Have you ever found yourself chopping up some cabbage and wondering, “Can my horse snack on this, too?” You’re not alone.

As horse owners, we often think about sharing bits of our meals with our equine friends. Cabbage, with its crunchy leaves and health benefits, might seem like a good choice. 

But is it really safe for horses? In this blog, we’ll dive into the world of horses and cabbage. We’ll explore the benefits, the risks, and how much is too much. 

So, let’s get started and find out if you can add cabbage to your horse’s snack list.

Can Horses Eat Cabbage?

Though horses can eat cabbage, they should not. While it isn’t toxic and can be part of a varied diet, cabbage’s complex sugars can cause gas and lead to colic. 

If you choose to feed your horse cabbage, it should only be in small amounts and not a regular part of their diet. Always introduce any new food gradually and monitor your horse for signs of digestive upset. 

Are Cabbages Toxic to Horses?

No, cabbages aren’t toxic to horses. But just because they can eat it doesn’t mean they should. Cabbage can cause gas and, sometimes, colic if they eat too much. 

So, it’s best to give it to them in small amounts and not too often. Always watch how your horse reacts to new foods, and talk to your vet if you’re thinking about adding something new, like cabbage, to their diet.

Can Horses Eat Purple Cabbage?

Yes, horses can eat purple cabbage, just like green cabbage, but they shouldn’t actually eat it. It’s all about how much they eat and how often. 

If you’re thinking of giving your horse some purple cabbage, remember to start with a small amount to see how they handle it. Too much cabbage can lead to gas and discomfort. 

So, keep it as an occasional treat and always watch for any signs of digestive upset. This way, you can add a splash of color to their diet without any trouble.

Can Horses Take Cabbage Juice?

Horses can technically consume cabbage juice, but I do not recommend it. Like whole cabbage, the juice can cause gas and bloating in horses. 

Because the juice is concentrated, these effects might even be more intense. If you’re considering adding something new, like cabbage juice, to your horse’s diet, go slow and talk it over with your vet first. 

Keeping your horse comfortable and healthy is always the priority, so sticking to plain old water for hydration is usually your best bet.

Horse Digestive System

The horse’s digestive system is unique and quite efficient. It’s also delicate and requires proper management to keep it functioning correctly. 

Here’s how it works:

Mouth and teeth. Horses have a set of teeth designed for grinding grass, hay, and other fibrous feed. They produce a large amount of saliva, which helps start digestion and makes swallowing easier.

Esophagus. This is the tube that connects the mouth to the stomach. The horse’s esophagus works mainly in one direction due to a strong lower esophageal sphincter. This means horses cannot vomit.

Stomach. Surprisingly small for the animal’s size, the horse’s stomach digests food quickly, and food stays there for a short period. It functions best when small amounts of feed pass through continuously.

Small intestine. After the stomach, food moves into the small intestine, about 50-70 feet long. Here, most of the nutrients are absorbed into the bloodstream. Enzymes from the pancreas and bile from the liver aid this process.

Cecum. This large fermentation vat holds up to 8 gallons of material and is crucial for breaking down fibrous plant material. Bacteria in the cecum help to ferment the fiber, producing volatile fatty acids that the horse uses for energy.

Large colon. The large colon, small colon, and rectum are parts of the large intestine. The large colon further absorbs water and nutrients and continues the fermentation process. It’s also a common site for impactions and twists, which can lead to colic.

Small colon and rectum. The remaining nutrients are absorbed in the small colon, and the material is formed into fecal balls. The waste then moves into the rectum and is expelled as manure.

What Happens if a Horse Eats Cabbage?

If a horse eats cabbage, it might not be a big deal if it’s just a little bit. But if a horse eats too much cabbage, it can get gassy. 

This happens because cabbage has a lot of fiber and some sugars that are tough for horses to digest. When horses get gassy, it can make them pretty uncomfortable. 

In some cases, it might even lead to colic, which is a serious tummy ache that can be dangerous. So, while a small amount of cabbage isn’t a disaster, it’s not the best snack for your horse. 

Always monitor how much and how often they eat it, and talk to a vet if you’re not sure what’s best for their diet.

Nutritional Content of Cabbages

This table gives you a good snapshot of what cabbage contains. However, while nutritious for humans, the fiber and complex sugars in cabbage can cause digestive issues in horses if consumed in large quantities.

Potential Risks of Feeding Cabbage to Horses

Feeding cabbage to horses comes with some potential risks that include:

Gas and bloating. Cabbage belongs to the cruciferous vegetable family, known for causing gas and bloating. This can lead to discomfort for the horse.

Colic. The most significant risk associated with feeding cabbage to horses is colic. This painful digestive upset can result from the gas build-up and changes in the normal fermentation process in the horse’s large intestine.

Diarrhea. Overfeeding cabbage can lead to diarrhea as the horse’s digestive system struggles to process large amounts of this vegetable. This can result in dehydration and nutrient imbalances.

Nutrient imbalance. Although cabbage is nutritious, it should not replace a significant portion of a horse’s diet. Overfeeding cabbage can lead to an imbalance in the nutrients a horse needs.

Palatability and waste. Some horses may not find cabbage palatable, leading to waste. If a horse doesn’t like it, it might separate it from its feed and not eat it.

What to Do if Your Horse Over Consumes Cabbage

If your horse has eaten too much cabbage, here’s what you can do to help:

Watch closely. Monitor your horse for any signs of discomfort or changes in behavior. This includes looking for signs of colic, like pawing, looking at their flank, lying down unusually, or rolling.

Cut back on cabbage. Stop feeding more cabbage and temporarily reduce or eliminate other potentially gas-producing foods from their diet.

Encourage movement. If your horse is not in severe pain, gentle walking can help stimulate digestion and reduce gas buildup.

Provide plenty of water. Ensure your horse has access to plenty of fresh water to help digestion and prevent dehydration.

Call the vet. If you notice any signs of colic or if your horse’s discomfort seems to increase, it’s important to call your veterinarian immediately. Colic can be serious, and quick, professional assessment is crucial.

Monitor their manure. Check that your horse is defecating normally. Any changes in the frequency or appearance of manure can indicate digestive issues.

Good Vegetables for Horses

When feeding horses vegetables, choose safe ones that provide nutritional benefits without causing digestive upset. Here are some good vegetable options that are safe for horses:

• Carrots
• Celery
• Pumpkin
• Beetroot
• Turnips
• Squash
• Cucumber
• Lettuce
• Broccoli

Interesting read: Can horses eat watermelon?

Other Vegetables that Horses Shouldn’t Eat

While many vegetables are safe for horses, several should be avoided due to potential health risks or toxicity. Here’s a list of vegetables that horses should not eat:

• Onions 
• Garlic
• Potatoes
• Tomatoes
• Rhubarb
• Avocado

FAQs

Conclusion

So, can horses eat cabbage? Yes, but with a side of caution. Just like we sometimes have to pass on that extra slice of cake, it’s best to keep cabbage as a rare treat for your horse. 

It’s all about moderation. If you decide to share some with your equine buddy, start small and see how they handle it. 

And always, keep an eye out for any signs of tummy trouble. Remember, every horse is different, so when in doubt, chat with your vet. Here’s to happy, healthy feeding times.