Are horses allowed to eat kiwi?

Kiwis are sweet and pleasantly tart, refreshing and popular with many. In addition, they are healthy.

Because kiwis are true vitamin C bombs and also have a high mineral and water content. On the other hand, they are low in calories.

But are they also suitable for horses, or are they dangerous for the animals because of the sugar content and other nutrients?

In this article you will find out whether horses can eat kiwis and what you have to watch out for. In addition, we show you what nutrients are in the exotic fruit and what alternatives can be found to the fruit.

Can horses eat kiwifruit?

Yes, as long as you don’t overdo it on the quantity and make sure the fruit is properly prepared.

Otherwise, your horse may reject the fruit, choke on it or suffer digestive problems.

We’ll show you what factors to look for and what amounts are appropriate.
What nutrients do kiwis contain?

The vitamin C content of kiwis is particularly outstanding. With 80 milligrams of the vital substance per 100 grams of the fruit, one and a half kiwis are already enough to cover the daily requirement of an adult.

The vitamin is an antioxidant that protects cells from the harmful effects of free radicals or at least reduces them.

In addition, it supports the immune system in defending against pathogens and is important for building processes.

In addition, there are the micronutrients:

Calcium
Potassium
Magnesium
Phosphorus
Vitamin B2
Vitamin B6
Vitamin E

The minerals and trace elements are important for the bones, teeth, as well as the musculoskeletal system, muscles and nerves.

Vitamin E also acts as an antioxidant and is crucial for the eyes, muscles, nerves and skin.

In addition to these substances, there are only 9 grams of sugar. This seems low at first, but can be harmful to horses in larger amounts.

Kiwifruit are high in water and – unless the peel is removed – also have a good amount of fiber to offer.

What are the dangers of feeding kiwi to horses?

One danger is the size and shape of the fruit. These can lead to swallowing or gullet blockage, respectively.

This is true at least if you offer the fruit whole and your horse does not chew it or does not chew it enough.

Another problem is the composition, which is rich in water and sugar.

If the portions are too large, this can lead to so-called false fermentations in the gastrointestinal tract. These in turn lead to diarrhea and colic.

In addition to considerable pain, the horse is often quickly weakened by this and, in severe cases, is even in danger of losing its life.

There is also a further risk if the kiwifruit have been injected and the animal absorbs toxic substances as a result.

How can you offer kiwi to your horse?

Due to the danger of pesticides – unless you have grown the kiwis yourself – you should wash the fruit thoroughly.

This is the only way to prevent any toxins from causing discomfort.

Cut the fruit into slices. On the one hand, this eliminates the risk of choking.

On the other hand, kiwi is usually better accepted by horses if they can smell and taste the flesh directly.

Prepared in this way, you can offer the fruit directly from your hand or place it on the fish feed.

Do not leave the fruit here for too long, so that it does not attract insects, spoil or become moldy.

Our tip: Use ripe, but not overripe kiwis. Overripe fruits contain a lot of sugar and may already be partially spoiled. They are therefore no longer suitable for consumption.
To peel kiwis for the horse or not?

It is not necessary to peel the fruit. On the contrary, the peel provides much of the fiber.

This actually makes feeding unpeeled but sliced the better choice for your horse.
How many kiwifruit can a horse eat?

You should not feed more than one or a maximum of two kiwifruit per day per horse.

Otherwise you can expect digestive problems. They are therefore only suitable as a special treat.
What are the alternatives to kiwifruit?

If you want to offer your horse variety, reward it or give the animal a treat, you have a wide choice.

Between fruit, vegetables and Co. you will find some foods that you can also feed in larger quantities, or that have a health effect.

These are:

• Apples
• Banana
• Pear
• Blueberries
• leaves and twigs of fruit and nut trees
• Fennel
• Cucumber
• Honey
• Carrots
• Cabbage leaves
• Corn
• Nuts
• Rice
• Beet
• Beetroot
• Lettuce
• Spinach
• Watermelon
• Sugar beet

Because of the versatile options, you will find options that you can use for luring or as a reward. You can also create activities for your horse.

Conclusion: horses and kiwis

The exotic fruits are not fundamentally unhealthy, but are only tolerated as small portions by horses.

Therefore, the ingested vitamins and minerals also contribute only conditionally to the supply.

However, one or two kiwis can be ideal as a variety and special snack to greet the horse or after training.