By guest author Arslan Hassan

What Are Some Foods Both Horses And Dogs Can Eat?

Feeding all your pets altogether isn’t easy. And yet, as pet owners, we’ve got to do all we can to ensure they are always in top-notch health.

It might be even harder to prepare food if you’ve got both dogs and horses to take care of. You probably have double the meal to prep. They both have different digestive systems, after all.

However, did you know that some foods can overlap? In this article, we will take a deep dive into all those overlapping foods and what foods you should most definitely keep apart for your dogs and horses.

Let’s get started.

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Foods That Are Safe for Both Dogs and Horses

We’ve touched upon this earlier: dogs and horses have different digestive systems. In simple words, dogs are carnivores and have shorter digestive tract. This allows them to digest meat-based proteins quickly.

Horses, conversely, are herbivores and have a much longer digestive tract. It’s designed that way so they can digest fibrous plant materials. And we mean lots of fiber.

The design of their digestive system alone tells you that they got very different diet requirements. But some foods are safe for both! Here are some examples:

Carrots for Vitamin A

Carrots make an excellent source of vitamins A and C, fiber, and antioxidants. And what you may not know is that carrots can also help clean your pet's teeth and freshen their breath!

Apples For Fiber and Antioxidants

Apples are truly a fantastic source of fiber and vitamins A and C, and they also got plenty of antioxidants. And it’s a snack that both animals enjoy quite a lot! Though both dogs and horses can eat them whole, it might be a better idea to remove the core—smaller dogs might have trouble digesting the seeds.

Oats for Carbohydrates

Oats are pretty wholesome! They are a great source of fiber, protein, and carbohydrates. They are especially beneficial for horses because of the fiber.

Sweet Potatoes for Potassium

Sweet potatoes are not only delicious, but they are also an excellent source of vitamins A and C, fiber, and antioxidants. It may even help reduce inflammation in your pets!

Peas for Protein and Fiber

Peas are a great source of protein, fiber, and vitamins A and C. Peas are especially beneficial for dogs because the micronutrients are super good for a healthy coat and skin.

You might still have to prepare foods for their specific dietary needs, but knowing the common foods might save you some meal prep time. Just note that the above is not an exhaustive list! You’ll find a lot more information on www.TrendingBreeds.com for more meal ideas.

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Foods That Are Unsafe for Both Dogs and Horses

Now let’s talk about the foods that are unsafe for dogs and horses. These foods can be pretty dangerous to their health and overall well-being, so let’s stay clear of the following, shall we:

Chocolate

Chocolate contains theobromine, which is pretty toxic to dogs and horses. You’ve got to be super careful because even small amounts of chocolate can cause vomiting, diarrhea, seizures, and even death in severe cases.

Onions and Garlic

Onions and garlic contain compounds that can be pretty damaging to red blood cells in both dogs and horses. This can lead to anemia, weakness, lethargy, and vomiting.

Avocado

Avocados contain persin, another chemical that is super toxic to dogs and horses. To be clear, the flesh of the avocado is generally safe for them to eat. It is the pit and skin that are the problem. It can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and even death.

Grapes and Raisins

Grapes and raisins can cause kidney failure in both dogs and horses. They’ll have similar effects as mentioned above.

Macadamia Nuts

Macadamia nuts contain toxins that can cause weakness, lethargy, vomiting, and hyperthermia in both animals.

Alcohol

It goes without saying, but alcohol is pretty bad for your pets. It can cause vomiting, diarrhea, central nervous system depression, difficulty breathing, and even death. Don’t even try a small amount.

Xylitol

Xylitol is an artificial sweetener and a big no-no for your pets. It can cause insulin release in dogs and horses, leading to hypoglycemia. Other than the symptoms mentioned above, it can cause loss of coordination and seizures.

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Conclusion

To sum it up, both your horse and dog can share their sources of vitamins! Of course, your dog will require more protein, and your horse will require more fiber, but they can chow down on natural vitamin sources together, and this should save you a lot of meal-prepping time.

Ensure you read up on their different digestive systems to get better informed. You’ll find loads of updated information on www.WeLoveDoodles.com!

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FAQs

Q1. What human foods can dogs and horses eat?

There are some human foods that dogs and horses can eat. Some examples are fruit like apples and bananas and vegetables like carrots, green beans, and sweet potatoes.

Q2. Can dogs and horses eat the same vegetables?

Yes, there are, in fact, some vegetables that both dogs and horses can safely eat, such as carrots and green beans.

Q3. What fruits can dogs and horses eat?

Apples and bananas are generally safe for dogs and horses to consume in moderation.

Q4. Can dogs and horses eat raw meat?

Raw meat can contain harmful bacteria and should be avoided for both!

Q5. Can horses eat dog food?

No, dog food is not appropriate for horses as it does not meet their nutritional needs.

Q6. Can dogs eat horse feed?

No, horse feed is not appropriate for dogs as it does not meet their nutritional needs.

Q7. What snacks can I give my horse and dog?

Vitamin sources—like fruits and vegetables—can make great snacks for dogs and horses. Examples are carrots and apples.

Q8. Can dogs and horses eat the same supplements?

Some supplements may be appropriate for both dogs and horses. You’ll need to consult your veterinarian to be sure.