Best Horse Treats: Top Picks for Happy Horses

Finding the perfect treats for your horse can strengthen your bond, make training more effective, and bring joy to both of you. But with so many options available, how do you choose the best horse treats?

In this guide, we’ll cover the best treats for horses, what to look for when shopping, and some healthy homemade alternatives your horse will love.

What Makes a Good Horse Treat?

The best horse treats share these qualities:

• Safe ingredients – No toxic additives or excessive sugar
• Appropriate size – Easy to chew and swallow
• Appealing taste – Horses should actually want them
• Nutritional value – Some health benefits are a bonus
• Convenient – Easy to store and carry

Best Commercial Horse Treats

1. Mrs. Pastures Cookies for Horses

Often called the “gold standard” of horse treats, Mrs. Pastures cookies are beloved by horses and trainers alike.

Pros:

• All-natural ingredients
• Molasses-based flavor horses love
• Crunchy texture good for teeth
• Made in the USA

Cons:

• Higher price point
• Can be addictive – some horses become very demanding

2. Manna Pro Apple Horse Treats

A popular, affordable option that most horses enjoy.

Pros:

• Budget-friendly
• Natural apple flavor
• Good training size
• Widely available

Cons:

• Contains some artificial ingredients
• Crumbly texture

3. German Horse Muffins

Premium European-style treats that have gained a dedicated following.

Pros:

• All-natural ingredients
• Unique flavors (apple cinnamon, banana)
• No added sugar
• Horses love them

Cons:

• Premium price
• May need to order online

4. Uncle Jimmy’s Hangin’ Balls

A treat that doubles as entertainment, these are lickable balls you hang in the stall.

Pros:

• Reduces boredom and stable vices
• Long-lasting
• Multiple flavors
• Can help with cribbing

Cons:

• Not a traditional hand-fed treat
• Some horses destroy them quickly

5. Purina Apple & Oat Horse Treats

Made by a trusted feed company with quality ingredients.

Pros:

• Reputable brand
• Consistent quality
• Good value for money
• Palatable to most horses

Cons:

• Some horses are picky about the texture

Best Natural Treats for Horses

Sometimes the simplest treats are the best. These natural options are healthy, affordable, and most horses love them:

Carrots

The classic horse treat. High in fiber and beta-carotene, low in sugar compared to many commercial treats.

• How to serve: Cut lengthwise to prevent choking
• Daily limit: 1-2 pounds maximum

Apples

Another favorite that’s nutritious and delicious. See our complete guide on feeding apples to horses.

• How to serve: Cut into quarters or smaller pieces
• Daily limit: 1-2 apples

Bananas

A surprisingly popular treat. Horses can eat the peel too!

• How to serve: With or without peel, broken into pieces
• Daily limit: 1-2 bananas

Watermelon

Perfect for hot summer days. Horses can eat the rind too.

• How to serve: Chunks with or without rind
• Daily limit: A few cups

Peppermints

The classic reward. Most horses go crazy for peppermints.

• How to serve: Unwrapped, one at a time
• Daily limit: 2-3 mints

Best Treats for Training

When training, you need treats that are:

• Small enough to eat quickly
• Easy to carry in your pocket
• Not too messy
• Highly motivating

Top Training Treat Choices:

1. Sugar cubes – Quick and effective (use sparingly)
2. Cheerios – Low calorie, easy to handle
3. Carrot coins – Sliced carrots, about 1/4 inch thick
4. Commercial training treats – Small pellet-style treats
5. Hay cubes – Compressed hay, healthy and satisfying

Treats for Horses with Metabolic Issues

Horses with insulin resistance, Cushing’s, or a history of laminitis need low-sugar options:

• Hay cubes or pellets – Safe and satisfying
• Carrot pieces – Lower sugar than most fruits
• Sugar-free peppermints – Made with xylitol-free sweeteners
• Celery – Very low sugar
• Commercial low-sugar treats – Look for “low NSC” labels

Always consult your vet before giving treats to horses with metabolic conditions.

Easy Homemade Horse Treat Recipes

Basic Horse Cookies

Ingredients:

• 2 cups oats
• 1 cup flour
• 1 cup grated carrots
• 1/4 cup molasses
• 1/4 cup vegetable oil
• 1/2 cup water

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350F
2. Mix all ingredients until combined
3. Form into small balls or use cookie cutters
4. Bake for 25-30 minutes until firm
5. Cool completely before feeding

Frozen Summer Treats

Ingredients:

• Sliced apples
• Carrot pieces
• Watermelon chunks
• Water

Instructions:

1. Place fruit in ice cube trays or muffin tins
2. Fill with water
3. Freeze overnight
4. Pop out and serve on hot days

Treats to Avoid

Never feed your horse these potentially dangerous items:

• Chocolate – Contains theobromine, toxic to horses
• Avocado – All parts are toxic
• Onions and garlic – Can cause anemia
• Tomatoes – Leaves and stems are toxic
• Potatoes – Especially green ones
• Rhubarb – Leaves are highly toxic
• Lawn clippings – Can cause colic
• Bread – Can cause digestive upset

How Many Treats Can I Give My Horse?

Moderation is key. Follow these guidelines:

• Treats should be no more than 10% of daily calories
• 1-2 pounds of carrots/apples per day maximum
• Handful of commercial treats per day
• Spread treats throughout the day rather than all at once

Watch for weight gain and adjust accordingly.

Treat Safety Tips

1. Feed from a flat palm – Keeps fingers safe from nibbling
2. Cut treats into appropriate sizes – Prevent choking
3. Introduce new treats slowly – Watch for digestive upset
4. Store treats properly – Keep dry and pest-free
5. Check expiration dates – Moldy treats can be dangerous
6. Know your horse’s health status – Adjust treats for metabolic issues

Where to Buy Horse Treats

You can find quality horse treats at:

• Local feed stores
• Tack shops
• Online retailers (Amazon, Chewy, SmartPak)
• Farm supply stores (Tractor Supply, Rural King)
• Grocery stores (for natural treats like carrots and apples)

Final Thoughts

The best treats for your horse depend on their individual tastes, health needs, and your budget. Whether you choose premium commercial options, simple fruits and vegetables, or homemade creations, the most important thing is the bond you build with your horse through positive interactions.

Remember:

• Quality over quantity
• Know what’s safe and what’s not
• Adjust for horses with health issues
• Use treats as rewards, not constant handouts

Looking for more ways to care for your horse? Check out our guides on horse nutrition and horse care basics.