Can Horses Eat Apples? Safe Treat Guide [2026]

Apples are one of the most classic horse treats—but are they actually safe? Here’s everything you need to know about feeding apples to horses.

Quick Answer: Yes, Horses Love Apples!

Apples are safe, nutritious, and most horses absolutely love them. They make excellent training treats and rewards.

Nutritional Benefits

How to Feed Apples Safely

Preparation

• Cut into pieces: Quarter or slice apples to prevent choking
• Remove stems: Can be a choking hazard
• Wash thoroughly: Remove pesticide residue
• Check for rot: Never feed moldy or fermented apples

What About Seeds and Core?

Seeds: Apple seeds contain amygdalin, which releases cyanide. However, a horse would need to eat hundreds of seeds to be affected. Occasional seeds aren’t dangerous, but it’s best practice to core apples.

Core: Safe to feed, but cutting prevents choking risk.

How Many Apples Can Horses Eat?

Recommended Amounts

• Treats: 1-2 apples per day is reasonable
• Maximum: No more than 4-5 apples daily
• Training: Cut into small pieces for multiple rewards

Why Limit Apples?

• High sugar content (natural fructose)
• Too many can cause digestive upset
• Can contribute to weight gain
• May cause loose stool if overfed

Horses That Should Avoid Apples

• Insulin-resistant horses: Sugar content problematic
• Horses with HYPP: Potassium levels concerning
• Horses prone to laminitis: Limit all sugary treats
• Horses with dental issues: Hard texture may be difficult

Apple Varieties

Most common apple varieties are safe:

• Red Delicious: Sweet, horses love them
• Gala: Sweet and crisp
• Granny Smith: Tart—some horses prefer sweeter
• Fuji: Very sweet, great for picky eaters
• Honeycrisp: Sweet and crunchy

Creative Ways to Feed Apples

• Frozen treats: Freeze slices for summer refreshment
• Training rewards: Cut into tiny pieces
• Mixed with grain: Add chunks to feed for picky eaters
• Apple sauce: Plain, unsweetened only

Warning Signs of Overfeeding

If you’ve given too many apples, watch for:

• Loose stool or diarrhea
• Gas or bloating
• Colic symptoms
• Loss of appetite for regular feed

The Bottom Line

Apples are one of the safest and most popular horse treats. Cut them into pieces, limit to 1-2 per day for most horses, and avoid feeding to metabolic horses. Your horse will likely come running when they hear you bite into an apple!

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