Race horses are highly trained athletes, and like any other athlete, race horses need proper nutrition and care in order to stay healthy and perform at their best. Just as human athletes benefit from a treat now and then, race horses also benefit from occasional treats. Treats for race horses can range from apples and carrots to special treats designed specifically for race horses.
Benefits of Treats for Race Horses
Treats can provide race horses with a number of benefits. First, treats can help with bonding between the horse and its handler. Treats act as a reward for good behavior or a job well done, and can help strengthen the bond between horse and handler. Treats can also help to keep the horse motivated and eager to learn.
Treats can also help to keep a horse’s digestive system healthy. Horse treats are usually higher in fiber and other beneficial nutrients than regular hay, and can help to keep the horse’s digestive system functioning properly.
Finally, treats can help to keep a horse’s teeth healthy. Horse treats are usually harder than hay, which helps to keep the horse’s teeth from becoming worn down.
Types of Treats for Race Horses
There are many different types of treats that can be used for race horses. The type of treat used will depend on the individual horse, as some horses may prefer one type of treat over another. Here are some of the most common types of treats used for race horses:
Fruits and Vegetables
Fruits and vegetables can make excellent treats for race horses. Apples, carrots, and other crunchy fruits and vegetables are great choices. These treats are high in fiber and other beneficial nutrients, and they can help to keep the horse’s digestive system healthy.
High-Fiber Treats
High-fiber treats are specially designed for horses. These treats are usually made with oats, barley, and other high-fiber ingredients, and they can help to promote healthy digestion and keep the horse’s teeth clean.
Hay Cubes
Hay cubes are a great choice for race horses. They are easy to feed, and they are high in fiber and other beneficial nutrients. Hay cubes are also a great way to add variety to a horse’s diet.
Grain Treats
Grain treats are specially designed for horses. These treats are usually made with oats, barley, and other grains, and they are high in fiber and other beneficial nutrients. Grain treats are a great way to add variety to a horse’s diet.
How to Feed Treats to Race Horses
When feeding treats to race horses, it is important to do so in a way that is safe and healthy for the horse. Here are some tips for feeding treats to race horses:
- Start Slow: When introducing a new treat to a horse, it is important to start slowly. Give the horse a small amount of the treat and monitor their reaction before giving more.
- Limit Treats: Treats should not make up the bulk of a horse’s diet. Treats should only be given in limited amounts, and should not exceed 10% of the horse’s daily caloric intake.
- Avoid Overfeeding: Overfeeding treats can lead to digestive issues and other health problems. Be sure to monitor how much the horse is eating, and adjust the amount of treats accordingly.
Conclusion
Treats can be a great way to bond with a horse and keep them motivated. However, it is important to feed treats in a safe and healthy way. Treats should be given in limited amounts, and should not exceed 10% of the horse’s daily caloric intake. Fruits and vegetables, high-fiber treats, hay cubes, and grain treats are all great choices for race horses.
References
- Horse Treats: What to Feed and When – The Spruce Pets, https://www.thesprucepets.com/horse-treats-what-to-feed-and-when-1886457
- The Benefits of Treats for Horses – The Horse, https://thehorse.com/150232/the-benefits-of-treats-for-horses/
- Feeding Treats to Horses – Equine Guelph, https://equinewellnessmagazine.com/feeding-treats-to-horses/