Fact-Checked & Evidence-Based Veterinary Reviewed

Can Horses Eat Apples?

Name: Can Horses eat Apples?
Creator: Dra. Carmen Ortega

Written By

Dra. Carmen Ortega

Veterinary Nutritionist

Medically Reviewed By

Dr. Sarah J. Whitaker

Chief Veterinary Toxicologist

Updated May 2026

Generally Safe

A classic treat, in moderation

Most horses love apples and they are perfectly safe as an occasional treat. The two things to watch are choke — from feeding a whole apple — and sugar, since large amounts can upset digestion or trigger laminitis in at-risk horses.

Severity

None when fed correctly

Toxic Dose

Treat only

Onset Time

N/A (sugar/choke risk)

Treatment

Not required if fed safely

Good To Share

Generally Safe To Feed

Apples is generally safe for horses when prepared properly and served in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

See Serving Guide Browse More Safe Foods

Are apples good for horses?

Apples — horses.

Apples are a wholesome, palatable treat that most horses adore. They provide fibre, some vitamins and a high water content, and their natural sweetness makes them ideal for rewarding or hiding medication. As an occasional treat alongside forage, they fit a healthy diet well.

There are two practical cautions. A whole apple can lodge in the oesophagus and cause choke, so apples should always be cut into pieces. And because apples are sugary, horses prone to laminitis, insulin resistance or colic should have them strictly limited.

Cut to prevent choke

Always slice apples into pieces rather than feeding them whole. Horses may not chew a whole apple properly, which can cause a frightening oesophageal choke.

Health Benefits

Highly palatable, ideal for rewards

Good source of fibre

High water content for hydration

Provides vitamins A and C

Low in fat

Useful for hiding medication

Dose & Severity

Apples are a treat, not a feed. The guide below shows sensible amounts for an average horse.

One or two slices

occasional treat

Ideal

Cut into pieces

A whole apple, sliced

now and then

Fine occasionally

Still watch sugar

Several apples daily

too much sugar

Too much

Colic/laminitis risk

How to feed apples safely

1
Always cut into pieces. Slicing prevents a whole apple from causing choke.
2
Keep it to a treat amount. A slice or two is plenty; forage should remain the diet.
3
Remove the core for large amounts. Seeds in tiny quantities are harmless, but discard cores if feeding several.
4
Limit for at-risk horses. Avoid or minimise for ponies prone to laminitis or insulin issues.

You Might Also Try

Rotate apples with other horse-safe treats to vary the reward.

Carrots

A classic crunchy treat; cut lengthways to prevent choke.

Bananas

Soft, sweet and well-liked in small amounts, peel included.

Watermelon

Hydrating treat; the rind is safe in small pieces too.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many apples can a horse eat?

Apples are a treat, so one or two slices at a time is ideal and a whole sliced apple occasionally is fine for most horses. Large daily amounts add too much sugar and should be avoided.

Are apple seeds dangerous for horses?

Apple seeds contain trace amygdalin, but the tiny amount in a few seeds is harmless to a large horse. If feeding several apples, it is sensible to remove the cores.

Can laminitic horses eat apples?

Horses prone to laminitis or insulin resistance should have apples strictly limited or avoided because of the sugar. Check with your vet about safe treats for at-risk horses.

Sources & References

Merck Veterinary Manual — Feeding and Treats for Horses
American Association of Equine Practitioners — Treats and Laminitis (2024)
Equine Veterinary Journal — Dietary sugar and laminitis risk

About the Author: Dra. Carmen Ortega

Veterinary Nutritionist

Diplomate of veterinary nutrition focused on species-appropriate diets and preventative feeding, and lead author of our dietary guidance.

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