Homemade Horse Treat Recipes for Healthy Happy Horses

Originally posted on August 1, 2017 @ 4:22 am

Welcome to the world of homemade horse treats! Whether you’re a proud horse owner or simply looking for a way to spoil your equine friend, making your own horse treats at home is a wonderful idea.

Not only do these treats provide a healthy alternative to store-bought options, but they also allow you to control the ingredients, ensuring your horse receives wholesome, natural goodness without any unnecessary additives.

Plus, crafting these snacks can be a fun bonding experience that strengthens the connection between you and your horse. In this post, we’ll explore several easy-to-make, nutritious, and delicious homemade horse treat recipes that your horse will love.

Let’s dive in and get those hooves tapping!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Making homemade horse treats offers several benefits that go beyond simply giving your horse a tasty snack. First, you get to use natural, high-quality ingredients that are safe and beneficial to equine health.

Store-bought treats often contain preservatives and fillers that may not be ideal for your horse’s diet. Second, these recipes are cost-effective and easy to customize based on your horse’s preferences and dietary needs.

Additionally, baking treats at home means you can incorporate ingredients that support your horse’s overall wellness, such as flaxseed for coat shine or carrots for vitamins. Finally, these recipes are straightforward, requiring minimal equipment and time, making them perfect for busy horse lovers.

If you enjoy wholesome homemade recipes, you might also like our Backpacking Dehydrated Vegan Meal Recipes for Easy Camping for your outdoor adventures!

Ingredients

• 2 cups rolled oats – A great base providing fiber and energy
• 1 cup whole wheat flour – For structure and extra nutrients
• 1/2 cup molasses – Natural sweetener with iron and minerals
• 1 cup grated carrots – Adds moisture, flavor, and vitamins
• 1/2 cup applesauce (unsweetened) – A natural binder and mild sweetness
• 1/4 cup ground flaxseed – Rich in omega-3 fatty acids for coat health
• 1/2 cup water – To bring the dough together
• Optional: 1/4 cup chopped parsley – For fresh breath and added nutrients

Equipment

• Mixing bowl – To combine all ingredients
• Measuring cups and spoons – For accurate ingredient quantities
• Baking sheet – To bake the treats evenly
• Parchment paper or silicone baking mat – For non-stick baking
• Grater – For preparing fresh carrots
• Rolling pin (optional) – To flatten dough if shaping by hand
• Cookie cutters (optional) – For fun shapes

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line your baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat to prevent sticking.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats, whole wheat flour, and ground flaxseed. Stir together until evenly mixed.
3. Add the grated carrots, molasses, and applesauce to the dry ingredients. Mix thoroughly to distribute the wet ingredients evenly.
4. Gradually add water, a little at a time, mixing until a dough forms. The dough should be moist but firm enough to hold its shape.
5. If using parsley, fold it into the dough now. This step is optional but adds a nice fresh flavor.
6. Roll the dough out on a lightly floured surface to about 1/4-inch thickness. Use cookie cutters or a knife to cut into desired shapes.
7. Place the shaped dough onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space between each treat.
8. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the treats are firm and slightly golden around the edges. Avoid over-baking to keep treats chewy.
9. Allow the treats to cool completely on a wire rack before storing. Proper cooling ensures they firm up and are easier to handle.
10. Store in an airtight container. These treats can last for up to two weeks or be frozen for longer storage.

Tips & Variations

“Use fresh, organic ingredients whenever possible to maximize the nutritional benefit for your horse.”

If your horse has specific dietary restrictions, you can easily customize these treats. For example, substitute whole wheat flour with oat flour or rice flour for a gluten-free option.

You can also add mashed bananas or pumpkin puree for different flavors and textures.

For extra crunch, mix in small amounts of chopped apples or dried cranberries (unsweetened and without pits). Avoid any toxic ingredients like chocolate, onions, or garlic.

If you want to experiment, check out our Best Vegan Pepper Jack Cheese Slice Recipe for Melty Flavor for inspiration on creative homemade recipes.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

These treats make perfect rewards during training sessions or simply as a delightful surprise after a long ride. To keep your horse interested, try varying the shapes and sizes of the treats.

Always introduce new treats gradually to monitor for any allergic reactions or digestive upset.

Pair treat time with gentle grooming or a calm environment to create positive associations. These treats also work wonderfully as part of a gift basket for fellow horse lovers!

For more wholesome homemade ideas, check out our Veg Grilled Sandwich Recipes That Are Quick and Delicious.

Conclusion

Making homemade horse treats is a rewarding and health-conscious way to pamper your equine companion. With simple ingredients and easy steps, you can whip up delicious, nutritious treats that your horse will eagerly anticipate.

Not only do these recipes provide essential nutrients, but they also deepen the bond between you and your horse through the care and attention you put into every treat. Remember to customize recipes based on your horse’s preferences and dietary needs to keep snack time both safe and enjoyable.

We hope you enjoy creating these homemade horse treats as much as your horse will enjoy eating them! For more wholesome recipes that cater to various dietary needs and occasions, explore our collection of delicious ideas like the Apple Barn Pigeon Forge TN Vegetable Soup Recipe Guide and other wonderful homemade delights.

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