source of fiber. And being a grazing animal, an equine needs lots of fiber in its diet.
Pumpkin is also full of Beta Carotene, the same vitamin that makes carrots orange, This is great for keeping your horse's eyes healthy, just like carrots. And it’s also a powerful antioxidant.
There's a good range of vitamins and minerals in pumpkins. These include vitamin A, C and E. As well as vitamin B6. And it’s full of vital minerals such as iron magnesium, potassium and phosphorus.
Pumpkins contain a small amount of sugar and this is why horses love the taste. However, there is no need to be concerned about feeding pumpkin to horses with metabolic issues. The sugar in pumpkins will not affect blood sugar levels. In fact, studies in humans suggest that pumpkins can stabilise blood sugar levels.
Overall, it's good to give pumpkins to horses. They will help to boost your horses immune system as well as help to keep it's heart, blood and eyes health
Can you Give the Flesh of Pumpkin to Your Horse?
The inside of the pumpkin is known as the flesh. And this is the part that your horse will find easiest to eat. The flesh is made up mostly of water. And in the middle of the flesh, you’ll find the pumpkin seeds.
Can Horses Eat Pumpkin Seeds?
When you’re feeding pumpkin to your equine as a treat, it's good to know that you don't have to remove the seeds.
Pumpkin seeds are safe for horses to eat. And they contain lots of concentrated nutrients which are good for a horse's diet.
But even though pumpkin seeds are safe for horses to eat, you should only feed them in moderation. And you shouldn't give your equine pumpkin seed snacks that have been prepared for humans.
Often these will be cooked and contain seasoning so they aren't that great for your horse. It’s better to feed your horse raw seeds instead.
Can Horses Eat Pumpkin Rind?
The tough, outer rind of a pumpkin might not look that appetizing to us. But some horses will love eating the rind of pumpkins as a treat. And the good news is that the rind is perfectly safe for them to eat.
And as well as being a good source of fiber, the rind is nutritionally rich so it's good for your horse's health.
However, the hard stem of a pumpkin can easily become a choking hazard. And you should always remove the stem of a pumpkin before feeding it to your horse.
Can Horses Eat Pumpkin Vines?
Pumpkin vines aren't poisonous to horses. However, they can become quite thick and hard. And it's for this reason that you shouldn't feed pumpkin vine to horses. The thick, tough vine can easily become a choking hazard.
Can Horses Eat Pumpkin Leaves?
All parts of the pumpkin plant are safe to feed your horse. But just like with all horse treats, they should be fed in moderation. Never let your horse eat too many pumpkin leaves all at once. Because this could cause colic.
How Much Pumpkin Should you Feed a horse and How Often?
You should never feed your horse concentrated food, such as grains, fruit or vegetables in large amounts. And pumpkins are no exception. Because horses are grazing animals, their digestive system is designed to eat hay and grass. If you give an equine excessive amounts of concentrated food, such as fruit, then it could cause colic.
This is why a horse should only be fed one to two cups of pumpkin treats per day. And you should only feed them pumpkin treats once or twice a week.
As well as potentially causing colic, if your horse eats too much pumpkin, it might not want to eat its regular food. And this can lead to all kinds of nutritional deficiencies. So always stick to the recommended guidelines of one to two cups per day when it comes to feeding your horse pumpkin.
When it comes to feeding pumpkin safely then always introduce it to your horses diet slowly. feed it just a small piece of pumpkin at first. Then monitor for 24 hours for signs of colic. If your horse is fine after 24 hours then you can gradually increase the portion size.
Warnings About Feeding Pumpkin to Horses
You should always be cautious when your feeding your horse treats. And this is especially true when it comes to large fruit like pumpkins. So let's take a look at the things you need to be aware of when it comes to feeding your horse pumpkin.
Choke
One of the biggest dangers with pumpkin treats is their potential to become a choking hazard. This is particularly true with the rind. The rind is thick and hard and if it's not cut up properly before you give it to your horse then it could get caught in its windpipe.
If you have a senior horse or a horse with dental problems, it’s not a good idea to feed them pumpkin rind. They might have a hard time eating it and if they can't chew it then it might get stuck in their throat.
If you want to feed older horses pumpkin then feed them the flesh. And you must shred this up first because the flesh is also quite hard. Or you can even make a pumpkin puree to add to their food.
HYPP
Pumpkin contains high amounts of potassium. So this means that you shouldn't feed it to horses with HYPP. If horses with this condition eat too much potassium then it can make their condition much worse.
Decorated Pumpkins
Halloween pumpkins are ok for horses to eat. But you must make sure that they are clean first. Never feed horses pumpkins that have been painted because this will be toxic to your horse. Additionally, make sure that there's no candle wax or candle ends in the pumpkin. Candle wax is not good for your horse and it may cause colic or choke.
Tips on How to Prepare and Feed Pumpkin to Horses
Before you feed any fruits or vegetables to your horse you should always check it for signs of mold or rotten parts. The bacteria on rotten food can make your horse ill. So this is why you must check that the pumpkin is fresh before feeding it to your horse.
The best way to chop up pumpkin is into small, bite-sized chunks. This way it won't be able to get lodged in your horses throat if your horse doesn't chew it properly.
You should always remove the pumpkin stem before feeding it as a treat. This isn't because the stem is toxic. It’s because it tough and your horse won't be able to chew it. So this means that the stem might cause your horse to choke.
You can give your horse pumpkin chunks by hand as a reward for good behavior. Or you can mix some chopped up pieces into their regular food. Or to keep your horse entertained in its stable, then hide some pumpkin chunks in its hay.
Conclusion
Pumpkin makes a great seasonal treat for your horse and a good change from constantly feeding them apples. Overall it’s pretty healthy and your horse will love it's taste. As long as it's fed in moderation then pumpkin has many health benefits. The main thing to remember when your feeding pumpkin as a treat is to cut it up into pieces and only feed it in moderation.
Now I bet you’re glad you asked “can horses eat pumpkin?” Because now you know what to do with those leftover ones from Halloween.
