Homemade Halloween Pumpkin Horse Treat Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 small pumpkin (baked)
- 1 tablespoon cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon nutmeg
- 500g oats (I used porridge oats)
- 50g unsweetened apple sauce or puree
Method
- Remove the flesh, seeds and stalk from the pumpkin and place in a casserole dish. Baking times vary based on the size of the pumpkin. A 1.5kg to 2.5kg pumpkin usually takes 45 to 60 minutes to become soft. Slicing up the pumpkin prior to baking is a way to reduce cooking time.
- Mix the pumpkin flesh with the other ingredients in a large bowl and spoon out in evenly sized balls onto a baking tray. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes at 200 degreesafety tips to keep in mind when serving pumpkin to your horse. Start by inspecting the pumpkin carefully for any signs of rot, mould, or mildew. If you notice spoiled areas—often found at the base or on the side that has been in contact with the ground—be sure to cut them away. The rest of the pumpkin is safe to feed your horse.
Because these treats are low in sugar, they’re suitable for horses and ponies with metabolic conditions. You can also offer your horse plain, raw pumpkin.
Finally, if your horse has hyperkalemic periodic paralysis (HYPP), it’s best to avoid feeding pumpkin. As a member of the squash family, pumpkin has relatively high potassium levels, which can worsen HYPP symptoms.
