HorseIllustrated.com readers cast their vote in the weekly poll on “How do you celebrate Halloween with your horse, barn friends, or family?” to learn more about how reader incorporate horses into their Halloween. Catch the poll results on this page, along with more resources on the topic of a horsey Halloween.
With Halloween happening this week, you’ve undoubtedly got some extra candy in your pantry, sitting in the break room at your office or maybe even in your tack room. Maybe you’ve thought about sharing the caloric wealth with your equine best friend, but is candy safe for horses?
Death by Chocolate
You already know that you need to keep chocolate away from the barn dogs and cats. Your horses shouldn’t have a taste of this treat, either.
“Chocolate contains a chemical called theobromine which is potentially toxic for horses,” says Juliet M. Getty, Ph.D., an independent equine nutritionist and consultant. “The darker the chocolate, the more theobromine it contains. It can affect the central nervous system as well as the heart and kidneys.”
Getty points out that because horses are physically unable to vomit, the potentially toxic effects of chocolate need to be taken very seriously.
“If a dog were to overdose on chocolate, the treatment generally involves inducing vomiting,” says Getty. “For horses, this is not possible, making it especially dangerous.”
Beyond these poll results, read more from “Is Halloween Candy Safe for Horses?”
Read Further on Halloween With Your Horse
◆ Your Horse Can Enjoy Healthy Horse Treats for the Holidays, in Moderation
◆ Featured Video: Mini Horse Carves Pumpkin
◆ Halloween Comes to the Horse World
◆ Halloween on Horseback
◆ Horses in Disguise
◆ Horse Costume Class Tips
◆ Featured Video: Horse vs. Zombies
◆ Are You and Your Horse Ready for Halloween?
