Keep this in mind when feeding honey to horses.

Honey can be beneficial for horses under certain conditions.

For example, it can be used for gastrointestinal problems to promote recovery.

However, there are some factors that you need to know when feeding it. We will tell you about them in the following article.

In this article you will learn whether horses can eat honey and if so, in what quantity. Also, the variety you should choose will be given and when honey is suitable for treatment.

So, read on and find out what you need to pay attention to when feeding.

Can horses eat honey?

Under the right conditions, honey can be good for your horse in small amounts.

Because it has some good properties and proven effects, which we tell you below.
Honey for horses with stomach problems

If your horse suffers from inflammation of the stomach lining, a stomach ulcer or other problems in the digestive tract, honey can help.

It acts

against germs
beneficial to digestion
soothing

For these reasons, it can also be used, for example, on external open wounds and promote healing.

This is true for wounds on the legs as well as for inflammations of the gums. In this case, however, the honey is applied similar to a cream.

When feeding, the horse receives a small amount of honey daily as a cure. This can also increase energy.

Honey for respiratory diseases

Just as people drink hot lemon or tea with honey when they have a cold, you can also offer honey to horses with upper respiratory diseases.

It also has an anti-inflammatory and calming effect. The supportive effect promotes healing and also tastes good to your horse.

For this use, you can add one to two tablespoons of the selected honey to the concentrate daily. Even this small amount in the mash is enough to promote healing.

How much honey can a horse get?

For the treatment of digestive problems, it is sufficient to give one tablespoon of honey daily. For respiratory problems, it may be twice as much.

If your horse does not take the honey on its own, you can mix it into the feed or alternatively spread it on apple or carrot.

This will give you better control over the amount ingested.
How long should the honey treatment last?

The administration of honey for complaints in the digestive tract can be done as long as it is necessary. Often about four weeks are sufficient for this.

Ultimately, however, it is always individual and depends on the particular case, how long your horse can benefit from honey or needs it.

Can horses be given honey as a treat?

Yes, because of its health benefits, you can give honey to your horse even if there are no diseases.

However, the consistency makes it difficult to feed honey as a treat on the go.

You can give it on apple pieces or on carrots. These combinations are often readily accepted.
Which honey can be given to horses?

That depends on the purpose. In general, you should choose high-quality, real honey.

Beekeepers are a good place to start.

Honey from the supermarket is often not suitable.

For one thing, it is strongly heated. This destroys the components that are beneficial to health. On the other hand, it can be contaminated with germs.

Beekeeper honey is always the better choice.

However, if you want to administer honey for stomach or respiratory health reasons, Manuka honey is even better.
What is special about Manuka honey?

The honey, which comes from New Zealand, contains the active ingredient MGO. This abbreviation stands for the term methylglyoxal.

This substance has a similar effect as antibiotic.

It helps the organism to fight pathogens and promotes healing.

Due to this and its origin, Manuka honey is unfortunately more expensive. The higher the content of MGO, the higher the price.

With a tablespoon daily, larger quantities are needed, which is why this honey for the horse should only be used as a support in case of medical problems.

What are the alternatives to honey?

If it’s just for use as a reward or treat and variety, you have a few options instead of honey with your horse.

These include, for example:

Apples
Bananas
Cucumbers
Carrots
Beet
Lettuce
Sugar beet

If it’s about the medicinal effect, however, you need to consult a veterinarian to find the appropriate remedy for your horse and individual case.