Green: harmless
Yes, your horse can snack on a few strawberries. Penn State Extension counts strawberries as one of the safe fruits for horses. The horse nutritionist Dr. Juliet Getty lists berries among the generally safe treats.
Why the traffic light is green
According to the sources evaluated, strawberries do not contain anything that would be toxic to horses. They are small and soft, which eliminates the risk of large, hard chunks, which is a problem with apples or carrots. Nevertheless, they remain fruit with fructose. A handful in summer is a reward, a bowl full is too much.
What you should pay attention to
- Washing: Strawberries grow close to the ground. Wash them thoroughly before feeding them.
- Quantity: According to Penn State Extension, treats should be given in small amounts and not be a main part of the ration. As a rule of thumb, she says one to two pieces per serving.
- Sugar-sensitive horses: According to the University of Kentucky, horses with Equine Metabolic Syndrome (EMS) need a strictly limited ration without concentrates, sugary feeds and treats. If your horse has EMS, insulin resistance or has ever had laminitis, ask your vet before every fruit treat.
- Only perfect fruits: Mushy or moldy berries belong in the compost, not in the horse's mouth.
- Not a substitute for basic feed: According to Penn State Extension, treats do not provide the vitamins and minerals that your horse gets from roughage and concentrated feed.
- No Strawberry Shortcake: Cookies, cakes and candy are high in sugar or starch and are unsuitable for horses with metabolic problems such as laminitis, according to Penn State Extension. The strawberry itself is the better treat.
What to do if your horse has eaten strawberries?
A few berries are no cause for concern for a healthy horse. If it has eaten its fill of a bed or box, watch it for the next few hours. If it becomes restless, turns to its stomach or stops eating, call the practice. In the case of horses with EMS or a history of laminitis, you can also report no symptoms if there were more than a few fruits.
If poisoning is suspected or if there are signs of colic, go to a veterinarian or emergency veterinary service immediately.
It's best to introduce something new in small quantities and see how your horse tolerates it.
Frequently asked questions
Are horses allowed to eat the green of strawberries? Strawberry green is not specifically mentioned in the sources evaluated. If you want to be sure, pluck it off.
Are horses with EMS allowed to eat strawberries? Better not without consultation. The University of Kentucky recommends a ration free of sugary foods and treats for EMS.
Read more
- Can horses eat watermelon?
- Can horses eat grapes?
- What can horses eat? The overview with traffic lights
- Horse weight calculator: How to estimate your horse's weight
- Buying a horse: the checklist
Quellen, abgerufen am 05.11.2026: Penn State Extension, Trick or Treat? Things to Think About When Giving Your Horse a Treat (Danielle Smarsh, Andrea Kocher); EquiMed, Dr. Getty's Tip on Treats: Which are safe and which are not? (Dr. Juliet Getty, Pferdeernährungswissenschaftlerin); University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension, Equine Metabolic Syndrome: Is My Horse Just Fat or Is He Sick? (Amanda Adams, Fernanda Camargo, ID-239)
