Treats and rewards are essential when reinforcing learned behavior in horses. While not a staple food, treats deliver valuable nutrients and supplements. 

However, excessive or inappropriate treats may trigger health problems or foster undesirable behavior. 

With the best horse treats, you can reward your horse without issues. This guide reviews the 7 best horse treats and details what to consider when selecting food rewards for your companion.

Best Horse Treats: Key Takeaway

1. Best Overall Horse Treat: Mrs Pastures Cookies and Treats for Horses
2. Most Affordable Horse Treat: Manna Pro Bite-Size Nuggets for Horses
3. Best For Use with Medication: Dimples Horse Treats with Pill Dimples
4. Best For Use During Training: NickerDoodles Horse Treats – 2 lb Pail
5. Best Treats for Horses with Metabolic Needs: Manna Pro NutriGood Low-Sugar Apple Snax
6. Most Nutritious Horse Treat: Smartpak Equine Cookies
7. Best All-Natural Horse Treat: Hilton Herbs Herballs All Natural Horse Treat

Top 7 Best Horse Treats: Product Reviews

1. Best Overall Horse Treat: Mrs Pastures Cookies and Treats for Horses

Mrs. Pastures cookies blend nutrition and taste, making it a favorite among equestrians. With a reputation built over three decades, it consistently ranks as the number one horse treat. 

Accolades from Michael Plumb’s Horse Journal and John Lyons’ Perfect Horse back up this fact. 

Unlike other commercial treats, this product contains only natural ingredients. So, you needn’t worry about artificial fillers and preservatives. 

Each cookie consists of oats, cane molasses, wheat bran, apples, rolled barley, and water. Since the product is dehydrated rather than baked, the cookies have a crunchy texture. 

Additionally, they don’t crumble easily and retain their shape in all weather conditions. The size is perfect, and the subtle sweetness makes it a staple in barns across the country. The low sugar content allows you to use the treat as a daily training reward. 

Moreover, the brand is owner-operated, ensuring high-quality production and excellent customer service. 

This product also comes with a 30-day satisfaction guarantee, making it a risk-free purchase. You can always claim a refund or replacement if you’re unhappy with the purchase. 

Your horse will love this treat, turning training sessions into a five-finger exercise.

Pros

• It has a nice aroma
• They’re compact and easy to carry
• Great value for the price
• Ingredients are clearly outlined

Con

• Contents run out fast

2. Most Affordable Horse Treat: Manna Pro Bite-Size Nuggets for Horses

These Manna Pro nuggets offer great value and quality, with up to 300 treats per bag, making them cost-effective for rewarding. 

The small size is great for training, so you won’t worry about overfeeding or choking. You can also use the product during barn chores or when bonding with your equine companion. 

Each pocket-sized treat is fortified with essential vitamins and minerals, promoting the health of your horse. So, the horse can benefit from the supplements if you’re using treats regularly. 

Additionally, they have a firm texture, making them easy to handle. Your horse can feed straight from the palm of your hand. 

Another standout feature is the product’s savour. The nuggets are apple-flavored, and your horse will likely nibble on them right away. 

Thankfully, this brand offers a great taste guarantee for all its products. This makes you eligible for a refund if your horse finds the nuggets distasteful. 

This treat is ideal for horses that require frequent rewards during training. So you can treat them without upsetting their feeding routine. 

For budget-conscious horse owners, Manna Pro Nuggets delivers both value and performance.

Pros

• It’s affordable
• Horses relish them
• It can last through frequent use
• It’s suitable for all breeds and sizes

Con

• The contents crumble easily

3. Best For Use with Medication: Dimples Horse Treats with Pill Dimples

This product is a game-changer for owners who struggle to administer pills to their horses. They’re designed with a special cavity that allows you to hide pills inside. 

This eliminates the need for crushing pills or masking the horse during medication. You place the caplet into the cavity and mold the cookie around it. 

Dimples horse treats are a beloved among veterinarians, trainers, and equine nutritionists. The cookies also have a soft and consistent texture. They’re pliable yet firm enough to mold around large tablets without crumbling. 

Additionally, the treat is flavorful and doesn’t include artificial additives or fillers. This formula makes this treat healthier than other sugary alternatives. 

It consists primarily of flaxseed, a natural supplement with anti-inflammatory properties. Flaxseed is also rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which are essential for a healthy and shiny coat.  

Horses will readily gnaw at the cookies, even with pills tucked inside. Dimples’ horse treats are palatable, making them suitable for horses on daily medication. 

The product comes in a sizable 3-pound tub. This allows frequent use for horses on a longer medication schedule. 

This treat doesn’t just hide medication; instead, it turns it into something your horse will look forward to.

Pros

• They’re easy to handle
• It hardly crumbles
• Horses love them

4. Best For Use During Training: NickerDoodles Horse Treats – 2 lb Pail

Designed with horse training in mind, NickerDoodles are more than treats. They’re an experience. 

Made in the USA, these freshly baked treats consistently deliver high-quality and delicious taste. It consists of oats, corn, barley, flaxseed, wheat bran, and molasses. 

This product combines nutrition and functionality, making it a reliable source of reward. They’re approved by veterinarians for teaching groundwork, reinforcing behavior, and bonding. 

While prized for their training use, NickerDoodles treat is also suitable for administering medication. It easily molds around pills, ensuring your horse receives the care they need. 

This product is also soft enough for aging horses with dental sensitivities. Nevertheless, they hold up well and won’t crumble in your pocket. 

The chunks are ideal for frequent rewarding without overfeeding your horse. This makes them ideal for repetitive training sessions. 

Additionally, these tasty cookies help you strengthen the bond with your horse. The bite-sized chunks allow you to hand-feed your horse. This simple gesture builds trust and fosters connections. 

Whether you’re pampering your horse, encouraging trailer loading, or teaching a lead change, this is a satisfying pick. Serious equestrians can rely on its quality and consistency.

Pros

• It smells and tastes great
• It’s suitable for administering medicine

Con

• The packaging is poor

5. Best Treats for Horses with Metabolic Needs: Manna Pro NutriGood Low-Sugar Apple Snax

Rewarding horses with Equine Metabolism Disorders requires thoughtful considerations. Manna Pro NutriGood Apple Snax is a safe, low-sugar treat with an irresistible flavor. 

It’s a low-starch formula and contains 80% less sugar compared to other products. There’s no added sugar, no molasses, and no artificial flavors or colors. This makes it ideal for horses prone to Cushing’s, laminitis, and insulin resistance. 

So, you can reward your beloved animal without compromising its health. Each bag consists of wholesome ingredients like beet pulp and soybean hulls. 

Linseed meal adds some omega-3 benefits, while brewer’s yeast supports healthy digestion. These treats are rich in fiber and free from artificial fillers. 

Additionally, they’re easy to digest and most horses tolerate them well. Its apple-based tang is appealing, ensuring your horse looks forward to every treat. 

Owners who’ve tried the product got a positive response, even from picky horses. This is particularly crucial, especially when options are limited due to dietary restrictions. 

Each bag contains manageable chunks for daily use and training. Its firm texture ensures the treats hold up well in tack boxes. 

And since they’re made in the USA, you’re guaranteed a quality, reliable product. For equestrians facing special dietary needs, this low-sugar treat is extremely palatable.

Pros

• It’s great for picky horses
• It’s suitable for EMS-prone horses
• It’s suitable for frequent rewarding
• Small sizes are great for training

Con

• It crumbles easily

6. Most Nutritious Horse Treat: Smartpak Equine Cookies

SmartPak’s SmartCookies are the go-to treat for nourishing your horse. These cookies are made from a nutritious base of coconut meal, alfalfa, beet pulp, and flaxseed oil. 

In addition to its rich flavor, this product contains no added sugar, making it a healthier choice. It skips artificial sweeteners and molasses for real ingredients like cinnamon and carrots. 

Besides their taste, the cookies are gentle on horses’ digestive systems. This makes them ideal for sensitive equines with dietary restrictions related to sugar. 

The carrot cakes are also bite-sized and conveniently shaped for daily use. They have a firm texture and arrive travel-ready, allowing your horse to enjoy them on the go. 

So, you needn’t worry about them melting or crumbling, even with the demanding barn chores. The product comes in 3-pound bags that are easy to store and last despite frequent use. 

SmartPak appeals to trainers because of the brand’s connection to the horse community. Founded in 1999 by equine enthusiasts, it ensures consistent quality in its products. 

Their SmartCookies offer a nutritional boost, making it a satisfying, guilt-free horse treat.

Pros

• It contains essential nutrients
• Contents are easy to chew
• It’s priced favorably
• Great quality
• It tastes great

Con

• The cookies are too small

7. Best All-Natural Horse Treat: Hilton Herbs Herballs All Natural Horse Treat

Hilton Herbs Herballs offer an all-natural, plant-based alternative for horse owners. This standout product blends aromatic herbs and plants. 

It doesn’t include sugars, molasses, or artificial additives. The ingredients include mint, garlic, alfalfa, rosemary, linseed, oregano herb, and wheat flour. 

This flavorful mixture is not only appetizing but also offers functional benefits. Mint and garlic help with digestion, while linseed promotes a healthy coat and fur. 

The unique smell and savory taste can make haltering or trailer loading a seamless process. They’re also useful when working with arduous horses that are hard to catch. 

Equine nutritionists also recommend this treat for horses prone to laminitis and EMS. The granules have a firm texture that ensures they don’t crumble under minimal pressure. 

Also, the shape is easy to handle, and most horses find them irresistible. This product provides a natural treat without compromising on quality.

If you’re managing a special diet or avoiding artificial ingredients, Hilton Herbs is a safe and reliable option.

Pros

• Horses really love them
• They smell and taste great
• It doesn’t cause allergic reactions

Understanding Horse Nutrition 

While forage forms the bulk of a horse’s diet, treats provide supplements for its wellbeing. Although commercial treats contain added vitamins, they shouldn’t replace a balanced diet. 

A balanced diet is crucial for a healthy, active horse, but supplements should not upset the animal’s gut balance. 

Unfortunately, most horses are prone to digestive sensitivities and metabolic issues. For this reason, you want a treat with minimal sugar and wholesome ingredients. 

Additionally, ensure there are no artificial additives or sweeteners. These sugars can trigger insulin spikes and laminitis, a painful hoof condition. 

In contrast, high-fiber ingredients such as oats, alfalfa, and beet pulp promote healthy digestion. Also, beneficial fats like flaxseed and linseed support a healthy and shiny coat. 

When introducing new treats to your horse, check for signs of digestive upset. Common symptoms include loose manure, mild colic symptoms, and lack of appetite. This way, you can reward your horse without feeling guilty.

Types of Horse Treats 

The three types of horse treats include;

Commercial treats

Commercial treats are widely available on online marketplaces and tack stores. These treats vary in shape, flavor, and texture. 

Common flavors include carrot, apple, and peppermint. Additionally, the ingredients in these products depend on the nutritional concern they’re addressing. The best treats comprise fruits, whole grains, and herbs.

Commercial treats with vitamins and minerals shouldn’t replace your horse’s diet. Instead, use them in conjunction with forage and other supplements.

Natural treats

Natural treats skip artificial ingredients for plant-based or herbal additives. In addition to this, they can also contain nourishing grains that support the horse’s general health. 

Herbal treats are especially beneficial for sensitive horses that require low-sugar diets. These products also provide calming effects, digestive support, and other health benefits.

While horses generally enjoy fruits and vegetables, not all are good for consumption. For example, safe fruits for your horse include bananas, pineapples, apricots, peaches, strawberries, and watermelons. 

Remember to remove the pits from apricots and peaches since they pose a choking hazard for horses. 

Beyond fruits, some popular vegetables for horses include beets, pumpkin, lettuce, turnips, and cucumber, further expanding treat options.

Lastly, avoid feeding horses tomatoes, avocados, broccoli, and potatoes. They are toxic and may cause gastrointestinal issues, highlighting the importance of careful treat selection.

Homemade treats

For those who prefer the DIY approach, equine lovers can leverage different recipes to bake the best horse treats at home. 

Luckily, these recipes include easily accessible ingredients such as oats, carrots, and molasses. 

Besides their economic value, homemade treats offer more flexibility than commercial options. You’ll only use ingredients that meet the horse’s dietary concerns. 

Factors to Consider When Choosing Horse Treats 

Here’s what to check for before rewarding your horse with a treat.

Nutritional value

Treats range from nutrient-rich supplements to empty-calorie options. If you’re looking for a nutritious reward, stop reading and choose Smartpak Healthy Treats for Horses. 

This treat contains crude fiber, fat, and protein, which are essential for sensitive horses. If your horse is prone to weight gain or metabolic issues like EMS, use low-sugar treats rich in fiber. 

On the other hand, equine athletes require treats fortified with vitamins, electrolytes, and amino acids. 

These supplements aid in muscle recovery and function, emphasizing how treat selection aligns with an individual horse’s needs.

Ingredient lists

Always check lhe packaging label for the ingredient list. The best horse treats contain whole grains, fruits, and fiber-rich beet pulp. 

Steer clear of products with artificial flavors and chemical preservatives. These by-products can cause allergic reactions and digestive disorders. 

Treats containing added minerals or vitamins should only complement your animal’s current regimen.

Horse preferences and allergies

Use herbal-based treats like Hilton Herbs Herballs, if your horse suffers from known allergies. It’s typical for horses to react to common grains like corn and wheat. 

Start by offering small portions and monitor the horse for any respiratory changes, itching, or hives.

On the same note, some horses prefer apples while others relish mint or herbal flavors. So, understand your horse’s taste and preference before committing it to a large bag of treats.

Purpose of the treats

It’s important to have a goal when rewarding your horses with treats. Horse owners use treats to reinforce learned behavior, pair bonding, or during medication. 

For repetitive training sessions, use small, bite-sized cookies that won’t choke the horse. Additionally, use low-starch treats to avoid overfeeding the animal. 

Conversely, when bonding with your horse, use larger cookie chunks to make the reward more memorable. 

Ensure the treat contains healthy supplements, such as omega-3s and probiotics. These examples illustrate how the treat’s purpose can guide your selection.

Lastly, for medication, we recommend moldable treats like Dimples Horse Treats with Pill Dimples. This is a soft and pliable treat with dimples for containing medication pills.

Choosing the Best Horse Treats

Different horse treats address varying nutritional needs and training requirements. Here are some essential ingredients for horse treats.

Grains

Grain products, such as wheat, cornmeal, and barley flour, are common ingredients in treats. These wholesome grains contain proteins, vitamins, fiber, and essential oils. 

Besides, horses love the flavor of grain products, and they tend to have a long shelf life.

Hays

Most commercial treats contain orchard grass, ground alfalfa, timothy, and other types of hay. Hay in horse treats provides protein, calcium, phosphorus, fiber, and other nutrients. 

However, these treats are less stimulating than grain-based products. So, your horse will be less pushy when training with rewards.

Soy products

Soybean meal and hulls contain lysine, which promotes muscle tissue growth. Additionally, this amino acid is essential for a healthy coat and joints.

Some equestrians are adamant about soy due to the increased risk of allergies in horses. Nevertheless, horses can enjoy soy products, benefiting from their essential fatty acid.

Flaxseed

This ingredient comprises 40% fat and is rich in omega-3 fatty acids. Like most fatty acids, omega-3 promotes a healthy coat and shiny skin. 

In addition to their anti-inflammatory benefits, flaxseed often promotes weight gain. Unfortunately, the omega-3 acids are indigestible if the seeds are fed whole. 

However, they degrade quickly if you’ve ground the seeds. So, if you can’t grind the seeds yourself, consider using commercial treats for your horse.

Beet pulp

This highly digestible ingredient is rich in soluble fiber. Beet Pulp is often fed to senior horses to maintain weight. It’s also prebiotic and feeds essential digestive bacteria. 

You should soak beet pulp pellets before feeding your horse. However, commercial treats with beet pulp can be fed dry.

Brewer’s yeast

Yeast supplements contain fiber that promotes horse digestion. This ingredient can neutralize the negative effects of grain-based diets in performance horses.

Flavorings

Common flavorings in horse treats include molasses, vanilla, dried berries, and peppermint. As a horse owner, be wary of commercial treats containing artificial flavors. 

Such products contain high amounts of sugar and starch. Excessive sugar intake can lead to laminitis and metabolic concerns. 

Consult a vet or nutritionist if you’re unsure if the ingredients are appropriate for your horse.

Vitamins and minerals

Zinc, copper, manganese, niacin, and calcium are essential for your horse’s well-being. Additionally, your horse’s diet should contain vitamins for their nutritional benefits. 

Luckily, most commercial treats contain Vitamin E for an added nutritional boost.

Functional supplements

Depending on the formula, some horse treats serve as both treats and supplements. These treats target specific nutritional concerns. For instance, treats for promoting stronger joints may include chondroitin and glucosamine.

Furthermore, some even contain beneficial microorganisms that aid digestion. However, check in with your vet before feeding the supplements to your horse.

Role of Treats During Training

Treats are vital in positive reinforcement training. Besides their nourishing benefits, rewarding your horse with goodies encourages bonding. This makes learning and training sessions enjoyable.

Highly desired treats motivate horses learning a new or challenging skill. When using treats as a reward, time the delivery immediately after a correct response. 

This move lets the horse know what they did was right. Subsequently, the likelihood of it repeating the behavior increases.

Additionally, anxious or shy horses may become anxious or shy around new experiences, objects, or people. This builds their confidence, making the horse more relaxed. 

Finally, treats enhance focus and improve the willingness of horses to perform tasks. Horses become more attentive when they know a reward awaits them.

Tips for Giving Treats 

1. Position your hand consistently

When offering treats, hold your palm flat to avoid accidental nips. Additionally. Place the hand at the same height every time so the horse doesn’t get confused.

2. Offer treats moderately

Offer the treat only when required to prevent overeating. Treats should only be a small part of your equine’s so a single bite per cure should suffice.

3. Rotate treats

Try different flavors and textures to understand your horse’s preference. Varied flavors prevent palate fatigue, ensuring your horse looks forward to the next treat. 

In addition to treats, use other reward systems, such as praise or a scratch on the back.

4. Consider timing

During groundwork or training, reward the horse only after the desired behavior is reinforced. This is crucial to prevent losing momentum. 

Also, since you want to reward correct behavior, never offer treats if your horse is nudging, mugging, or being pushy.

5. Consider dental health

For older horses or those with dental problems, opt for softer treats that are gentle on the gum. Alternatively, you can soak hard treats in water to make them easier to chew.

6. Consult your vet

Check in with a veterinarian before introducing a new treat to your horse. It’s a crucial rule if your horse suffers from allergies or ulcers.

FAQs 

Conclusion

Besides showing affection, we use treats to reward correct behavior in horses. They’re also handy if you’re trying to bond with your horse. 

The best horse treats should include nutritious ingredients to supplement your equine’s diet. However, avoid overfeeding the animal, particularly during high-repetition training activities. 

Also, remember to give treats in moderation, especially for sensitive animals. Treats rich in sugar or artificial additives can cause stomach upsets or metabolic issues.

So, consult a horse nutritionist if you’re unsure about the treat’s content. Good luck finding the best option for your companion.