A substance called “amygdalin” is found in apple seeds and is used as a defense mechanism. When the apple seeds are chewed up and metabolized, this substance converts to hydrogen cyanide, a poisonous gas.
The toxin is released into the air and can be inhaled, ingested, or absorbed through the skin. Symptoms of exposure include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, dizziness, headache, and abdominal pain. Exposure to the toxin can cause death within 24 hours if not treated immediately.
Table of Contents
Are apple seeds harmful to horses?
Some fruits, such as apples and apricots, contain pits which are toxic in large quantities. If you want your horse fruit to not choke on it, it’s best to remove the large pits before you offer it. If you’re not sure whether a fruit is safe to eat, ask your vet for advice.
Can you give a whole apple to a horse?
Many of us like to give apples to our horses. Excess fruit can become too much of a good thing. A belly full of fruit can cause other problems. You probably shouldn’t give your horse more than one or two apples a day. If you do feed apples, make sure the apples are ripe. If they are not ripe, they will not be as sweet as they should be.
Is it OK for horses to eat apples?
Almost any fruits, and many vegetables, are safe treats for healthy horses. The traditional favorites are apples and carrots. You can give your horse grapes, bananas, strawberries, cantaloupe, and other fruits and vegetables. If you have a horse that is overweight, you may want to consider giving him a high-protein, low-fat diet. This will help him lose weight and keep it off.
What fruit can horses not eat?
Whole peaches, avocados, and cherries can be dangerous for a horse if they choke on the pit, because they have a stone in it. If your horse consumes any of these three things in excess, it can lead to bad gas and colic.
Can horses get cyanide poisoning from apples?
The horses are not immune to cyanide. The amount of cyanide in apple seeds is very small, and horses are very large. The dose makes the horse sick, but it isn’t enough to kill it.
Cyanide poisoning can be caused by a number of things, such as eating an apple that has been exposed to a poisonous substance, or by eating apples that have been stored in a dark place. It is also possible for a horse to eat a poisoned apple and not get sick.
How many apples can horses eat a day?
If you feed your horse a lot of apples at the same time, it can cause severe stomach distress and possibly lead to a vet visit. Feed your horse just 1 or 2 apples a day to keep him happy and healthy.
The amount of apple you should feed depends on the size of the horse and the type of horse you are feeding. For example, if you have a small horse, you may need less than 1/2 an apple per day, while a large horse might need more than 3/4 of a apple.
If you’re feeding a horse that is very active, such as a pony or a colt, the amount you need may be much higher than for a smaller horse.
It’s also important to remember that apples are not the same as applesauce, which is a mixture of water, sugar, and other ingredients that are added to the apples to make them more palatable for the horses’ stomachs.
Are apple trees poisonous to horses?
Apples are a favorite horse treat, however the seeds are toxic and should not be allowed unlimited access to apple trees. When it comes to the fruit, horses don’t stop when they should. Plants that are toxic to horses include seeds, stems, and leaves.
Can horses be allergic to apples?
apples, carrots and peppermints all carry the potential for allergic reactions in a horse. It is important to include these when discussing your horse’s feed with your vet because they can often be overlooked.
Why are apples bad for horses?
Some people like to give their horses apples. If your horse has a belly full of apples, it is likely to cause colic, which can lead to founder. You shouldn’t give your horse more than two pieces of apple at a time. If you are feeding apples to your horses, make sure that the apples are fresh.
If they have been sitting out in the sun for a long time, they may not be as fresh as you would like them to be. Also, be sure to check that your apples have not been damaged by insects or other animals.
