Homemade Horse Treats (Apple Oat)

These are the horse treats barn friends ask for: oats, grated apple and carrot, and a spoon of molasses, baked into small cookies.

Skip the molasses for horses with insulin resistance and see the low-sugar recipe instead.

Why your horse will love this

• Barn-favorite flavor
• Makes 40 treats
• Keeps 2 weeks in a tin

Ingredient notes

• Rolled oats Safe

  A traditional grain; feed by weight.

• Apple, grated Safe

  Core removed.

  Quartered to reduce choking risk.

• Carrot, grated Safe

  Cut lengthwise to reduce choking risk.

• Molasses Caution

  Sugary. Skip for horses with insulin resistance or laminitis.

See every ingredient in the safety guide

How to make Homemade Horse Treats

Homemade Horse Treats takes about 45 minutes from start to finish and makes 40 treats. It is an easy recipe. You will need a box grater. Read through every step once before you start, and set out all the ingredients so nothing is missed.

Ingredients and why they are here

You need 6 ingredients. Each one is checked against the ingredient safety guide for horses.

• 2 cups rolled oats: A traditional grain; feed by weight.
• 1 medium apple, grated: Core removed. Quartered to reduce choking risk.
• 1 medium carrot, grated: Cut lengthwise to reduce choking risk.
• 1/2 cup whole wheat flour
• 2 tbsp molasses: Sugary. Skip for horses with insulin resistance or laminitis.
• 1/4 cup water

Step-by-step instructions

1. Heat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet.
2. Mix all the ingredients into a sticky dough.
3. Roll into walnut-size balls and flatten.
4. Bake until firm. Allow about 30 minutes.
5. Cool completely.

Tips for success

• Grate apple and carrot finely so the treats hold together.
• Bake longer for a harder treat that stores better.
• Break in half for ponies.

How to store it

Let everything cool completely before you pack it away, since trapped steam causes sogginess and mold. Keep it at room temperature for up to 2 weeks, in the fridge for up to 4 weeks, or in the freezer for up to 3 months. If anything smells off or shows mold, throw it out.

How much to serve

2 to 3 treats a day.

Swaps and variations

No molasses? Use unsweetened applesauce. Change one ingredient at a time so you can tell how each swap affects the texture.

Why horses love it

Barn-favorite flavor. Makes 40 treats. Keeps 2 weeks in a tin.

Feeding tips for horses

Introduce any new feed or treat gradually, as sudden changes can upset a horse’s digestion. Horses with insulin resistance, Cushing’s or a history of laminitis need low-sugar treats, so check with your vet. Hand-feed treats from a flat palm, or put them in a bucket to discourage nipping. Fresh water and good forage come first.

Make it ahead

To save time, measure and prep the ingredients the day before and keep them covered in the fridge. Label containers with the recipe name and date so you always know what to use first. Most of the work in this recipe is hands-off, so it fits easily around a busy week.

What to watch for

Watch for signs of colic after any feed change: pawing, rolling, looking at the belly, or not passing manure. Colic is an emergency, so call your vet right away. Heat in the hooves or a reluctance to walk can be signs of laminitis, especially in horses on rich feed.

Shopping list

Before you start, check that you have rolled oats, apple, carrot, whole wheat flour, molasses and water. Most of it is at the grocery store; hay, pellets, feed and supplements are at pet or feed stores. Buy fresh produce close to the day you cook.

Safety notes

Molasses: Sugary. Skip for horses with insulin resistance or laminitis. Never add onion, garlic, chocolate, grapes, raisins, xylitol or salt, and check the safety guide before trying a new ingredient with your horse. This recipe is general information, not veterinary advice.

Frequently asked questions

Are apples good for horses?

Yes, in moderation, with the core removed.

How many treats can a horse have?

A few a day, as part of the diet.

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