A Helpful Guide for a Safe and Festive Holiday at the Barn

Thanksgiving is a time for good food, gratitude, and gathering with the people (and horses!) we love. As we celebrate the holiday, many horse owners are tempted to share a little seasonal joy with their four-legged friends. But while some Thanksgiving foods are perfectly safe in moderation, others can lead to digestive upset — or worse.

To help you keep your horse happy and healthy this holiday season, here’s a clear guide to safe treats, foods to avoid, and smart ways to celebrate Thanksgiving at the barn.

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Thanksgiving Foods Your Horse Can Eat

1. Pumpkin (Plain & Fresh)

A fall favorite! Fresh pumpkin is packed with fiber and nutrients.
✓ Remove seeds if feeding large amounts
✓ Avoid canned pumpkin with spices or added sugar

2. Carrots

A classic, and always a hit. Serve them raw, chopped, or in small pieces for seniors.

3. Apples

Sliced apples or small chunks are great — just don’t overdo it with sugar-sensitive horses. Avoid the stem, core, and seeds.

4. Pears

Another sweet seasonal option. Slice and feed in moderation. Avoid the stem, core, and seeds.

5. Sweet Potatoes (Plain Only)

Raw or cooked is fine, as long as there’s no butter, marshmallows, brown sugar, or spices. Due to their relatively high starch and sugar content, they should be fed in only small quantities.

6. Celery

Crunchy, low-calorie, and great for hydration — plus horses usually enjoy the texture.

7. Hay Cubes or Beet Pulp Mash “Special Treat”

Make it festive by adding safe fruits or pumpkin for a holiday mash.

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Thanksgiving Foods Your Horse Should Not Eat

1. Stuffing & Bread

Too starchy and full of onions, herbs, and fats that can upset the equine digestive system.

2. Desserts (Pie, Cookies, Cake, Rolls)

Sugar, spices, and butter are not horse-friendly.
✕ No pumpkin pie
✕ No dinner rolls
✕ No pastries or baked goods

3. Turkey or Any Meat

Horses are herbivores — meat can cause digestive distress.

4. Mashed Potatoes or Sweet Potato Casserole

These often contain butter, salt, seasoning, marshmallows, or dairy — not safe for horses.

5. Cranberry Sauce

Too much sugar, and sometimes artificial ingredients.

6. Anything Seasoned with Garlic or Onion

Even small amounts can be harmful or toxic to horses.

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How to Share Thanksgiving Safely

• Keep portions small — even safe treats should be fed in moderation.
• Introduce new foods slowly to avoid digestive upset.
• Avoid feeding treats to multiple horses in a group turnout to prevent squabbles.
• When in doubt, stick to classic horse treats or approved fruits/veggies.
• Don’t feed treats to horses that are not yours unless you have the owner’s permission.

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Celebrate with Gratitude

Horses give us companionship, peace, adventure, and lessons we carry for life. Thanksgiving is the perfect time to appreciate them — safely — with treats that make them feel loved without risking their health.

Have fun celebrating, enjoy the season, and from all of us at the Colorado Horse Forum, we wish you and your herd a warm and happy Thanksgiving!