Can Horses Eat Sugar Cubes? What You Need to Know [2026]

Sugar cubes have been a traditional horse treat for generations. There’s something iconic about offering a sugar cube to a horse from your palm. But are sugar cubes actually good for horses? Here’s what you need to know.

Can Horses Eat Sugar Cubes?

Yes, but in strict moderation. Sugar cubes are not toxic to healthy horses, but they’re pure sugar with no nutritional benefit and can cause problems if overfed.

The Case Against Sugar Cubes

Pure Empty Calories

Sugar cubes provide:

• Zero nutritional value
• No vitamins or minerals
• No fiber
• Just simple carbohydrates

Health Risks

Regular sugar feeding can contribute to:

• Obesity: Extra calories add up
• Insulin resistance: Sugar spikes can stress metabolism
• Dental issues: Sugar promotes tooth decay
• Behavioral changes: Sugar “highs” and crashes
• Laminitis risk: In susceptible horses

Metabolic Horses

Absolutely avoid sugar cubes for horses with:

• Equine Metabolic Syndrome (EMS)
• Insulin Resistance (IR)
• Cushing’s Disease (PPID)
• History of laminitis
• Obesity

If You Do Feed Sugar Cubes

For healthy horses with no metabolic issues, an occasional sugar cube isn’t dangerous:

Guidelines:

• Maximum 1-2 cubes as an occasional treat
• Not daily—save for special occasions
• Never as a regular training reward
• Count as part of overall sugar intake

Better Alternatives

These treats offer more nutrition with less risk:

For Metabolic Horses: Safe Treats

These options are better for sugar-sensitive horses:

• Celery: Very low sugar, good crunch
• Cucumber: Mostly water, minimal sugar
• Lettuce: Ultra-low calorie
• Hay stretcher pellets: Low sugar, fiber-based
• Commercial low-sugar treats: Specifically formulated

The Tradition Question

Sugar cubes became a traditional horse treat when:

• Less was known about equine nutrition
• Metabolic diseases were less recognized
• Sugar was a convenient, shelf-stable treat
• Horses worked harder and burned more calories

Modern understanding suggests there are better options, though an occasional sugar cube for a healthy horse isn’t harmful.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many sugar cubes can a horse have?
For healthy horses, 1-2 occasionally is fine. But why feed pure sugar when healthier treats exist?

Will one sugar cube hurt my horse?
For a healthy horse, no. The problem is accumulation over time or regular feeding.

Are brown sugar cubes healthier?
No—brown sugar is just white sugar with molasses. Same concerns apply.

What about horses that only accept sugar cubes?
Horses can learn to accept other treats. Transition gradually—most horses come to love carrots and apples.

Can I use sugar cubes for training?
Not recommended. Training requires many repetitions—that’s too much sugar. Use hay pellets, small carrot pieces, or commercial training treats instead.

The Bottom Line

Sugar cubes won’t poison your healthy horse, but they offer no nutritional value and carry real risks with regular feeding. For the occasional treat, they’re not dangerous. For regular rewards, choose carrots, apples, or other healthier alternatives. And for metabolic horses, avoid sugar cubes entirely—their health depends on strict sugar management.

Sources: Kentucky Equine Research, American Association of Equine Practitioners, University of Minnesota Extension