All horse owners know just how much your equines enjoy a good snack. You may want to add a variety to their daily feed, use a treat for medication distribution, or spoil them with something new. After all, a daily dose of carrots can get kind of boring after a while.
No matter your reason, commercial snacks can cater to virtually any purpose. We have compiled the top 10 best horse treats we could find and share reviews of our findings below. Some are for all ages, others are for joint support, and some are even specifically for senior horses to enjoy.
A Quick Comparison of Our Favorites
Image Product Details
Best Overall
Buckeye Nutrition All-Natural Apple Horse Treats – Best Overall
Apple flavored
No added sugar
For all ages
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Best Value
Equus Magnificus Horse Muffin Horse Treats – Best Value
Great for medication
Vitamin fortified
Resealable top
Check Price
Premium Choice
Stud Muffins Variety Pack Horse Treats – Premium Choice
Flavor variety
Handmade
Healthy ingredients
Check Price
Buckeye Nutrition Reasons Joint Support Horse Treats
Supports joints
Packed with valuable nutrients
100% traceable ingredients
Check Price
Probios Equine Probiotic Soft Chew Digestive Horse Supplement
Aids in digestive health
Produces healthy gut bacteria
Beneficial ingredients
Check Price
The 10 Best Treats for Horses – Reviews 2023
If your horse is anything like most we know, they love the taste of apples. These treats don’t seem to disappoint, as they’re gobbled up as quickly as you can dish them out. If you’re trying to limit your horse’s sugar intake while giving them the goodies, this is ideal as well because there is no added sugar to the recipe.
Buckeye Nutrition All-Natural Apple Horse Treats are our favorite and we think your horses will agree. You can offer these treats for all ages—from foals to senior horses.
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This bag has 12% crude protein, 5% crude fat, and 10% crude fiber. The first two ingredients are ground wheat and dried apple pomace with healthy ingredients to follow.
The only real downfall is that the treats are quite small. It may not be a big enough bite to appeal to your big guy or gal. Plus, if you offer more at a time, it can make the bag go quickly. Otherwise, there are no complaints about this tasty treat. It’s horse-approved!
Pros
Apple flavored
No added sugar
For all ages
Cons
Small size
These muffins are molasses flavored, which seems to be a great hit in the equine world. Each muffin is soft and fluffy, so they’re fresh and easy to chew. These treats are especially convenient if you have to give your horse medication since they’re easy to stuff.
Apple flavored
No added sugar
For all ages
- Apple flavored
- No added sugar
- For all ages
Small size
- Small size
If you’re looking to save a few bucks, consider these Equus Magnificus Horse Muffin Horse Treats. They are the best treats for horses for the money. It’s nice that they’re easy on the wallet, too—because we know your horse will think they’re delicious.
This bag contains 9% crude protein, 3% crude fat, and 3.5% crude fiber. Each scrumptious muffin is fortified with vitamins E, A, D, and B12.
What makes this treat really convenient is the resealable top. If left to the elements, these muffins would get stale quickly, so the sealable top helps keep out that moisture.
Pros
Great for medication
Vitamin fortified
Resealable top
Affordable
Cons
Not for all horse palates
These molasses treats come in original, cake, and peppermint flavors. Even if you have one particular picky eater, you’ll probably find at least one they love.
Great for medication
Vitamin fortified
Resealable top
Affordable
- Great for medication
- Vitamin fortified
- Resealable top
- Affordable
Not for all horse palates
- Not for all horse palates
Stud Muffins Variety Pack Horse Treats is a great value, but it’s a bit pricier than some. Even though it’s a little more upfront, it gives your horse a nice selection of different treats so they won’t get tired of the same old thing.
This bag contains 12% crude fiber, 15% crude fat, and 2.9% crude fiber. Each muffin is fortified with flaxseed to aid in healthy digestion. They also have healthy ingredients like cane molasses, oats, corn, and barley. Each treat is 92 calories in total.
We found really interesting about these muffins because they are all handmade by a family-owned company in Canada. It really makes the entire snack experience seem more personal.
Pros
Flavor variety
Handmade
Healthy ingredients
Cons
Pricey
- Buckeye Nutrition Reasons Joint Support Horse Treats
Check Latest PriceIf you think your horse could benefit from a dose of extra joint support properties, try Buckeye Nutrition Reasons Joint Support Horse Treats. The formula has glucosamine, chondroitin, and MSM directly feeds joints to strengthen their functionality.
The ingredients are 100% traceable, so you won’t have to worry that your hooves buddy is eating potentially harmful additives. The first three ingredients are rolled oats, wheat middlings, and ground wheat, so your horse gets the full-grain experience.
Flavor variety
Handmade
Healthy ingredients
- Flavor variety
- Handmade
- Healthy ingredients
Pricey
- Pricey
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If you think your horse could benefit from a dose of extra joint support properties, try Buckeye Nutrition Reasons Joint Support Horse Treats. The formula has glucosamine, chondroitin, and MSM directly feeds joints to strengthen their functionality.
This package contains 12% crude protein, 3.5% crude fat, and 5% crude fiber. These treats are packed with extra good stuff like calcium, vitamin A, vitamin E, and thiamin.
These treats are molasses-free, highly digestible, and palate-pleasing. They are a little harder than some other treats, so certain horses may have a little trouble chewing. Aside from that one downfall, these treats really do improve their overall movement.
Pros
Supports joints
Packed with valuable nutrients
100% traceable ingredients
Cons
May be hard for some to chew
This supplemental treat creates a natural balance of good bacteria in the gut. These treats aren’t intended for everyday use—but rather as an occasional bite when they are irregular. It helps keep your hooved buddy healthy in addition to a regular diet.
Supports joints
Packed with valuable nutrients
100% traceable ingredients
- Supports joints
- Packed with valuable nutrients
- 100% traceable ingredients
May be hard for some to chew
- May be hard for some to chew
If you’re looking for a treat to help your horse’s digestive tract, this Probios Equine Probiotic Soft Chew Digestive Horse Supplement may be just what you’re looking for. It comes in the much-loved apple flavor that your equine will look forward to every time.
These treats contain 8.5% crude fat, 12% crude fat, and 2% crude fiber. The first few main ingredients are oat flour, cane molasses, and barley flour.
These bite-sized snacks work wonders for your horse’s digestion, as long as they agree with the flavor, which was a hit or miss with horses. Some loved the taste and came back for seconds while others didn’t seem interested—so it’s up to the tastebuds of your horse.
Pros
Aids in digestive health
Produces healthy gut bacteria
Beneficial ingredients
Cons
Not every horse likes the taste
These treats come in four flavors—apple, peppermint, carrot & spice, and butterscotch. We had our horses try the apple, and our equine friends loved the taste. The first three ingredients are wheat middlings, soybean hulls, and cane molasses.
Aids in digestive health
Produces healthy gut bacteria
Beneficial ingredients
- Aids in digestive health
- Produces healthy gut bacteria
- Beneficial ingredients
Not every horse likes the taste
- Not every horse likes the taste
If you’re looking for a quick, easy snack, Manna Pro Bite-Size Nuggets Horse Treats are perfect. There are over 300 treats per bag, weighing up to 4 pounds, so you can really stretch them out. They’re easy to keep in your pocket, so they’re ideal on-the-go trail treats.
This bag of treats contains a whopping 19% crude protein, 1.5% crude fat, and 18% crude fat. There are other incredibly healthy additives like copper, zinc, B12, vitamin A, and vitamin E.
Some horses might not enjoy the taste, but we think yours will love them. If not, Manna Pro also offers a Happy Horse guarantee in case you aren’t fully satisfied with the product—so you can have a worry-free purchase.
Pros
Perfect size for training
Great pocket treats
Satisfaction guarantee
Cons
Won’t work for all horses
- Manna Pro Nutrigood Senior Snax Horse Treats
Check Latest PriceIf you have a senior buddy that needs a good snack, Manna Pro Nutrigood Senior Snax Horse Treats might be what you’re looking for. This recipe is specifically designed to give your senior the taste experience they long for while giving them proper levels of necessary nutrients. They’re even shaped like little hearts for love in every bite.
These treats are packed with glucosamine for joint health, flaxseed for coat quality, and biotin for healthy hooves. They are softly baked and easy to chew, so you won’t have to worry about difficulty getting them down.
Perfect size for training
Great pocket treats
Satisfaction guarantee
- Perfect size for training
- Great pocket treats
- Satisfaction guarantee
Won’t work for all horses
- Won’t work for all horses
If you have a senior buddy that needs a good snack, Manna Pro Nutrigood Senior Snax Horse Treats might be what you’re looking for. This recipe is specifically designed to give your senior the taste experience they long for while giving them proper levels of necessary nutrients. They’re even shaped like little hearts for love in every bite.
This bag contains 12% crude protein, 5% crude fat, and 10% crude fiber. The first three ingredients are ground oats, wheat flour, and ground flaxseed.
This is the only treat on the market for seniors at this time. So, with that comes high expectations. These treats can be a little hard, despite their easy-to-chew quality. And some horses may snub their noses at the taste.
Pros
Especially for seniors
Supports skin, joints, and hooves
Easy to eat
Cons
Can be a little hard
- Purina Apple and Oat Flavored Horse Treats
Check Latest PriceWe think your horse will love these Purina Trea Apple and Oat Flavored Horse Treats. They are a bit on the pricier side, but your equine will delight in them. They are a perfect size, texture, and taste—judging by how fast the horses gobble them up!
These treats have a very nice nutritional balance, managing to be both tasty and healthy. The first few ingredients are ground oats, wheat middlings, whole wheat, and cane molasses. It gives a great grain serving with a kick of sweet apple.
Especially for seniors
Supports skin, joints, and hooves
Easy to eat
- Especially for seniors
- Supports skin, joints, and hooves
- Easy to eat
Can be a little hard
- Can be a little hard
We think your horse will love these Purina Trea Apple and Oat Flavored Horse Treats. They are a bit on the pricier side, but your equine will delight in them. They are a perfect size, texture, and taste—judging by how fast the horses gobble them up!
Each Apple & Oat treat contains 10% crude protein, 3% crude fat, and 13% crude fiber. These treats are also fortified with vitamins E, D3, and A.
These treats are a bit rough, so it might be hard for some horses to chew. Make sure to only offer these snacks to equines that have no trouble with their teeth.
Pros
Great flavor
Ideal size
Vitamin-fortified
Cons
Some horses may have trouble chewing
- Mrs. Pastures Cookies for Horses
Check Latest PriceWe’re sure your horse will go ga-ga for these Mrs. Pastures Cookies for Horses. They were made by a company in California that caters to crafting the perfect horsey treat. They are a real favorite among the equine community.
Each batch is made with all-natural ingredients so you know your buddy is getting only the best nutrition. They are the ideal size for a quick bite or training tool. The treats are firm, so they won’t fall apart before your horse munches down.
Great flavor
Ideal size
Vitamin-fortified
- Great flavor
- Ideal size
- Vitamin-fortified
Some horses may have trouble chewing
- Some horses may have trouble chewing
We’re sure your horse will go ga-ga for these Mrs. Pastures Cookies for Horses. They were made by a company in California that caters to crafting the perfect horsey treat. They are a real favorite among the equine community.
These cookies have 11.5% crude protein, 2% crude fat, and 5% crude fiber. The ingredients are few and simple: oats, wheat middlings, cane molasses, rolled barley, apples, and water.
Not only did our horses love the taste, but equines adore these treats all over the US. If you’re aren’t satisfied, there is a full money-back guarantee. They are pricier than some other horse treats, but having a company that stands behind their products with a hometown vibe is worth the few extra dollars.
Pros
All-natural
Family-owned
Money-back guarantee
Cons
Pricey
- Ginger Ridge Stable Snax Horse Treats
Check Latest PriceIf your horse enjoys minty freshness, Ginger Ridge Stable Snax Horse Treats seem to do the trick. These treats are peppermint flavored, so they will get a mouthful of cool deliciousness each time they take a bite.
These treats are the ideal size for training since they are just enough to offer a motivational reward. They are tightly baked, so you won’t have to worry about them crumbling up in your pockets while you’re in action.
All-natural
Family-owned
Money-back guarantee
- All-natural
- Family-owned
- Money-back guarantee
If your horse enjoys minty freshness, Ginger Ridge Stable Snax Horse Treats seem to do the trick. These treats are peppermint flavored, so they will get a mouthful of cool deliciousness each time they take a bite.
Each treat contains 8% crude protein, 5.6% crude fat, and .02% crude fiber. They contain horse-friendly ingredients like wheat flour, feeding oatmeal, dried spinach, and ground alfalfa. This recipe also has natural peppermint oil added for a crunchy kick.
These snacks are non-GMO, multi-grain, and preservative-free. Some picky horses might not enjoy the taste much, but we didn’t run into that issue. They seem to be a big hit with the hooved clan.
Pros
Refreshing
Non-GMO
Cons
May not work for every horse
Cheaper fillers
Buyer’s Guide
If you’re a horse owner, you are no stranger to giving your horses delicious snacks. But what constitutes the best treats? Here, we will explore the benefits and risks associated with organic snacks, commercial treats, and human foods to get a grasp of exactly what your horse needs to stay fit and happy.
Refreshing
Non-GMO
- Refreshing
- Non-GMO
May not work for every horse
Cheaper fillers
- May not work for every horse
- Cheaper fillers
The Best Snacks for Horses
Every horse will have their own favorites when you bring them goodies. Two hits are likely apples and carrots because of their sweet taste and crunchy texture.
Some safe treats to offer are:
Commercial snacks designed for horses
Sugar cubes, butterscotch, and peppermint
Grapes, melon, pumpkin, strawberry, banana
Peas, celery, sweet potato
Honey
Oatmeal, bran
Pretzels, graham crackers, and gingerbread
Ice cream
Sunflower, chia, and sesame seeds
Peanuts, almonds, and cashews
- Related Read: Can Horses Eat Peanut Butter? What You Need to Know
Treats to Avoid Giving to Your Horse
Horses can have sensitive bellies. Because of that, certain foods aren’t toxic, but not healthy for your horse either.
Commercial snacks designed for horses
Sugar cubes, butterscotch, and peppermint
Grapes, melon, pumpkin, strawberry, banana
Peas, celery, sweet potato
Honey
Oatmeal, bran
Pretzels, graham crackers, and gingerbread
Ice cream
Sunflower, chia, and sesame seeds
Peanuts, almonds, and cashews
- Commercial snacks designed for horses
- Sugar cubes, butterscotch, and peppermint
- Grapes, melon, pumpkin, strawberry, banana
- Peas, celery, sweet potato
- Honey
- Oatmeal, bran
- Pretzels, graham crackers, and gingerbread
- Ice cream
- Sunflower, chia, and sesame seeds
- Peanuts, almonds, and cashews
Some snacks to avoid are:
Broccoli
Cabbage
Kale
Potatoes (especially green)
Onions
Cauliflower
Brussels sprouts
Be Mindful of a Few Things:
Many fruits have pits in them. While the actual fruit is fine, the centers can be another story. Many pits are large and hard to chew, so they can pose a choking hazard. Also, even though a horse would have to eat extremely high quantities of apple seeds to be affected, they can be poisonous.
Broccoli
Cabbage
Kale
Potatoes (especially green)
Onions
Cauliflower
Brussels sprouts
- Broccoli
- Cabbage
- Kale
- Potatoes (especially green)
- Onions
- Cauliflower
- Brussels sprouts
Lawn clippings are another thing you should never feed your horse. While grass-grazing is fine, if you mesh all the grass together, it can contain toxic plants that horses wouldn’t eat independently. It might be an easy way to get rid of loose grass, but it’s not worth the risk to your horse.
Toxic Snacks for Horses
Some foods that are totally safe for humans can be lethal for horses.
Big no-no snacks are:
Avocado
Bread
Meat (horses are herbivores)
Chocolate
Garlic, onion, and leaks
Dog or cat food
Nightshade and other poisonous plants
If you aren’t sure about something you want to offer your horse, always make sure to do your research. Since horses can’t physically throw up (unless their stomach ruptures), it’s imperative to keep anything toxic completely away from them.
Avocado
Bread
Meat (horses are herbivores)
Chocolate
Garlic, onion, and leaks
Dog or cat food
Nightshade and other poisonous plants
- Avocado
- Bread
- Meat (horses are herbivores)
- Chocolate
- Garlic, onion, and leaks
- Dog or cat food
- Nightshade and other poisonous plants
Commercial Snacks vs. Organic Snacks
Both organic snacks like fruits and veggies or commercial snacks have a lot to offer. Giving the appropriate amount of both in your horse’s routine diet can provide them with well-rounded nutrition and provide lots of variety for their taste buds.
Commercial Snacks
Pros
Tailored for special dietary needs
Premade and easy to feed
Cater to different life stages
Perfect size for training
Cons
Can be more expensive
May be high in sugar
May go stale or mold easily
May contain non-transparent ingredients
Organic Snacks
Pros
All-natural
Healthier than commercial snacks
Naturally clean teeth
Easily digestible
Cons
May contain pesticides
May spoil quickly
How to Appease Picky Horses
Some horses will be finicky about what they eat. It may be that you need to offer your horse a variety of foods before they develop a favorite.
Tailored for special dietary needs
Premade and easy to feed
Cater to different life stages
Perfect size for training
- Tailored for special dietary needs
- Premade and easy to feed
- Cater to different life stages
- Perfect size for training
Can be more expensive
May be high in sugar
May go stale or mold easily
May contain non-transparent ingredients
- Can be more expensive
- May be high in sugar
- May go stale or mold easily
- May contain non-transparent ingredients
All-natural
Healthier than commercial snacks
Naturally clean teeth
Easily digestible
- All-natural
- Healthier than commercial snacks
- Naturally clean teeth
- Easily digestible
May contain pesticides
May spoil quickly
- May contain pesticides
- May spoil quickly
Your horse might also just be a really deriding forager and show less interest in store-bought grain or snacks.
To stimulate their appetite, try:
Soaking food
Offering sugary snacks
Switching it up
- Additional Tip: Some horses may be picky if they have underlying health issues. If you see no cause for your horse’s sudden pickiness or loss of appetite, always consult your veterinarian.
Related Read: CBD For Horses: What Is It Good For? Everything You Need To Know!
Soaking food
Offering sugary snacks
Switching it up
- Soaking food
- Offering sugary snacks
- Switching it up
How Often to Offer Snacks
Most of the time, horses are voracious eaters. The saying, “eats like a horse,” didn’t come out of thin air. Limiting snacks is the best idea so that your horse doesn’t get too spoiled. You can offer snacks every other day, or only during training.
Also, try to avoid setting a snack routine where your horse expects one every time you come out to see them. That is especially true if you’re training them. If you’re teaching, always make sure to limit snacks to a job well done.
Feeding Other Horses
You should never offer food to someone else’s horse without permission. Certain equines can have very specific dietary needs or have sensitivities to certain ingredients. It can certainly do more harm than good if you don’t know the horse and decide to take matters into your own hands.
So, while it may be tempting to pass off a snack across a neighboring fence—try to resist the urge. Horses can be quite nutritionally temperamental. You would never want to cause an issue where there need not be one.
Always check with the owner first to get the green light before you decide to share a snack.
Conclusion
Overall, we stand by our top pick—Buckeye Nutrition All-Natural Apple Horse Treats—for its texture, taste, and versatility. Horses of all ages can enjoy these completely all-natural snacks, so you can feed them to any horse that you own.
If you’re looking to save a buck or two, don’t forget these Equus Magnificus Horse Muffin Horse Treats. They smell wonderful and have a soft texture. Not only are they easy to chew—they are ideal for hiding medication, so your horse least expects it.
Hopefully, our reviews led you to a new snack for your equine to try out with any luck.
Featured image credit: touristgirl, Shutterstock
