Making your own horse treats is not only a fun activity, but it’s also a great way to ensure your horse is getting healthy, delicious snacks. As a horse mom, I know how important it is to watch the sugar content in treats, especially since one of my horses is insulin resistant. While there are many low-sugar snacks on the market, they can get costly when you have multiple horses. That’s why I started making my own treats. It’s a viable option that’s not only budget-friendly but also customizable.
Additionally, one of my horses requires a daily pill medication, and the store-bought version of these types of cookies didn’t work well for hiding the pill. As she's also overweight, I didn't want to be giving her pill in sweet feed either. By making my own homemade treats, I can use a straw to create a perfect hole for the pill, making medication time simple.
Being an essential oil junkie-lol-I love adding essential oils labeled for ingestion to pack my cookies full of flavors my horses love. If essential oils aren’t your thing, you can simply omit them. But they make the cookies taste good and have the potential to extend the shelf life, so they're a worthwhile addition.
Important Note: Only use essential oils labeled for ingestion. I invite you to check out my go-to company, where I’ve visited the farms, helped plant, and harvested the plants, so I know I’m buying pure essential oils. They even have a whole product line specifically for use as supplements, which you can check out by clicking HERE.
Understanding Sugar Substitutes for Horses
When making homemade horse treats, it's important to consider the sugar content. Too much sugar can aggravate health issues like insulin resistance and laminitis in horses. Fortunately, there are several safe sugar substitutes you can use in place of traditional sweeteners like brown sugar, honey, and molasses.
1. Stevia: A natural, calorie-free sweetener derived from the leaves of the Stevia plant, Stevia is a great option for horses. It has a sweet taste without the negative effects of sugar.
2. Applesauce: Unsweetened apple sauce can add moisture and a touch of sweetness to your horse treats without adding a lot of sugar. Plus, it's full of beneficial nutrients like fiber and vitamins.
3. Pumpkin: Pureed pumpkin is another excellent substitute. It’s low in sugar but high in vitamins and minerals. Make sure to use plain, canned pumpkin without any added sugars.
4. Carrots and Apples: Finely grated carrots and apples can add natural sweetness to your recipes. They provide a great deal of flavor and are packed with vitamins and fiber.
Recipe Adjustments for Sugar Substitutes
When substituting traditional sweeteners in your recipes, it's important to adjust the other ingredients to maintain the right consistency. For instance, using applesauce or pumpkin might require reducing other liquid ingredients slightly to prevent the dough from becoming too sticky. Experiment with these substitutes to find the perfect balance that your horse will love while keeping their treats healthy and delicious.
Common Dry Ingredients for Homemade Horse Cookies
When making homemade horse treats, using the right dry ingredients is important to creating a healthy and tasty snack. Here are some common dry ingredients and their benefits:
1. Whole Wheat Flour vs. All-Purpose Flour: Whole wheat flour is a healthier choice compared to all-purpose flour as it contains more fiber, vitamins, and minerals. The extra nutrients in whole wheat flour contribute to your horse's overall health and digestion. If you need a gluten-free option, oat flour is a good substitute.
2. Bran: Bran is a byproduct of milling wheat and other grains, providing a high-fiber, low-sugar ingredient perfect for horse treats. It helps with digestion and adds bulk to the treats, making them more filling.
3. Oats: Oats, especially quick oats, are a favorite in horse treat recipes. They are packed with nutrients, including fiber, vitamins, and minerals, which are essential for your horse's health. They also add a chewy texture that horses love.
4. Flaxseed: Flaxseed is a fantastic addition to horse treats, offering a great source of omega-3 fatty acids, which promote a shiny coat and healthy skin. It also adds a slight nutty flavor and helps bind the ingredients together.
Using these common dry ingredients in your homemade horse treats ensures they are nutritious and tasty. Experimenting with different combinations can help you find the perfect recipe that your horses will love.
Essential oils can be a fantastic addition to homemade horse treats, adding a boost of flavor that is perfect for picky horses. When I make horse treats, I generally add about 10 drops of essential oil to the applesauce. This helps ensure the oils mix evenly throughout the recipe. Essential oils are very concentrated plant extracts and just a little bit of essential oils goes a long way. Popular choices that my picky horse loves include cinnamon, peppermint, and fennel. These oils not only add a delicious flavor punch but also provide aromatic appeal. Think of fennel as adding the anise flavor you might recognize from cookies at the grocery store.
Be sure to only use essential ol labeled for ingestion, like my favorite companies Vitality™ line. You can check them out HERE.
My Friend's Quick Treats Solution
While I love baking and creating homemade treats for my horses, I know it’s not everyone’s cup of tea. A friend of mine, who isn't fond of baking, simply uses Honey Nut Cheerios straight out of the box, baby carrots, and Starlight mints as treats for her horses. However, these options are too sugary for my insulin-resistant horse. Here’s what I use instead:
Low Sugar Ready-Made Horse Treats
1. Teff Pellets
Teff pellets are an excellent low-sugar treat option for horses. They are rich in fiber and are usually well-tolerated. However, some of my horses aren’t fans of teff, so I use Timothy hay pellets as an alternative. While they have slightly more sugar than teff, they are still a relatively low-sugar option that most horses find tasty.
2. Hay Cubes
Hay cubes, made from compressed alfalfa or timothy hay, are low in sugar and high in fiber. They offer a crunchy snack that horses love and are cost-effective. Plus, they can be broken into smaller pieces to suit different preferences and needs.
3. Celery Sticks
Celery is a low-sugar vegetable that provides a crunchy and hydrating treat. It’s packed with vitamins and minerals, making it a nutritious choice for your horse. You can chop it into small pieces for easier consumption.
Even though these ready-made options tend to work well, I found myself needing a special solution for giving daily medications to my horses. That’s when I started making my own cookies with a hole in the middle to hide the meds. This way, I can control the ingredients and ensure they stay low in sugar and some of the chewier versions also work well for older horses that may have treble chewing hay cubes or pellets.
1. Apple Carrot Oat Bites
Ingredients:
- 1 cup of grated carrots
- 1 cup of unsweetened applesauce
- Half cup of flour (I like to use whole wheat flour)
- 2 cups of plain oats
- 10 drops peppermint essential oil (labeled for ingestion) (optional)
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 225°F and line a cookie sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, combine all ingredients and mix well.
- Roll into bite sized balls. Poke a hole in them now if you need a pill pocket. I have found the best way is with a straw.
- Bake for one hour.
- Let cool and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
2. Pumpkin Oatmeal Balls
Ingredients:
- 2 cups oats
- 1 can of pumpkin
- Half cup flour
- For an optional essential oil, I Iike to add cinnamon. (only use essential oils labeled for ingestion)
Instructions:
- Mix all ingredients in a large bowl until well combined.
- Roll the mixture into little balls and place them on a greased cookie sheet. Add your hole now if needed.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes.
- Let cool and store in an airtight container in the fridge.
3. Cinnamon Flaxseed Cookies
Ingredients:
- 2 cups of ground flax seed
- 1 cup flour (whole wheat a great option)
- 1/2 cup of unsweetened applesauce
- 1/4 cup of coconut oil
- 1 cup grated zucchini
- 10 drops cinnamon essential oil (labeled for ingestion)
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a cookie sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground flaxseed and flour, and mix well.
- Add the cinnamon essential oil to the applesauce and coconut oil, mix well and stir into dry ingredients.
- Stir in the grated zucchini.
- Drop spoonfuls of the batter onto the cookie sheet. Add a hole if needed.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.
- Let cool and store in an airtight container.
5. Pumpkin and Flaxseed Cookies
Ingredients:
- 1 cup of canned pumpkin (not pumpkin pie filling)
- 1 cup of ground flaxseed
- 1 cup of whole wheat flour
- 1 cup of quick oats
- 1/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce
- 2 TBS coconut oil
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a cookie sheet or use parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the pureed pumpkin, ground flaxseed, whole wheat flour, and quick oats.
- Add the applesauce and coconut oil, and mix until you have a thick dough.
- Drop spoonfuls onto the greased cookie sheet or roll into small balls and use a straw to add your pill pocket.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.
- Let cool and store in an airtight container.
Bran and Molasses Horse Treats-Not as low sugar but tasty!
Ingredients:
- 2 cups of bran
- 1 cup of whole wheat flour
- 1 cup of oats
- 1/2 cup of unsweetened applesauce
- 1/4 cup of coconut oil
- 1/4 cup of molasses
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a cookie sheet.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the bran, whole wheat flour, and quick oats.
- Add the applesauce, vegetable oil, and molasses, and mix until well combined.
- Drop batter by the spoonful onto the greased cookie sheet. Add your hole if needed.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.
- Let cool and store in an airtight container.
These simple homemade horse treats are not only fun to make but also offer a healthier alternative to store-bought versions. Your horse will appreciate the special treat, and you'll have peace of mind knowing exactly what goes into these healthy treats. Happy baking!
Do you have a favorite homemade horse treat recipe? Share it in the comments below!
As horse owners, we are always on the lookout for natural and effective ways to support our horses' health and well-being. Essential oils offer a holistic approach to caring for your horse, providing a range of benefits from calming anxious behaviors to promoting physical health. In this blog, we’ll explore how to use essential oils for horses, the benefits they offer, and the best essential oils to incorporate into your equine care routine.
Use of Essential Oils
Essential oils are highly concentrated plant extracts that capture the natural scents and beneficial properties of their source. When using essential oils for horses, it’s important to understand their potency and how to apply them safely. There are various methods to use essential oils, including inhaling, topical application, and as a supplement.
Inhalation
Inhalation is one of the easiest ways to use essential oils for the well-being of your horse. This method simply involves allowing your horse to breathe in the aroma. Some simple ways to use this method are:
- Wear the essential oil as perfume and become a walking diffuser for your horse. (You can read more about that on my dedicated blog HERE)
- Offer the bottle for your horse to smell.
- Apply a drop in your palm, rub your hands together, and offer for your horse to smell.
- Use a spray and mist the area around your horse. To learn how to make a spray, step by step, click HERE!
This approach is a safe and effective way to start using essential oils. You can take a look at your horses needs and pick an essential oil to use. Inhalation can have significant benefits for horses without the risk of adverse reactions or adverse effects, ensuring a safe experience.
Topical Application
Topical application involves applying essential oils directly to your horse’s skin, providing targeted support for various issues. Best practice is to dilute essential oils with a carrier oil, such as coconut oil, to prevent skin irritation or allergic reaction. Essential oils are highly concentrated and a little goes a long way, oftentimes only a few drops are needed. Diluting essential oils helps use a minimal amount of oil over a large area.
Essential oils also may help in addressing skin problems as they have been studied for their antimicrobial properties making topical application a versatile and effective method.
As a Supplement
The first question I often get asked is, "Is it safe to use essential oils as a supplement?" Yes! It can be safe and beneficial, but quality is crucial—not all essential oils are created equally. Essential oils and their constituents have been studied for their antioxidant properties, which in turn have been researched for their ability to support the immune system and overall health. If you use pure essential oils, labeled for use as a supplement, you have the potential to enhance your horse's well-being.
Some of my favorite ways to use essential oils orally include adding them to homemade horse cookies (for one of my favorite recipes, click HERE), incorporating oils that support healthy digestion into daily feed routines, and using oils during travel to provide immune system support. These methods are practical and effective for integrating essential oils into your horse's daily care regimen.
Benefits of Essential Oils
Essential oils offer numerous benefits for horses, enhancing their overall well-being and environment. Oils like lavender can help reduce tension, making them ideal for an anxious horse. Tea tree oil, known for its wellness properties, can aid in addressing skin problems. Essential oils like peppermint can support respiratory health and soothe tired muscles, providing relief from muscle and joint discomfort. They can also support a healthy immune system.
Additionally, essential oils can replace many toxic chemical barn products on the market today. Start reading your labels and google 'the dangers of' the ingredients you can't pronounce. If it says hazardous to animals and the environment, requires gloves, or needs a well-ventilated area, these are clear warning signs to avoid these products. Essential oils offer a natural, toxin-free alternative, promoting a healthier barn environment.
Most Used Essential Oils at My Barn
While there are many essential oils available, here are the ones I use most frequently at my barn:
- Lavender Oil: Known for its calming properties, lavender oil is excellent for reducing tension and promoting relaxation in horses. Click HERE to read more about Lavender.
- Peppermint Oil: Great for respiratory support and soothing tired muscles, peppermint oil is a versatile choice for overall well-being. For 10 easy easy ways you can use Peppermint oil, click HERE.
- Tea Tree Oil (Melaleuca alternifolia): With powerful cleansing properties, tea tree oil is ideal for supporting healthy skin and hooves. Another question I get asked a lot is "Is Tea Tree essential oil safe? So much so that I have a dedicated blog on it, click HERE.
- Eucalyptus Oil: This oil supports healthy breathing, making it a staple in my barn. Read more, HERE!
- Copaiba: Studied for its anti-inflammatory and pain relief properties, copaiba is a valuable addition. It also happens to be one of my favorite 'mild' essential oils for dogs too. Discover easy ways you can use copaiba for your horse and dog, by clicking HERE.
- Roman Chamomile Oil: Renowned for its soothing and calming effects, Roman chamomile oil is excellent to support calming horses. This happens to be my horse, Rolex's favorite essential oil. I simply take the lid off and hold the bottle when he gets his hooves trimmed or has a vet visit. I also wear it as a perfume during trail rides. Dive into Roman Chamomile HERE.
- Rosemary Oil: Rosemary oil is a favorite for mane and tail recipes, and supporting healthy skin and coat. For 5 benefits of Rosemary oil, click HERE.
- Frankincense Oil: May contain antioxidants that support overall health and wellness. It's also a very balancing and grounding oil, so much so, that I always have it in my pocket at a horse show. Read more about that HERE.
- Vetiver: This oil is known for its grounding and calming properties, making it perfect for reducing tension. For some of my best recipes using Vetiver, click HERE.
- Wintergreen: Excellent for tired muscles and joint discomfort, wintergreen oil is a powerful addition to any equine care routine.
- Lemon: Useful for all things cleaning and a good oil to grab if some extra focus and attention is needed-human or equine! Try inhaling lemon the next time you are memorizing your jumping round or obstacle course at future horse shows. Lemon is also a favorite of mine for what I call 'A Healthy Home'. Find out why, by clicking HERE.
Incorporating Essential Oils into Your Horse's Routine
To incorporate essential oils into your horse's routine, you can use them to change your horse’s state of mind or create various blends and applications tailored to your horse's needs:
- As a Calming Agent: Try offering lavender essential oil or Roman chamomile to your horse the next time a situation would benefit from some relaxing vibes. Add a few drops to a cotton ball or wooden clothespin and stash in your trailer for the next outing. Hold the bottle in your hand during the next farrier or vet visit. Consider adding vetiver for additional grounding and balancing properties. If your horse could benefit from increased relaxation, click HERE to read my blog dedicated to using essential oils for calming horses.
- Skin Support: Combine tea tree oil with coconut oil to create a soothing balm for minor skin irritations. You could also use this balm as a hoof moisturizer, or even a deep conditioner for the mane and tail. If your horse could use some skin support, click HERE for my dedicated blog.
- Muscle Rub: Make a massage blend by mixing peppermint oil with coconut oil for a refreshing rub that soothes tired muscles. After hard work or exercise, gently massage the affected area in a circular motion to help with muscle tension. Wintergreen and copaiba are also great choices. Since I've been a massage therapist for over 20 years, this is a go to way I use essential oils and I wrote a blog about how you can get even more benefits from your horses next massage by adding essential oils, click HERE to read more.
- Homemade Fly Spray: Easily make your own fly spray by combining essential oils such as eucalyptus, tea tree, and rosemary with distilled water and an emulsifier like apple cider vinegar or vodka. This natural alternative to chemical fly sprays can help protect your horse from pests without exposing them to harmful toxins. For my dedicated blog and favorite fly spray recipes, click HERE.
- Immune System Support: Create a blend using copaiba oil and frankincense oil, diluted in a carrier oil, to support your horse's immune system. Apply this blend topically along the spine or chest.
- Respiratory Health: For respiratory support, consider using eucalyptus or peppermint oil.
- Joint Health: A massage blend with copaiba, wintergreen, or peppermint oil can help support healthy joints. Combine the essential oil with a carrier oil and massage into your horse's legs and joints to support their physical health and recovery after exercise. For more ways to support your horses joints, click HERE.
Equine aromatherapy proves to be a powerful tool harnessing the essence of plants for the benefit of our horses' emotional balance and well-being. Various essential oils have demonstrated their ability to provide holistic support to traditional medicine. By understanding the properties and benefits of different essential oils, we can effectively integrate aromatherapy into our daily routines, striving toward our goal of a deeper bond and positive relationship with our horse.
Ready to dive in and easily make essential oils a part of your daily routine with your horse? Join my course, The Oily Horse, and discover how these natural remedies can transform your horse's well-being and enhance your partnership. Learn in depth practical methods to integrate essential oils into your daily care regimen. Whether you're a beginner or seasoned user, The Oily Horse offers valuable insights and hands-on techniques to help you harness the power of aromatherapy for your horse. Take the next step toward a deeper connection and holistic care—enroll today and take positive steps to further your relationship with your horse.
I invite you to experience the benefits of high-quality, pure essential oils from my trusted company, Young Living™ Essential Oils. Renowned for its Seed to Seal™ commitment, Young Living™ ensures unparalleled purity, quality, and cutting-edge research. They offer a dedicated product line of essential oils labeled safe for ingestion, providing peace of mind, and which you can check out HERE. I've personally visited several of their farms, where I've helped plant, harvest, and distill—this transparency assures me of the quality of every essential oil and that I'm buying the best products for my family. Click HERE to explore Young Living™ Essential Oils through my affiliate link, supporting my small business without any extra cost to you. Your support allows me to continue providing education and support for you and your horse. Plus, I've curated a convenient bundle featuring all the oils mentioned in this blog, paired with a carrier oil for immediate use. Grab the bundle and start your journey to holistic horse care today—click HERE!
