How To Make Herbal Horse Treats: Bring A Little Joy To The Barn
Nothing gets my horse’s attention faster than the sound of a treat bag crinkling. I’ve tried a bunch of different horse snack recipes over the years, and herbal horse treats definitely get the best reaction. They’re easy to make with ingredients you can find at any decent grocery store or feed shop, and they’re a fun way to sneak in some healthy herbs that support your horse’s overall well-being.
When I whip up a batch, the barn always smells amazing. You’ll get a burst of fresh peppermint, chamomile, and plenty of natural sweetness. These treats don’t just taste good (well, according to my horse), they also offer a wholesome alternative to the sugary store-bought options. If you’re looking for a way to pamper your best barn buddy and know exactly what goes into their snacks, this recipe is worth checking out.
What Makes These Treats Worthwhile?
- Super simple to make at home. No baking skills required, just basic mixing and scooping.
- Wholesome, natural ingredients. Oats, applesauce, and fresh or dried herbs that horses genuinely enjoy.
- Flexible and customizable. Swap in your horse’s favorite herbs or add-ins; there’s room to get creative.
- Budget friendly option. Making treats yourself often costs less than specialty store bought options.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s what I use for a batch of simple herbal horse treats. You probably already have a lot of these on hand:
- 2 cups rolled oats (plain, not flavored)
- 1 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 1/2 cup whole wheat flour (you can use oat flour to keep it gluten free)
- 2 tablespoons dried herbs (try peppermint, chamomile, or dried parsley)
- 1 tablespoon honey or molasses (just a little for stickiness and flavor)
- 1/2 cup grated carrot or apple (adds moisture and a touch of sweetness)
For the herbs, you can use one or mix a couple. Just make sure what you pick is safe for horses. Peppermint, chamomile, and parsley are some of the best options. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can check out dried rose hips or finely chopped thyme, but always make sure they’re safe to eat for horses first. Some folks even add a sprinkle of ground flaxseed for a boost of healthy fats, or a handful of unsweetened coconut flakes for extra texture and flavor, especially in the summer months.
How To Make Herbal Horse Treats (Step by Step)
1. Gather Everything You Need
I start by preheating my oven to 325°F (165°C). I also line a baking sheet with parchment paper so nothing sticks. Getting all my ingredients measured out makes the process go a lot smoother, especially when things get a little sticky.
2. Mix Your Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, I combine the oats, flour, and dried herbs. Stirring them together helps make sure the herbal flavor is evenly spread out. No bland bites here—mix well for the best treat texture.
3. Add The Wet Ingredients
Applesauce, honey (or molasses), and the grated carrot or apple go in next. I use a spoon or my hands to mix it up until a soft, sticky dough forms. If it feels too dry, I add an extra tablespoon of applesauce; if it’s too wet, a sprinkle more oatmeal usually fixes things. Sometimes I like to add a small splash of water or a touch more applesauce for extra softness if the dough feels stiff, but be careful not to make it too wet or the treats won’t hold their shape as well during baking.
4. Shape and Place on Baking Sheet
I grab a spoon (or just use my hands) and drop small mounds of dough onto the lined pan. Rolling them into bite sized balls makes them easy for horses to munch, and it keeps treat time a lot less messy. For a little extra fun, you can gently flatten the dough balls with the back of a fork, so they bake up with a nice rustic look.
5. Bake To Firm Them Up
I bake the treats for 25-30 minutes. They should feel firm to the touch and lightly golden. This helps them store a bit longer and makes them less crumbly in your pocket.
6. Cool Before Serving
Once they’re out of the oven, I let them cool completely. Horses aren’t great with hot snacks, and the treats get sturdier as they cool down. If you’re making a double batch, you can cool them on a wire rack to help speed up the process.
Tips, Variations & Storage Suggestions
- If you want a crunchier treat, let them sit in the oven after baking (just turn the oven off and crack the door open) for an hour. They’ll dry out a bit more, which is perfect for longer storage.
- Switch up the herbs seasonally or to match your horse’s preferences. Mint is nice in the summer, while chamomile has a calming scent that’s really soothing.
- Store treats in an airtight container for a week, or freeze them if you want them to last longer. They thaw out pretty quickly and taste just as good.
- Skip the honey or molasses if your horse is sensitive to sugar. Applesauce and carrot add plenty of sweetness on their own.
- If you want even more variety, toss in a pinch of cinnamon (another horse safe favorite) or a spoonful of chia seeds to add fiber. Every horse is different, so it’s fun to mix in some variety and see what your horse goes for most enthusiastically.
Herbal Horse Treat FAQ
Q: Which herbs are safe to use in horse treats?
Some top choices include peppermint, chamomile, parsley, and dried rose hips. Always double check before trying something new, since not every kitchen herb is safe for horses. Steer clear of anything spicy or bitter, like sage or oregano.
Q: How many treats can I give my horse?
Treats are just that—a treat! I usually stick to one or two per day. Too many can upset their stomach or mess with their usual diet.
Q: Can I use fresh herbs instead of dried?
Yep! Just use twice the amount, since dried herbs are more concentrated. Chop fresh herbs finely so they mix into the dough evenly.
Q: Are these treats good for all horses?
These treats are generally safe for most horses, but always take into account any allergies or sensitivities your horse might have. As with any snack, feed in moderation, and if your horse has a specific condition or is on medication, check with your vet before introducing new ingredients. The recipe is flexible, so you can adjust it to fit your horse’s needs.
Try It Out With Your Favorite Horse!
Making herbal horse treats is an easy and fun project, whether you’re baking for your own gelding or looking to make new friends at the barn. Getting creative with flavors is part of the fun. I love trying out new herb combinations and seeing which ones get the biggest nod from my horse. If you give this recipe a shot, let me know how your horse likes them. Sharing tips and tweaks with other horse folks is how I keep my treat recipes fresh and barn life even more enjoyable. Your horse will thank you for adding some extra natural goodness to their day!
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