As an avid herb gardener and horse owner, I’m always on the lookout for healthy, natural treats I can offer my horse Libby during our daily rides and activities. Rosemary is one herb that caught my eye – its woody stems and dark green leaves have an irresistibly aromatic scent. But is rosemary actually safe for horses to eat? Let’s take a deeper look at this question.
What is Rosemary?
For those unfamiliar with this herb, rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) is a woody, perennial evergreen shrub native to the Mediterranean. The leaves have a potent pine and citrus flavor that makes rosemary a popular culinary seasoning. It’s commonly used to flavor foods like chicken, potatoes, vegetables and more.
Rosemary contains phytonutrients and essential oils that provide several benefits when consumed by humans. These include antioxidants, anti-inflammatory properties and potential help with memory and mood. The aromatic oils in rosemary – specifically borneol, 1,8-cineole, α-pinene, camphor, and verbenone – are thought to be responsible for its various effects.
Is Rosemary Toxic to Horses?
In small amounts, rosemary is generally considered non-toxic to horses. However, there are a few important considerations regarding rosemary and equine safety:
- Amount matters. While an occasional sprig here and there is unlikely to cause problems for most horses, large quantities of rosemary should be avoided. Some reports indicate doses over 10 grams per kilogram of body weight may induce toxicity.
- Individual sensitivity varies. Not all horses will react the same way to rosemary. Some equines are more sensitive than others to rosemary’s essential oils and could experience digestive upset even from small amounts.
- Diuretic and laxative effects. In large doses, rosemary can act as a diuretic (increases urination) and laxative (increases bowel movements) in horses due to its volatile oils. This could potentially lead to dehydration if too much is consumed.
- Potential allergic reactions. As with any new food, there’s a small chance some horses may have allergic reactions like skin irritation when eating rosemary. This risk is higher with sensitive individuals.
So in summary, small amounts of rosemary are likely safe for most horses. But there are risks if too much is given without prior introduction and monitoring of effects. It’s best to start with a very small amount and slowly increase based on your horse’s individual tolerance. Ongoing symptoms like diarrhea or colic would indicate rosemary doesn’t agree with that particular horse.
Should You Feed Rosemary to Horses?
Given the varying sensitivity horses can have as well as rosemary’s diuretic effects, many equine experts do not recommend feeding this herb regularly or in large amounts. At the same time, an occasional sprig here and there as a tasty treat or seasoning is probably fine for most horses when introduced carefully.
So what’s the verdict? Here are my recommendations based on everything I’ve learned:
- Only feed freshly cut or dried rosemary – never essential oils which can be toxic.
- Start with a single, pinch-sized sprig and observe your horse for several hours before offering more.
- Limit rosemary treats to only occasional offerings, no more than a couple times per month.
- Monitor your horse for any signs of gastrointestinal upset like diarrhea after eating rosemary.
- Don’t rely on rosemary as a steady food source or additive. Stick to tried-and-true equine favorites like carrots, apples and grass as the main dietary components.
- Consider rosemary an enjoyable occasional flavoring rather than something horses “need.” Don’t feel bad opting out of it altogether if concerns remain.
The bottom line is that while small amounts of rosemary are generally thought to be safe for most horses when introduced carefully, the risks may outweigh the rewards. There are so many other more consistently equine-friendly treats to enjoy that don’t cause the same uncertainty. My preference is to skip rosemary and stick to simpler options for Libby’s pleasure. But I hope this information helps you make the right choice for your own horse!
Healthy Rosemary-Free Treat Recipes
For those wanting a healthy and safer alternative to rosemary treats for their horses, here are a few of our tried-and-true favorite recipes:
Carrot Cake Treats
- 2 cups grated carrots
- 1 cup oats
- 1/2 cup molasses
- 1/4 cup peanut butter or applesauce
- 1 egg
Mix all ingredients together and form into treat-sized balls. Dehydrate or bake at 300°F until dry but not hard. Store in a sealed container.
Apple Cinnamon Oats
- 2 apples, cored and chopped
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1/4 cup molasses
- 1 tbsp ground cinnamon
Toss ingredients together and feed as is or form into balls. Apples provide hydration along with fiber, carbohydrates and antioxidants.
Banana Nut Balls
- 2 medium bananas, mashed
- 1 cup oats
- 1/2 cup nuts, like walnuts or pecans, chopped
Mash bananas and mix with dry ingredients. Roll into balls and let air dry. Bananas deliver potassium along with prebiotic fiber for gut health.
I hope these rosemary-free treat recipes give you and your horse some tasty and nourishing alternatives to enjoy together safely. Please reach out if you have any other equine nutrition questions!