Valentine’s Day is the perfect time to show your horse some extra love! While horses don’t need sweet treats, it can be fun to make them something special. (As long as it’s healthy and fed in moderation). These homemade beetroot & apple treats are free from added sugar, made with natural ingredients, and are designed to complement a balanced diet.
Recipe: Beetroot & Apple Horse Treats
Ingredients:
- 1 cup oats (blend half into oat flour for better binding)
- 1/2 cup grated beetroot (safe & nutritious for horses)
- 1/2 cup homemade applesauce (boiled apples, no sugar added)
- 1/2 cup grated apple
- 1 tbsp ground linseed (flaxseed) (for coat & joint support)
- 1 tbsp water (if needed for consistency)
- Sliced strawberries (for topping)
Preheat oven to 160°C (320°F).
Blend half of the oats into a fine flour.
In a bowl, mix the oat flour, whole oats, grated beetroot, grated apple, and linseed.
Stir in the homemade applesauce and mix until a dough forms. Add a little water if needed.
Shape into small heart-shaped cookies (use a mould or shape by hand).
Bake for 15–20 minutes or until firm but slightly soft inside.
Let them cool completely, then top with a slice of strawberry for a cute, healthy garnish!
🍏 Why these treats are healthier
Many store-bought horse treats contain added sugar, molasses, or artificial flavourings, which aren’t ideal for horses, especially those prone to laminitis, weight gain, or metabolic issues. This recipe uses natural ingredients with no unnecessary additives:
✅ Oats – A good source of fibre and slow-release energy
✅ Apples & Homemade Applesauce – Naturally sweet without added sugar
✅ Beetroot – Adds a beautiful pink colour and rich in vitamins & minerals
✅ Linseed (Flaxseed) – Supports coat condition and joint health
✅ Strawberries – A tasty, antioxidant-rich topping
Did you know? Instead of using shop-bought applesauce, I made my own by boiling apples until soft and blending them – this way, there’s no added sugar and it’s gentler on digestion! 🍏
How many treats can horses have? (Feeding in Moderation) 🐴
While these treats are healthy, they should be fed in moderation. Treats should never replace a horse’s main diet of forage and a balanced feed balancer.
- Small Ponies – 1-2 treats per day
- Average Horses – 2-3 treats per day
- Large Horses – Up to 4 treats per day
Horses with laminitis, EMS, or weight concerns should have treats even more sparingly, and always check with your vet if unsure.
Storage & shelf life
To keep these treats fresh:
- Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days
- Freeze extras and defrost as needed
@bluechipfeed 💖 Valentine's Day Treats for Your Horse! 🍎🥰 💕 Show your horse some love this Valentine’s Day with these healthy homemade treats! Made with oats, apples, beetroot (for a natural pink glow!), and topped with fresh strawberries, they’re sugar-free, nutritious, and totally horse-approved! 🐴💘 Full recipe in link in bio #homemadefood #homemadehorsetreats #valentinesday #horselove #horses #equestrianlife #HorseCare #horsetips #ponylove #horsesfyp #valentinesday2025 #CapCut ♬ original sound - bluechipfeed
