Can Horses Eat Tomatoes?
If you have ever wondered if you can let your horse eat tomatoes, you have probably thought that this vegetable is a treat, but the truth is that it’s actually a poison. While some animals eat these foods as a treat, this is not the case for horses. Toxins in tomatoes, specifically those found in the green leafy parts, can cause serious indigestion and even throat swelling. Tomatoes contain atropine, which can reduce intestinal mobility and result in colic. (viagrageneric.org) In addition to horses, they’re toxic to goats and rabbits as well.
| Can Horses Eat Tomatoes?
If you have ever wondered if you can let your horse eat tomatoes, you have probably thought that this vegetable is a treat, but the truth is that it’s actually a poison. While some animals eat these foods as a treat, this is not the case for horses. Toxins in tomatoes, specifically those found in the green leafy parts, can cause serious indigestion and even throat swelling. Tomatoes contain atropine, which can reduce intestinal mobility and result in colic. In addition to horses, they’re toxic to goats and rabbits as well.
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While tomatoes are considered a delicacy for horses, they’re actually a safe food for them. Tomatoes contain solanine and demissine, which are glycoalkoloids that can be harmful to a horse’s health. If they eat a tomato, they’ll likely develop gastrointestinal problems. The poisoning amount of a tomato is anywhere from one to ten pounds, depending on the tolerance of a particular animal. Fortunately, horses don’t mind the food as much as we do.
Although tomatoes are a natural food for horses, you shouldn’t let your equine friend eat them. They’ll probably show signs of discomfort if they eat tomatoes, including diarrhea. If you suspect your horse has ingested a tomato, treat it right away to prevent further damage. If you see any of these symptoms, make sure you get your equine partner medical treatment as soon as possible. Thankfully, tomato poisoning is not dangerous and your horse will recover from it on their own.
There are many benefits to giving your equine a piece of tomato. Tomatoes are one of the few vegetables that horses enjoy. However, they are poisonous for horses. It is important to remember that they’re part of the Solanaceae family and contain alkaloids that are harmful to equines. If your horse eats tomatoes, it’s important to remove all obstacles and put up barriers.
In general, it’s best to avoid tomatoes in your horses’ diet. Nonetheless, you shouldn’t exclude them from the pasture. They love bananas and grapes. And if you happen to have a tomato plant growing in your yard, it’s probably safe for your equine friend to eat. If you can’t grow them yourself, consider putting them in a cage. You’ll be surprised at how many berries and tomatoes your horse will consume.
If you’re concerned about the safety of tomatoes for horses, it’s best to call your veterinarian right away. Not only do tomato plants pose a toxicity risk to your horse, but they’re also not recommended for growing in the yard. In addition to tomatoes, horses don’t like carrots, cucumbers, and rockmelon. If you’re worried about your horse’s health, give it a few minutes to read the warning labels on their packaging.