Apples and Horses
I
By Eleanor Richards
s your horse the apple of your eye? Or does
he just have his eye on your apple?
Most horses love apples. An apple cut into pieces
makes a wonderful treat. Apples and applesauce
are used to hide oral medications. But is an apple
really as healthy as they say. And can an apple a
day keep the vet away?
You’ll be glad to know apples are a very healthy
treat... for both you and your horse.
Apples are high in potassium. A medium sized apple may contain
approximately 160 milligrams (mg) of potassium.
Potassium is important for proper muscle contraction and nerve
function. Potassium is also an electrolyte, and electrolytes are necessary
for cellular metabolism.
Horses with active HYPP (hyperkalemic periodic paralysis) leak potassium
from the muscles into the blood stream constantly. It is very important
potassium intake is controlled when feeding these horses.
Research had determined potassium in a HYPP positive horse’s diet be kept
at a consistent level of about 1% or less of the total diet. So, feeding an apple
to a horse with active HYPP may not be safe and is not recommended.
The calcium to phosphorus ratio in apples is safe. An average sized apple
provides about 10 mg of each of the minerals; resulting in a 1 part calcium to
1 part phosphorus ratio. If the phosphorus level is greater than the calcium
level the body will not utilize calcium correctly, resulting in bone weakness.
Calcium is important for bone growth and maintenance, blood coagulation,
muscle and heart function, milk production and activation of enzymes
and hormones.
Phosphorus is important to bone structure and energy metabolism. It also
neutralizes the acid in the body.
As most horse owners know, fiber is very important to the equine diet.
An average sized apple, with the skin, contains about 3-5 grams of fiber, and
that’s good.
Apples also are high in the vitamins A and C. These vitamins are antioxidants.
Antioxidants fight the free-radicals in the body. Free- radicals are damaged
molecules which may cause inflammation, infection and fatigue.
50th Street
BOARDING FACILITY
Close to
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Trails!
Ten Stall Barn and Outside Stalls Available
Full Size Arena with Good Ground
Round Pen • Tack Room • Plenty of Parking
Horse Training Available
Cattle Available to Work Your Horse
As in all treats, moderation is the key. Over-indulgence can create problems.
The equine digestive system must be allowed to adjust to new feeds. If your
neighbor gat