Horse treats with no sugar?

[Shari]

Wee Maggie, has always had a sweet tooth... apples, carrots, normal horse cookies. She doesn't get them often, but she does love them.

Now that she has Cushings and IR.... is there a Horse cookie out there, that is safe for minis with Cushings and IR?

 

[Mona]

Buy some Timothy pellets and feed as a treat. They are large pellets like treats, but not the cubes like some alfalfa.

 

[chandab]

I'm pretty sure there are a couple out there, but I'll have to wait til I'm on my computer to check my files, I can't access anything from my kindle.

 

[Shari]

Mona, sadly, most timothy pellets are too high in natural sugars, at least for Maggie.

Thank you Chandra, have had people tell me they are out there, but haven't found them yet. If I have to , if I can find a recipe, will make something up for her.

 

[Mona]

In terms of treats for a Cushinoid horse, your options are limited. Most commercial horse treats contain high sugar content because, after all, they are a treat. Even “natural” choices for treats such as carrots and apples shouldn’t be given to Cushinoid horses. Instead, try celery. If your horse sticks his nose up at this healthy suggestion, sugar-free candies such as what you would find in the diabetic aisle of your grocery store can also be given. Sugar-substitutes such as Nutrasweet and Splenda will not harm your horse in small quantities. Another suggestion is to try the lowest calorie treat of all: an extra scratch on the ear speaks as a reward as well!

-- Anna O'Brien, DVM

 

[Mona]

http://thenaturallyhealthyhorse.com/safe-treats-horses/

Starch and sugar are out of the question for some horses

Fat deposits along the crest of the neck, rump, shoulders, or back, indicate insulin resistance. Starchy or sugary treats will raise insulin to dangerous levels, increasing laminitis risk. Horses with Cushing’s disease also require a low starch/low sugar diet.

Avoid the following:

• Apples
• Bread
• Candy
• Carrots
• Cooked Potatoes
• Commercial treats made with cereal grains (oats, corn, barley, rice, wheat) and molasses

Better low sugar/low starch choices:

• Alfalfa cubes or pellets (surprisingly low in sugar)
• Apple peels
• Watermelon rinds
• Commercial products that are low in starch/sugar

 

[Mona]

This one is directly from the ECIR Group.

 

[Mona]

http://www.beetebites.com/

 

[Mona]

http://www.equinemedsurg.com/articles/insulin-resistance/diet-for-the-insulin-resistant-horse/#GoodSnacks

 

[Mona]

Last one.

https://www.smartpakequine.com/pt/withers-and-withers-insulin-resistant-horse-treats-8282

 

[Mona]

I just looked and the Standlee has a nice Alfalfa pellet too that is LOW in sugar. http://standleeforage.com/product-formats/pellets/alfalfa/alfalfa-premium-pellets

 

[chandab]

Shari,

These are safe, the company works with Dr Kellon to make balanced safe feed for metabolic horses, and they recently started making a treat size pellet. http://shop.nuzufeed.com/Mine is quite fond of the banana flavor.

they also make a feed that is safe for metabolic horses, the STabul 1. [The Stabul 1 plus may have too high of fat for some.]

 

[Shari]

Alfalfa is not good in a horse with Cushings, IR, which has caused her to founder. But Thank you for the info Mona.

Will check those out Chanda, Thank you.

 

[chandab]

I know there are a few more, but haven't tried them.

Smartpak has this one: https://www.smartpakequine.com/pt/withers-and-withers-insulin-resistant-horse-treats-8282

Buckeye makes these with no sugar added, but check the ingredients to make sure there aren't too many grain ingredients: https://www.smartpakequine.com/pt/carrot-crunchers--no-sugar-added-8929[i think there is another flavor, but you'll have to look.

These have no sugar added, but alfalfa based (mine seems to tolerate alfalfa in pellets/cubes, but not baled hay; some do, some don't): http://www.horse.com/item/uckele-equi-treats/E014527/[i just ordered these to try them out.]

 

[Ryan Johnson]

A friend of mine has a Cushing's gelding and she goes to the health food shop to buy sugar free peppermints that are suitable for diabetics.

Hope you find plenty of options for her Shari

 

[Shari]

Maggie would love sugar free peppermints! As soon as I can get her body under control and feeling better, will give those a try.

 

[targetsmom]

I know people love to give treats to their horses, but just another thought is that you CAN reward your horse without food. Especially one with metabolic issues. Find places they like to be scratched, or massaged, or even a kind word and a pat can be a reward. Remember that mutual grooming is how horses often interact!! In a herd situation horses of any size can get quite aggressive when food/treats are involved so we rarely use them. I don't think anyone would say our horses are abused or neglected due to a lack of treats!!

 

[Shari]

She gets itches and so on too. Have had Maggie so long, we are just happy to be around each other.

Though....Maggie has always had a sweet tooth. Used to give her a slice of apple or carrot, or a horse cookie, every once in awhile. I don't use treats with her, to get her to do anything. It was just a once in awhile treat.