{"id":529,"date":"2022-01-23T13:00:00","date_gmt":"2022-01-23T13:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/thehorsesguide.com\/?p=529"},"modified":"2021-12-29T19:32:59","modified_gmt":"2021-12-29T19:32:59","slug":"to-eat-or-not-to-eat-can-horses-eat-celery","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/thehorsesguide.com\/to-eat-or-not-to-eat-can-horses-eat-celery\/","title":{"rendered":"To EAT or Not to Eat: Can Horses Eat Celery?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Do Horses Eat Celery? <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Horses are herbivores with some unique dietary needs that on occasion include the consumption of human foods. Celery is a leafy root vegetable that’s part of the human diet, but can horses eat celery too? <\/p>\n\n\n\n

There are differing opinions regarding which foods are appropriate meal additions or treats, which ones are harmful, and even when & how to feed them to the horses. Horses simply need additional nutritional supplements<\/a> because grass consumed when grazing may be of poor quality or not as abundant <\/p>\n\n\n\n

When offered celery, a majority of equines will gladly munch on as much as they can get, however, because of different taste buds, not every single equine is going to be a fan of this crunchy legume.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Can Horses Eat Celery?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Horses typically feed on grass and grains, two to three times a day, however, adding celery to their mash, or serving it as a snack, is sure to be a welcome addition to their regularly-scheduled meals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Celery is typically priced based on current supply and demand. They can last up to three to four weeks, if raw. Celery that is properly stored is available year-round.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Benefits of Celery to Horses<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

As with humans, vegetables, like celery, provide horses with essential minerals like magnesium & phosphorus that support good health, proper brain function, and physical development. It is low in carbohydrates, sugar, and calories, yet full of essential antioxidants, and vitamins. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Celery is packed with calcium<\/a>, vitamin A<\/a>, vitamin C<\/a>, and vitamins B9, B2 & B6. These vitamins assist with muscle & tissue repair, collagen production for ligament health, and combating against free radicals in your equine’s body.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Eating celery is good for stimulating healthy digestion with its generous fiber content, can reduce inflammation, and keeps your horse hydrated thanks to a high-water content. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to Feed Celery and Other Vegetables to Your Equines<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

When feeding celery and other vegetables to your horses, fresh produce is always recommended as it packs more of a nutritional punch. You should always wash celery, fruits, and other veggies properly as they may contain pesticides or pick up bacteria during transport.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Celery and other vegetables should always be sliced into strips or cut into smaller pieces before serving so that your horse can safely ingest them. All fruits and vegetables should either be served to your horse in a large bucket, a proper feeding trough or, carefully hand-fed if you’re looking to increase bonding time between you and your animal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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What do Horses Like to Eat?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

So besides grazing on grass, grains, and the occasional celery stalk, what do horses like to eat? In addition to celery, horses are known to enjoy pumpkins, apples<\/a>, green beans, coconut, molasses, ripe pears, and cucumbers. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

While there are numerous foods you can incorporate into your horse’s diet, it’s always a good idea to consult with your veterinarian before making any drastic or permanent changes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

There are also foods that horses should avoid eating, such as stone fruits, rhubarb, chocolate, onions, and bread, because they may cause serious digestive issues and\/or they may be poisonous, causing severe or fatal illness to your animal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Can Horses Eat Celery Leaves?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Celery leaves can indeed be eaten by horses and are believed to contain most of the plant’s vital nutrients. The horse can also consume celery seeds and their roots; however, just like the leaves and the stalk, they should be washed and chopped up into smaller bits to streamline the eating process.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Is Celery in Any Way Harmful to Horses?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Like most produce, celery must be thoroughly washed before consuming since parasites or microorganisms may be present, disrupting the digestive tract. Celery also has diuretic effects, which can cause excessive loss of body fluid. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

If it is not cut into smaller pieces, celery has the potential to get lodged into your horse’s esophagus, which can cause serious injury or even death. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Celery is high in potassium, which can negatively affect horses suffering from hyperkalemic periodic paralysis (HYPP), a genetic muscular deficiency that can cause muscle tremors and weakness.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How Much Celery Can My Horse Have?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

You’re delighted that your horse enjoys it, but can horses have celery regularly? Even though it is tasty and healthy, it is a good idea that your horse’s celery consumption be limited to no more than twice a week and no more than a total of 1 to 2 pounds (454-907 g). <\/p>\n\n\n\n

3 Celery Recipes to Make for Your Horse<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Horse owners find great joy in making treats for their beloved animals, and they too should be allowed responsible cheat days from their diets, just like us humans. Celery is like tofu in that it can absorb other flavors easily and quickly, lending great versatility to a variety of recipes your horse is bound to enjoy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you know that your horses are fond of celery, show them some extra love by whipping up one of these very easy and tasty celery dishes. Before using or feeding your horse any type of sweetener, it is always a good idea to find out if they are insulin resistant.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sweetened Celery ‘Soup’<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Serving size: 1 serving<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Time: 10 minutes<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Prep Time:7 minutes<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Cook Time:  3 minutes<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Equipment Needed<\/h4>\n\n\n\n