6 Best Low Sugar Horse Treats That Your Horse Will Love
Low sugar horse treats are the way to go if your horse is overweight or suffers from metabolic issues making them prone to insulin resistance or laminitis. We don’t think horses should miss out on the occasional treat because they have a health condition.
This buyer’s guide covers some of our favorite picks for low-sugar treats available online. We will be looking at ingredients, benefits, and, of course, whether or not they smell and taste great. Your horse won’t even notice that these treats contain less sugar.
Top 6 Low Sugar Horse Treats (Our Review)
Nutrigood Low Sugar Snax
- Low-Starch formula for safe treating: contains 80% less sugar & starch vs. leading treats
- No added sugar
- All natural ingredients: no artificial color or flavors
- Made in the USA
The savory flavor of brewer’s yeast in Nutrigood Low Sugar Snax makes up for being extra low in sugar. Available in all-natural apple or carrot anise flavors.
These snacks are low-starch when compared to other leading treats. They hold their shape well in pockets and are great to use for training
When left at room temperature the treats sweat in the bag and tend to go moldy very quickly, such a waste. Best store in the fridge and only take out a few at a time. You can soak in a bit of water to soften for older horses.
Pros
- Low starch horse treats
- Great taste and smell
- Fits into toys
- Suitable for mini ponies
Cons
- They go moldy quickly
- Crushed treats in some bags
Buckeye All-Natural No Sugar Added Peppermint Bits Treats
Most horses love peppermint flavor and what’s great about this Buckeye sugar-free treat is that they contain peppermint oil for the taste they love without any sweeteners or artificial additives.
There are hundreds in the large bag and good value for money and you can keep a handful in your pocket.
The small treats are perfect to use as rewards for training and also fit into most horse toys. Keep your horse entertained trying to get at these little minty rewards. Even though they contain molasses, they are small enough to avoid overfeeding.
Pros
- Easy to chew and digest
- Resealable bag
- No artificial flavors
- Value for money
Cons
- Contain molasses
- Some horses don’t like peppermint
Equus Magnificus German Beet Treats
Beet pulp is an excellent source of fiber and these delicious treats are also low in starch.
Equus Magnificus German Beet chewy muffins are the size of marshmallows and can be put in the microwave for 15 seconds to soften enough for you to hide a pill inside. Most horses, even picky eaters, love these healthy snacks.
One criticism is that these are rather large for a serving. They can be broken into smaller pieces without crumbling making them easier to chew. Low in sugar but do contain some molasses so they are still okay to give to horses with metabolic issues but in moderation.
Pros
- High in crude fiber
- No soaking needed
- Supports digestion
- Smell and taste good
Cons
- Chewy for a senior horse
- Too big for small horses
Kelcie’s Pumpkin Spice Horse Treats (Low Sugar)
- FORMULATED BY OLYMPIC GOLD MEDALLISTS with a life-time of experience in what horses want and need to keep feeling healthy and happy whether they are youngsters or golden oldies
- FOR TREAT-LOVING HORSES that deserve an energy boost, Kelcies Pumpkin Spice Horse Treats are low in sugar, starch and carbohydrates, rich in Omega 3 fatty acids and prepared to avoid gastric ulcers and gaseous colic often experienced through horse food treats
- NUTRITIOUS AND DELICIOUS REWARD: A way to bond with a horse’s heart is through their stomach. Give them something special, healthy and satisfying after a good day’s training or work – they will love you for it
- USA GROWN natural food ingredients by local farmers and extruded to a specific density and shape designed for optimal digestion and nutritional absorption. No preservatives or artificial colors
- EXTENSIVE TESTING has shown that not a single horse has turned them down and we are confident that yours won’t either. Add to cart now and give your four-legged friend a treat he deserves
Kelcie’s Pumpkin Spice Horse Treats horse treats were developed by Olympic gold medalist riders who know their stuff when it comes to horses.
Turmeric (an anti-inflammatory) and kelp (high in iodine) are both beneficial for horses with metabolic issues. Linseed meal helps your horse maintain a glossy coat and provides slow-release energy.
The 5lb bag is great to keep in the barn as the treats store well at room temperature staying fresh and crispy. Although packed with good stuff, the high level of crude protein and fatty acids in these treats may not be ideal if your horse is on a diet.
Pros
- All-natural ingredients
- Don’t crumble in pockets
- Horses love the flavor
- Stay fresh for long
Cons
- Not for weight loss
- Some horses don’t like the anise smell
Stud Muffins Slims Reduced Sugar Horse Treats
Stud Muffins Slims have all the nutritious ingredients and flavors that your horses love in the original Stud Muffins.
The controlled sugar version contains 50% less sugar making them suitable for horses with Cushing’s disease.
Each treat contains flaxseed that is good for the coat and joints of a horse. Even fussy horses will love the delicious molasses flavor.
A single treat is big for a single serving but can be broken into halves or even quarters to make it easier to chew. Try crushing one and sprinkling it over regular feed, your horse will thank you.
Pros
- Hand made
- Low sugar
- Smell Great
- Can be used to hide pills
Cons
- Harder and drier than originals
- A bit too big
Omega Fields Apple Flavored Omega Nibblers Low Sugar and Starch
These super cute heart-shaped treats are apple-flavored and packed with Omega 3 fatty acids. They are tasty and contain healthy ingredients. This includes flaxseed which is proven to be helpful in managing insulin resistance.
The small size of these Omega Fields Apple Flavored Omega Nibblers work well to put a few in your pocket for rewards during a ride.
These are also the perfect choice if your horse is on a diet as they are low sugar and low starch treats. A handful of these delicious treats each day has the same effect as most supplements for your laminitis-prone horse.
We love that a reward for your horse can also be good for his health.
Pros
- No added sugar
- No artificial preservatives
- Good for coat and hooves
- Suitable for horses of all ages
Cons
- Crumble easily if broken
- Previous reviews report a bad bag
How To Choose The Best Low Sugar Horse Treats (A Buyer’s Guide)
Ingredients
Since we are looking for low-sugar treats for horses that may be on a diet or suffer from metabolic problems, the most important thing is that there are no added sugars. Look for products with natural ingredients and no artificial colors or preservatives.
Seeds like flaxseed and linseed, beet pulp, anise, licorice oil, and even some spices including turmeric all help your horse stay healthy. When in doubt, consult with your vet.
Flavor
There is no point buying a treat that your horses turn their noses up at. Just like people, horses prefer different things. If you don’t already know, you will quickly learn your horse’s favorites.
Popular flavors include carrot, apple, beetroot anise, mint, and some treats are even a little spicy. Some low-sugar treat varieties add natural sweeteners.
Size, Shape, and Texture
A bigger cookie or muffin that is softer in texture is good for hiding pills inside or crumbling pieces over food. Some horses and ponies with small mouths and older horses with worn teeth struggle to chew a large treat especially if it is too hard.
The benefit of a smaller treat size is that you can avoid overfeeding, even horses that are overweight can safely be given one or two. Smaller treats fit easily into toys or into your pocket and are perfect to use for training.
Price
There is a very large amount of treats available for horses on a low sugar or low starch diet. If you shop around you are sure to find something in your price range.
Be careful of going for the cheapest option which may cut corners on quality and contain unnecessary or harmful ingredients resulting in huge disappointment for you and your four-legged friend.
As an alternative to specially made treats, you could make your own horse treats, or find hay cubes which are a budget-friendly option suitable for metabolic horses.