Why do horses eat sugar cubes?
Simply put, most horses love sugar cubes for the very same reason that humans do. They are sweet and they taste good. Sugar cubes, however, should only be fed to horses as an occasional treat. In large quantities, they can cause serious tooth decay and can make your horse sick.
What happens if a horse eats sugar?
The sugars in horse feed are known as water-soluble carbohydrate (WSC) and too much can lead to diet-related metabolic disorders. As well as weight gain, too much sugar can lead to more serious health implications for horses such as Laminitis, Metabolic Syndrome and Insulin Resistance.
Can horses eat white sugar?
Sugar, like ‘carbs’ for us, has become a feared word, but like everything in life, it’s not all black and white. Healthy, active horses cope well with some simple sugar in their diet. It stands to reason that horses can absorb simple sugars pretty well in their small intestine, but this isn’t where the story ends.
Do horses like sugar?
Hard candy and sugar cubes are favorite horse treats. When I was growing up, my grandparents kept sugar cubes on the kitchen table. We always slipped a couple in our pocket to feed the horses. Besides sugar cubes, our horses like to eat hard candy.
How many bales of hay should a horse have a day?
A horse can eat anywhere from 15-25 pounds of hay a day, which generally equates to a half of a 45/50-pound square bale of hay per day (~15-30 bales per month). Always remember to take into consideration the quality of your hay. If the nutrient quality is poor, then the horse will require more hay (by weight).
How long will a round bale last 2 horses?
Obviously, a bale will last much longer with 2 horses than with 20. Most owners with 2 or 3 horses get 7-14 more days out of a bale with a 1.75″ hole. For example, this time lapse video shows one bale being eaten by 3 horses over a period of 22 days. We have 6 horses at the Texas Haynet barn.
Which cutting of hay is best for horses?
The most common choice of hay is second cutting, but first cutting is also good for horses, plus it is usually cheaper than the other two. Choose hay that is soft, green, and leafy, with thin stems, so it is easier for horses to eat.
What hay is bad for horses?
Horses often refuse to eat poor quality hay, and even if they do eat it, there is very little nutritional value in it. Moldy or dusty hay can even harm a horse, in some cases causing hay-induced colic. Unlike cattle, horses are less able to digest stalky grass, so leafy hay is always best.
Is first or second cutting hay better for horses?
Horse owners also ask whether first or second-cut hay is better. There is more variation within a cutting than between cuttings. Second-cutting hay can generally be put up without rain delays. However, overly-mature second-cut hay can still be less palatable and nutritious.