There are horses and there is celery. Horses will eat anything that looks good. Should you allow your horse to eat celery for a snack? Are horses allowed to eat celery?
Below is Dr. Jess’ explanation.
WHAT DO HORSES TYPICALLY EATS?
Horses today eat a variety of foods, including grasses and hays.
Horses are permitted to turn out (to spend time outside in pastures and paddocks). This allows horses to get exercise and movement, and horses can graze in their pastures.
Horses may need to be given a supplement if the grass quality is poor or not enough.
Most horses will be supplemented with hay.
Horses are often given grain or other oral supplements to meet their nutritional needs.
LET’S TALK ELECTORY
Celery.
Now that we have finished the celery talk, it is time to move on to ….
Naw, I’m kidding.
Let’s take a moment to talk about celery. This will help us decide if celery is suitable for our horsey friends.
Celery is a long-serving vegetable in the kitchen. The stalk, which is usually thick and fibrous, is what most people eat.
Celery stalks are long and strong, with bright green leaves at the top.
CELERY NUTRITION
Celery is rich in vitamins and minerals of many types, including Vitamins A, B and C.
It also contains Magnesium and Phosphorus.
It has fiber. It has water.
These things are all fine for horses to consume in small quantities. ……
CAN HORSES EATS CELERY?
They can chew, swallow, and digest celery mechanically.
SHOULD HORSES EATS CELERY?
Sure!
They won’t mind a bite or two of this snack.
I’ll repeat it! A few bite-sized snack pieces.
Horses can choke, especially if they have a tasty snack waiting for them!
You shouldn’t give your horse a whole bunch of celery stalks. You should only eat one or two pieces.
Too many treats can cause behavioral problems in horses as well as digestive (stomach, intestine) issues. We’ll be back to discuss this topic another day!
Celery should be enjoyed in moderation
WHAT ABOUT MY HORSE WHO CAN’T HAVE SUGARS?
Yes! Horses who are trying to cut down on their sugar intake will love this treat! Celery is a better choice than sweet treats!
CAN THEY EAT CELERY LEAVES?
Yes, they are acceptable in moderation.
CELERY COULD BE HARMFUL FOR MY HORSE
We are glad you asked for a vet.
Celery can cause harm to your horse.
First, the celery can be choked, as we have already discussed.
It’s also produce. This means there are potential for parasites and microorganisms in the celery, which may cause problems for your horse’s digestive system. Horses are not for everyone.
As a veterinarian, I must mention the potential dangers associated with horses eating celery. I will also add that I have fed my horse celery many times as a snack!
