Horses love sweets more than the kids!!!!
I’ve never understood why my horses love anything sweet more than kids. Sure, they get a treat now and then, but it’s nothing like the adoration that kids shower on their favorite candies.
After researching a little bit, I found out a fun fact……… Horses can have a sweet tooth too!!!!
But if your loved one is susceptible to laminitis or insulin-resistant, anything sweet like molasses won’t be a wise food choice as a pet owner for you.
But that doesn’t mean your horse has to sacrifice treats!!!! You can make crunchy and delicious treats without sugar. Here is how to make horse treats without molasses and make your cutie happy.
But first……..why should you avoid molasses in horse feed as an owner?
Yeah, a legit question. And the answer is you want the best for your horse, especially for health. In plain words, Molasses is not so good for your cutie’s health.
First, let me clarify what molasses actually is…….. Molasses is the refined version of sugar. What really matters, it is a high-calorie yet low-nutrient substance.
But here is the problem……
It’s not great for horses because it contains high sugar levels and lacks many essential nutrients. Molasses also contains sorbitol, which can cause health problems like digestive problems, and weight gain for horses.
That’s not all…….Horses also may exhibit abnormal behavior such as agitation, aggression, and repetitive movements.
As an owner, you don’t want this, right?
Wondering if horses can eat okra? Learn more about the nutritional benefits of okra for horses and how to safely introduce it to their diet.
Related: Can horses eat okra? Why don’t you feed okra to your horse? Learn potential risks and how to overcome them.
Ok, so what can I use instead of molasses for horse treats?
The good news is……
There are other options available, such as no molasses horse treats, that can be just as beneficial to your horse. First comes – Honey. Can you use honey instead of molasses for horses?
Yes, that’s the best substitute we came across. Honey is a natural sweetener that can be used as a substitute for molasses in horse feed. Why is honey good for horses?
Honey has a relatively smaller glycemic index than molasses, so it will release insulin gradually, preventing a spike in blood sugar. It is amazingly packed with minerals and vitamins, which will improve the health of horses.
Related: Find out the answer to whether horses can eat cattails, plus get details on why this might be a good or bad idea. Learn more now!
Here are some of the other options I use to make sweet treats for my horse……
- Apple juice
- Watermelon
- Carrots
- Fresh fruits and vegetables
- grain-free feed pellets.
A gentle reminder for you:
It is important to research each ingredient before using it as a horse treat replacement, as some may not be appropriate for horses.
3 No sugar horse treats recipes that your pony will absolutely love
Here is #3 Healthy horse treats recipe to prepare at home.
#1 No-diary horse treats with carrots (cue: its cookies)
Starting with the favorite treat of my horse (mine too!!!). I guess he just likes the carrot flavor. And why do I like it? It’s fun to make and, more importantly, doesn’t have to bake.
- Preparation Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 30 minutes in total
- Serves: 3 servings
Ingredients and measurement
| Oats | 1 cup |
| Honey | ½ cup |
| Flour | 1 cup |
| Carrots | 1 large one |
| Cinnamon(Optional) | Just a pinch |
Direction
- Step 1: First and foremost, preheat the oven with the tray you want to bake the treat for a couple of minutes. In the meantime, mix all the ingredients in a bowl.
- Step 2: Scoop 7/10 medium tablespoon of that mixture we made earlier.
- Step 3: Bake for 15-20 minutes. And you are done!!!
Isn’t that super simple????
Disclaimer: I used cinnamon as my horse is suffering from laminitis. Cinnamon is a magical spice that has been used to treat a variety of ailments-related issues in horses for decades. A little bit of this spice can help in reducing inflammation, improving gut health, and minimizing pain.
A note: This is also a good nutrient for the dog, so you can try this for your dog (Though my bulldog doesn't really into it).
#2. A crunchy date delight – Homemade treats for insulin-resistant horses
Surprised a little bit?
Yeah, I get it. But the thing is, just like human beings, horses can be insulin-resistant. And that’s why we are going to use dates instead of molasses. Wondering why dates?
Dates are high in carbohydrates, which can supply energy for horses. They are also high in fiber, which boosts their digestive function. In addition, dates are loaded with minerals and antioxidants that work for cell damage. Sounds great? Let’s jump to the procedure straight.
- Preparation Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 40 minutes in total
- Serves: 5 servings
Ingredients and measurement
| Dates | 8 to 10 |
| Banana | A large one |
| Oat flour | ½ cup |
| Rolled oats | ½ cup |
| Vanilla extract | A quarter teaspoon |
Instructions
- Step 1: First, wash the dates in tap water and let them soak in lukewarm water.
- Step 2: Drain the water after 15 minutes. You will see the dates get softened totally. And that’s what we are looking for.
- Step 3: Chop the dates into small pieces and keep them aside in a clean bowl. Take a large bowl and add all the ingredients and mix well with your hands
- Step 4: It’s time for baking!!!! Make tiny chunks; put them in a non-stick tray and leave them on the bake for the next 10 minutes.
- Step 5: After 10 minutes, take off the tray and flip the cookies to get the crunchy flavor on both sides. Put it in the oven again. After 5 minutes, the cookies are ready to enjoy.
#3 No-bake peanut butter bites- A perfect treat for a quick energy booster
Horses appreciate a good peanut butter treat just as much as the next horse owner. Here is a 3 simple step bites recipe your horse will love rolling around in the peanut butter goodness!
These easy-to-make treats are perfect for when you have a little bit of time and want to give your horse something special.
- Preparation Time: 5 minutes
- Cooking Time: 20 minutes in total
- Serves: 4-5 servings (will be 10-12 balls)
Ingredients and measurement
| Oats | 1 cup |
| Smooth peanut butter | 1/2 cup |
| Milk | 1/4 cup |
Instructions
- Step 1: Mix the milk and peanut butter well with a spatula in a medium bowl.
- Step 2: Add some 1/3 oats and mix them. Gradually put the rest of the oat and mix very well.
- Step 3: Once you mix all the ingredients, make them on a 1-inch ball and put them on a cookie sheet. And let them chill in the refrigerator. After an hour, these bites are ready to enjoy.
Related: Curious about horses and their love for ice cream? Get the scoop on whether they can actually enjoy this frozen delight. Find out now!
Bonus 4 sugar-free safe treats recipe for your horse
# 1 Apple cookies
You will need:
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 cups peeled, chopped apples
- ½ cup wheat bran
- ½ cup oats
Instructions:
Preheat the oven to 320 degrees F. Unroll the prepared baking sheet. Mix the butter and maple syrup with the flour, vanilla, and chopped apples in a bowl, then pour the dough onto the middle of the prepared baking sheet. Sprinkle oats on the top. Bake for 12 minutes until golden. Let it cool for 5 minutes, and the cookies are ready to fulfill the sweet tooth of your pony.
Related: Find out if horses can eat pickles, and the potential health risks involved. Get all the details here on what a horse’s diet should and shouldn’t include.
#2 Flaxseed horse muffins
You will need:
- 1 cup of all-purpose flour
- 1 cup of whole wheat flour
- 1 large carrot
- 2 teaspoons of baking powder
- 3 tablespoons of vegetable oil or butter, melted
- 1/4 cup of flaxseed meal
- ¾ of maple syrup
- Peppermints (optional)
Instructions:
Grease a 12-hole muffin tray with cooking spray. In a small bowl, combine 2 cups of all-purpose flour with 1/4 teaspoon of baking powder and a pinch of salt. Beat the melted oil or butter until combined.
Whisk the all-purpose flour together with whole wheat flour and white flour in a bowl until just combined. Gradually put the flaxseed with the mixture until well combined. Add the fruits, then slowly pour the batter into the pan. Bake for 20 minutes.
How to know it’s done? Press a toothpick inserted in the muffin, and it comes out clean. Allow muffins to cool for 5 minutes before serving.
Related: The 9 Surprising Home Remedies for Cracked Horse Hooves
#3 Gingerbread treats
You will need:
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) honey
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) water
- 1/4 cup (60 ml) vegetable oil
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 2 cups (240 ml) of all-purpose flour
- 3 tablespoons (45 ml) chopped crystallized ginger
Instructions:
First, turn on the oven to Preheat to 320 degrees F. Take the baking dish and grease. In the meantime, combine honey, water, and oil in a bowl. In a small bowl, whisk together egg and ginger. Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and mix well. Add batter to the baking dish. Bake for 20 minutes until the bread gets fluffy.
Related: Find out if bluestem hay is the right choice for your horse! Learn about its nutritional value, cost, and availability to make the best decision.
#4 Pop-tart
You will need:
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- pinch of salt
- 2 cups of flour
- 2 tablespoons coconut oil (optional)
- 1 cup of maple syrup
Instructions:
Mix all the ingredients with your hand and squish them to make a dough. Now put the dough on a flour board and roll it into thin slices so you can cut it nicely. Cut the dough on the edge and cut them into pieces (rectangular shape). Place them on the baking sheet and squish them on the edge so we can give them the actual shape of a pop tart.
Put them in the oven for 10 minutes at 320 degrees. The tarts are ready. To make it more colorful, brush some honey on the top and sprinkle some sprinkles for more fun when the cookies get cold.
