10 Healthy Thanksgiving Treats For Horses: Ideas & Recipes

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10 Wholesome Thanksgiving Treat Recipes

Thanksgiving treats made with horse-safe ingredients strengthen bonds while providing natural nutrition and positive reinforcement.

1. Classic Pumpkin Oat Cookies

Pumpkin provides vitamin A, fiber, and digestive support, while oats offer sustained energy. These soft cookies have a subtle sweetness horses naturally enjoy.

Ingredients:

• 1 can (15 oz) pure pumpkin puree (not pie filling)
• 4 cups whole oats or rolled barley
• 2 teaspoons cinnamon
• 1¾ cups whole wheat or oat flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 2 cups of water

Directions: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Mix pumpkin and water in a large bowl, then add all dry ingredients until well combined. Drop spoonfuls onto a greased baking sheet and bake for 25 minutes until firm. Cool completely before serving. For horses with metabolic concerns, substitute rolled barley for oats and skip any additional sweeteners.

2. Apple & Carrot Crunch Bites

This classic combination of apples and carrots delivers natural sweetness and a satisfying texture in every bite.

Ingredients:

• 2 large carrots, finely grated
• 1 large apple, finely diced
• 3 cups quick oats
• ½ cup oat flour
• 1 cup unsweetened applesauce
• 1 tablespoon coconut oil (optional)

Directions: Combine grated carrots and apples with oats and flour. Stir in applesauce and coconut oil until the mixture holds together. Form the dough into small balls and place them on a greased baking sheet. Bake at 350°F for 15 minutes. Allow to cool completely before offering to your horse.

3. Banana Flaxseed Energy Balls

Bananas provide natural potassium while flaxseed delivers omega-3 fatty acids that support coat health and joint function.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup rolled oats
• 1 cup oat flour
• 2 ripe bananas, mashed
• ½ cup ground flaxseed
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon

Directions: Mix all ingredients in a bowl until thoroughly combined. Roll the mixture into small balls and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake at 350°F for 18 minutes. Let cool before serving.

4. Cranberry Peppermint Holiday Treats

Peppermint supports healthy digestion while cranberries offer antioxidants in this festive combination.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups rolled oats
• 1 cup unsweetened applesauce
• ¼ cup unsweetened dried cranberries
• 2–3 sugar-free peppermint candies, crushed

Directions: Combine oats, applesauce, and cranberries in a bowl. Form mixture into small balls and roll in crushed peppermint. Refrigerate for at least one hour before serving. Offer in moderation due to the natural sugars. Use only sugar-free peppermints and ensure cranberries contain no added sugar.

5. Sweet Potato Mash Cups

Sweet potatoes are low-glycemic and high in fiber, making them suitable for most horses.

Ingredients:

• 2 medium sweet potatoes, baked and mashed
• 1 apple, finely chopped
• 1 tablespoon ground flaxseed
• Pinch of cinnamon

Directions: Mix all ingredients thoroughly. Spoon into silicone mini muffin cups and refrigerate until firm. Serve cool or slightly warmed for a comforting treat.

6. Beet Pulp & Apple Muffins

Beet pulp provides excellent fiber, while apples add moisture and natural flavor.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups soaked beet pulp (properly rinsed and hydrated)
• 1 apple, grated
• 1 carrot, grated
• 1 cup oat bran

Directions: Combine all ingredients in a bowl. Spoon into lightly oiled muffin tins and bake at 350°F for 20 minutes. These soft muffins work exceptionally well for senior horses.

7. Butternut Squash Cookies

Seasonal squash adds variety while maintaining the wholesome profile your horse needs.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup grated butternut squash
• 1 cup grated carrot
• 1 cup rolled oats
• ½ cup unsweetened applesauce

Directions: Mix all ingredients until well combined. Drop spoonfuls onto a greased baking sheet and bake at 350°F for 18 minutes. Cool completely before serving.

8. Fresh Fruit Medley

Sometimes the simplest treats are the best—fresh produce offers hydration and natural nutrition.

Safe Thanksgiving fruits:

• Seedless watermelon chunks
• Pear slices (no seeds)
• Cantaloupe pieces
• Strawberries
• Blueberries

Directions: Wash thoroughly and dice into small, manageable pieces. Offer as an occasional snack, not as a meal replacement.

9. Oat & Raisin Chews

Raisins provide a rich source of trace minerals and a natural sweetness when used sparingly.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups rolled oats
• ½ cup oat flour
• ½ cup raisins (unsweetened)
• ¾ cup unsweetened applesauce
• 1 egg (optional, for binding)

Directions: Combine all ingredients and mix well. Press mixture into a lightly greased baking pan and bake at 350°F for 15 minutes. Cut into bars when cool. Feed raisins sparingly due to their concentrated sugar content.

10. Apple Oat Chews

This is an easy, customizable treat that comes together quickly with pantry staples.

Ingredients:

• 1 large apple, finely chopped
• 1½ cups rolled oats
• 2 tablespoons unsweetened applesauce
• 1 tablespoon molasses (optional)

Directions: Mix all ingredients until sticky enough to form small balls. Refrigerate for at least one hour before serving. These no-bake treats maintain maximum nutritional value.

Essential Safety Guidelines for Holiday Horse Treats

Thanksgiving treats made with horse-safe ingredients like pumpkin, apple, carrot, and cranberry strengthen bonds and provide natural nutrition and positive reinforcement.

Keeping Thanksgiving treats safe requires attention to ingredients, portions, and preparation methods:

• Choose horse-safe ingredients only: Never use chocolate, onions, garlic, avocados, or anything not specifically safe for equines.
• Start small with new foods: Introduce unfamiliar ingredients gradually to monitor for allergic reactions or digestive upset.
• Maintain proper portions: Treats should never replace forage or regular feed—limit to a few pieces per day.
• Prepare properly: Wash all produce thoroughly and remove pits, seeds, cores, and stems.
• Store correctly: Keep homemade treats in airtight containers and refrigerate for up to one week, or freeze for more extended storage.
• Monitor consumption: Watch your horse the first time they try any new treat to ensure they chew properly and show no adverse reactions.
• Consult your veterinarian: Always check with your vet before introducing new foods, especially for horses with metabolic conditions, allergies, or special dietary needs.

Why Bailey's CBD for Your Horse's Thanksgiving Wellness

Bailey CBD products can help promote calmness in horses facing stress from the holidays.

The holiday season can bring stress to horses with increased barn activity, visitors, travel, and changes in routine. At Bailey's CBD, we understand that equine wellness extends beyond nutrition—it encompasses emotional balance and physical well-being as well.

Our carefully formulated CBD products utilize single-source, USDA-certified organic hemp from Boulder, Colorado, which is processed through subcritical CO₂ extraction, preserving beneficial compounds without the use of harsh chemicals or solvents. This gentle method ensures that your horse receives the highest-quality hemp extract available.

What sets Bailey's CBD apart:

• Single-source USDA organic hemp from Boulder, CO.
• Subcritical CO₂ extraction, done by the only lab in the US performing this method, which is explicitly chosen for its purity.
• Full-spectrum formula (not isolate) for enhanced effectiveness through the entourage effect.
• Non-psychoactive (<0.3% THC), so your horse stays alert and comfortable.
• Backed by Dr. Robert J. Silver, DVM, veterinarian-formulated for equine needs.
• Third-party lab-tested for heavy metals and pesticides, with results accessible via a QR code on every package.
• Licensed by the Department of Health, providing regulatory oversight that most CBD companies lack.

For horses experiencing holiday stress or requiring extra support during busy Thanksgiving gatherings, we offer natural calming support that works in conjunction with your horse's endocannabinoid system to promote balance without sedation. Your horse maintains their personality and energy while feeling more relaxed and comfortable.

Some of our CBD products for horses include:

• CBD Pellets For Horses, are easy to mix with feed for daily wellness support.
• CBD Oil For Horses, which comes with precise dosing for flexible administration.

By supporting your horse's natural stress response and promoting calm during festive occasions, we can help create a more harmonious holiday experience for both you and your equine companion.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I give my horse Thanksgiving table scraps?

No, avoid feeding table scraps to horses. Human holiday foods often contain ingredients that are unsafe for equines, including high sodium, butter, oils, seasonings, and potentially toxic ingredients like onions or garlic. 

Stick to horse-specific treats made with safe, whole ingredients that are specifically designed for their digestive system.

How many treats can I safely give my horse during Thanksgiving?

Treats should make up no more than 5–10% of your horse's daily diet. For most horses, this means 1–3 small treats per day, depending on size and metabolic health. 

Horses with specific metabolic sensitivities may need further restrictions. It is best always to consult your veterinarian for personalized guidance.

What are the most dangerous foods I should never feed my horse?

Never feed horses chocolate, avocados, onions, garlic, tomatoes, potatoes, caffeine, or excessive grapes/raisins. These foods can cause serious health problems ranging from digestive upset to toxicity. 

Also, avoid lawn clippings, moldy produce, and anything treated with pesticides. When in doubt, consult your veterinarian before offering any new food.

Can I freeze homemade horse treats for later use?

Yes, most baked horse treats freeze well for up to one month when stored in airtight containers. This makes them perfect for batch preparation before the holidays. 

Thaw treats completely at room temperature before feeding, and check for any freezer burn or off odors before offering to your horse.

How can Bailey's CBD support my horse during the holiday season?

Bailey's CBD products work with your horse's endocannabinoid system to promote natural calm and balance, helping reduce restlessness during busy holiday periods. Our veterinarian-formulated, full-spectrum CBD is made from single-source, USDA organic hemp processed through subcritical CO₂ extraction, the cleanest method available. 

With rigorous third-party lab testing for heavy metals and pesticides and oversight from the Department of Health, we provide gentle, non-sedating support that helps horses feel relaxed during Thanksgiving gatherings, travel, and routine changes. Available in pellets and oils, our products provide flexible administration to meet every horse's individual needs.

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.