Can Horses Eat Pumpkins (And Other Gourds)?
It’s fall, y’all. And maybe you’re looking for a fun, seasonal treat for your horse. But are pumpkins – and other gourds – safe for horses to eat?
Maybe you already feed pumpkin to your dogs, which is a safe treat and natural digestive aid for your furry housemates. But horses?
Orange pumpkins and their seeds are safe for horses to eat, according to the Michigan State University Extension. But there are a few dos and don’ts owners should know before indulging.
Do not feed pumpkins to horses that haven’t been thoroughly inspected. For example, sometimes gourds will start to rot from the inside, and it’s not visible without cutting into the pumpkin. If the gourd has any soft spots, you should avoid. This feels like common sense, but you shouldn’t feed any part of the stalk to a horse, either. It can be a choking hazard. But seeds are OK.
And it goes without saying, but don’t feed a painted or decorated pumpkin to a horse.
The best way to feed pumpkin to horses is in small pieces and one slice at a time. Less is always better than more – so just a few pieces a day is acceptable.
You can also try cooking pumpkin and feeding it as a warm mash treat.
As for other gourds, it’s best to never assume all types are safe for horses. Though, zucchini and squash are generally non-toxic to horses.
If you’re unsure if a fruit of vegetable is safe for a horse to eat, ask your vet. It’s also always smart to chesk lists of poisonous plants and foods from local universities or sources like American Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.