Peppermint Horse Treats

Horses love the smell of mint. These holiday cookies use fresh peppermint leaves instead of candy canes, so there is no added sugar.

Wrap them in paper bags for barn gifts.

Why your horse will love this

• A great barn gift
• No candy canes
• Minty smell horses love

Ingredient notes

• Rolled oats Safe

  A traditional grain; feed by weight.

• Apple, grated Safe

  Quartered to reduce choking risk.

• Fresh peppermint, chopped Safe

  Fresh or dried leaves or a few drops of food-grade extract.

See every ingredient in the safety guide

How to make Peppermint Horse Treats

Peppermint Horse Treats takes about 40 minutes from start to finish and makes 30 treats. It is an easy recipe. You will need a fork. 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 5 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: Quartered to reduce choking risk.
• 2 tbsp fresh peppermint, chopped: Fresh or dried leaves or a few drops of food-grade extract.
• 1/2 cup whole wheat flour
• 1/3 cup water

Step-by-step instructions

1. Heat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Mix all the ingredients into a dough.
3. Roll into balls and flatten with a fork.
4. Bake until golden and firm. Allow about 25 minutes.
5. Cool completely.

Tips for success

• Use fresh mint for the strongest scent.
• Package in paper bags with a ribbon for barn gifts.
• Store in a tin, not plastic.

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 fresh peppermint? Use 1 tsp dried peppermint. Change one ingredient at a time so you can tell how each swap affects the texture.

Why horses love it

A great barn gift. No candy canes. Minty smell horses love.

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, fresh peppermint, whole wheat flour 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

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

Can horses eat candy canes?

They are pure sugar. Fresh mint is a better choice.

Is peppermint safe for horses?

Yes, in small amounts.

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