Not all pony snacks are created equal—here’s what’s healthy, what’s sneaky, and what your pony really wants!
We all love giving our ponies treats. It’s a fun way to say “Well done!”, “I love you!” or sometimes just “You’re so cute, have a snack.” But did you know that some pony treats—especially the colourful, sugary ones—aren’t actually good for your pony?
We chatted to vets and nutrition experts to find out which treats are safe and which should be saved for very special occasions (if ever!). Let’s dive into the truth about treats.
Not all treats are healthy
Some shop-bought horse treats look like sweeties—and that’s because they kind of are. They often contain:
- Molasses (a sticky, sugary syrup)
- Wheat or corn (which aren’t great in large amounts)
- Artificial flavourings and colourants
- Added oils or preservatives
These treats might smell yummy and make your pony eager for more, but they can contribute to weight gain, upset your pony’s gut, or even affect horses with conditions like laminitis or insulin resistance.
“Ponies are very good at storing energy,” one vet told us. “Too many sugary snacks—even small ones—can quickly lead to problems like obesity, sore feet (laminitis), or tummy upset.”
So what is a healthy treat?
Great news—there are plenty of tasty treats that are healthy, natural, and even good for your pony.
Best everyday treats:
- Carrots (chopped into short sticks, not whole)
- Apples (no core or seeds)
- Celery
- Banana slices (yes, really!)
- Lucerne cubes
REMEMBER: Even healthy treats should be given in small amounts. Too much of anything (even carrots!) can unbalance your pony’s diet.
Wait – can treats be bad for the teeth?
Yep! Just like us, ponies can develop dental problems. Sticky or hard treats can get stuck in their teeth or cause wear over time. That’s another reason why simple, natural options are best.
When are treats helpful?
Treats can be more than just a snack—they can be used to teach and build trust, too.
Use treats as a reward when:
- Catching your pony in the paddock
- Teaching tricks or groundwork
- Helping nervous ponies learn to trust people
Just make sure you don’t overdo it, and always follow good manners—no begging or nipping allowed!
Special treats for special days
You don’t have to ban sugary shop treats forever, but think of them like birthday cake. Nice now and then, but not every day.
Save for:
- Your pony’s birthday
- After a great show or lesson
- Holiday treats (like a Christmas cookie)
And always read the label. If the ingredients list starts with ‘molasses’ or ‘cane sugar,’ pop it back on the shelf!
Final tips
- Keep it simple. Ponies love carrots just as much as fancy snacks.
- Treats aren’t meals. Don’t fill your pony up with extras.
- Don’t share human food. No chocolate, biscuits, or bread!
- Always use treats safely. Offer them in an open hand—never from your pocket.
Did you know?
Ponies can’t vomit. That means everything they eat has to go all the way through their system, even if it upsets their tummy—so be thoughtful about what you offer them!
