Can Horses Eat Grapes? We Crunched the Number

Grapes make for a tasty, antioxidant-rich treat for humans. But can horses join in on enjoying grapes as well? Let’s take a closer look at the benefits and risks of feeding grapes to our equine companions.

Grapes contain high amounts of vitamin C, potassium, and other antioxidants like resveratrol. This makes them a potentially healthy occasional treat option for horses.

However, some key factors should be considered before freely feeding grapes to horses.

Too many grapes could lead to digestive upset and diarrhea in horses. The high sugar and acidic content, as well as pesticides if not organic, may cause gastrointestinal issues if horses eat grapes in excess.

That’s why it’s recommended horses only eat a handful of grapes at a time, 2-3 times per week maximum. See more from the MSPCA on safely feeding grapes to horses.

What are the Downsides, Really?

Grapes also pose a potential choking hazard for horses, especially if fed whole. According to Kentucky Equine Research, horses should never be given more than 2-3 grapes at one time, and even those grapes should be sliced or chopped.

Chopping the grapes helps reduce choking risk and allows for easier digestion. Crushing grapes to make juice is also an option, though feeding a whole grape is not advised due to horses needing to thoroughly chew fiber sources.

How to Feed Grapes to Horses?

When feeding grapes to your horse, always start slowly and pay close attention to their reaction. Monitor manure for normal bowel movements and watch for signs of colic or discomfort.

For some sensitive horses, even a small number of grapes could cause digestive upset.

• Introduce grapes slowly in small portions
• Chop grapes thoroughly or crush into juice
• Feed no more than a handful 2-3 times per week
• Discontinue use if any diarrhea or colic signs observed

Organic grapes are the best option whenever possible. Non-organic grapes should be washed very thoroughly to minimize any pesticide residues.

It’s also wise to pair grape treats with hay or fibrous feeds. This helps prevent horses from consuming grapes too quickly, giving their digestive system more time to adjust.

Grapes have likely been a part of the equine diet since the earliest days of horse domestication over 6,000 years ago.

As grape cultivation spread throughout Asia and Europe, horses grazing in vineyard areas inevitably sampled the sweet ripe berries. Over time, they adapted the ability to digest grapes in moderation.

So, while too many grapes at once can cause problems, most horses can safely enjoy a few chopped grapes as the occasional treat.

Following these feeding guidelines will keep your horse happy while minimizing any potential risks. When in doubt, consult your veterinarian for tailored advice on incorporating grapes into your horse’s diet.

Should You Ever Feed Grapes to Horses? The Complete Facts

Now that we’ve covered some grape feeding basics, let’s dive deeper into maximizing the health benefits for your horse while minimizing risks. When feeding grapes, not all grape varieties or preparations are equal.

Green grapes may contain slightly higher levels of antioxidants like resveratrol than red grapes. However, both are safe and provide similar overall nutrition.

Monitor your individual horse’s preferences and reactions to determine if they favor one color over the other.

Seedless grape varieties are ideal, as grape seeds can pass through a horse undigested leading to GI upset. The skins of red or green seedless grapes have fiber and nutrients, so leaving them on is perfectly fine.

According to horse owner Amanda: “I tried feeding red grapes to my mare once, but she spit them out. When I offered green grapes instead, she happily ate them up. I’m glad I tested both types to learn her preference.”

Whole grapes pose a major choking hazard for horses. Equus Magazine recommends always slicing grapes into quarters.

Cutting releases more juice and aroma, which naturally entices horses to chew properly.

• Slice grapes into small pieces rather than leaving whole
• Crushing grapes into juice is also an option
• Monitor chewing and swallowing to ensure proper digestion

When possible, choose organic grapes over conventional grapes to reduce chemical exposures for your horse. One study found organophosphate pesticide residues on nearly 70% of non-organic grapes tested.

If you can only find conventional grapes, be sure to wash them very thoroughly before feeding. Run them under clean water while rubbing the skin to help remove any pesticide residue on the surface.

Introducing any new treat slowly and gradually is advisable. But this is especially true for grapes and horses. Start with just a few grape chunks mixed in with their normal grain or hay.

Observe manure and behavior closely for the next 24 hours. Increase to a handful total of grapes no more than 2-3 times a week if no adverse reactions occur.

Rather than grapes alone, mixing a few grapes into recipes like “Apple Grape Horse Cookies” can allow for safer consumption. Combining with other fruits and fibers slows grape digestion and balances out the sugar content.

Read More: https://ohmywild.com/can-cats-eat-steak/

Finally, The Definitive Guide on Grapes and Your Horse’s Health

While grapes can be a nutritious treat in moderation, horse owners need to stay vigilant for signs of possible toxicity.

By limiting grape consumption and responding quickly to any adverse reactions, grape-related health issues can be avoided.

Grapes have high sugar content. Too much can potentially cause blood sugar spikes. That’s why no more than a handful of chopped grapes 2-3 times weekly is recommended.

Exceeding this portion size often results in:

• Diarrhea
• Dehydration
• Loss of appetite
• Colic
• Lethargy

These are signs that the grapes have caused GI upset or fermented in the digestive tract. According to veterinarian Dr. Bryan Waldridge, “Grapes ferment because of the yeast on their skin, which horses do not tolerate well.”

If your horse shows diarrhea or colic symptoms like rolling, kicking, or lying down excessively after eating grapes, remove any remaining grapes immediately.

Equus Magazine suggests calling your vet right away if symptoms persist beyond 24 hours.

• Discontinue grape consumption
• Provide extra hydration and electrolytes
• Feed probiotics and bland diet until back to normal

Can dehydrated grapes like raisins or currants also cause toxicity issues? Unfortunately, yes, as they contain very high sugar levels.

Dried fruits also frequently include sulfites as a preservative. For these reasons, raisins and other dried grape products should be avoided.

Grape leaves and vines are also unsafe, containing high levels of oxalates. If ingested, oxalates can reduce calcium absorption and cause kidney damage in horses.

One treat recipe that safely allows horses to enjoy the grape flavor is this Apple Grape Horse Cookie blend:

• 2 cups old-fashioned oats
• 1 cup chopped carrots
• 1 cup chopped apples
• 1⁄4 cup seedless grapes, halved
• 1 tbsp molasses

1. Preheat oven to 350°F and line a cookie sheet with parchment.
2. In a bowl, mix all ingredients together until fully combined.
3. Scoop dough by the tablespoon onto lined cookie sheet.
4. Bake for 20 minutes until lightly browned.
5. Let cool before feeding to your horse as a sweet grape-infused treat!

When feeding your horse, always prioritize safety. That means introducing new treats slowly, sourcing organic produce when possible, and monitoring closely for any reaction.

Pay attention to all aspects of your horse’s health and happiness, not just what treats they enjoy.

With a thoughtful approach and proper precautions, fruits like grapes can be a tasty addition to the equine diet without causing adverse effects. But as with any treat, moderation and vigilance is key.