Green: harmless
Yes, in small pieces and in moderation. Penn State Extension lists beets as a safe vegetable for horses. The ASPCA also lists Beta vulgaris, which includes beets, as non-toxic to horses.
Why the traffic light is green
The tuber is not poisonous to horses. There are two points you should still know. First, the leaves: Large, mature leaves contain oxalic acid, according to the ASPCA. The CliniTox database at the University of Zurich lists 8 to 10 g of soluble oxalic acid per kilogram in the leaves and sometimes a lot of nitrate. CliniTox describes problems especially with ruminants that eat large quantities of beets or beet leaves on one side.
Secondly, the sugar. Beets are rich in sugar: CliniTox states 16 percent in sugar beet and 10 percent in fodder beet. There is no separate information for beetroot. For horses with Equine Metabolic Syndrome (EMS), the Irish agricultural authority Teagasc recommends a ration with a maximum of 10 to 12 percent sugar and starch.
And as with all solid treats, the form counts. According to the Merck Veterinary Manual, pharyngeal obstruction is by far the most common disease of the esophagus in horses.
What you should pay attention to
- Cut into pieces: Penn State recommends chopping up larger treats so nothing gets stuck in your throat.
- Leaves sparingly: Do not give large amounts of beet leaves because of oxalic acid and nitrate.
- Be careful with EMS and laminitis: Sugary treats are problematic for these horses. Discuss the amount with your vet.
- Introduce slowly: A horse that doesn't know beetroot will only get one or two pieces.
- No pickled beetroot: Jars of vinegar, sugar and spices are not horse feed.
What to do if your horse has eaten beetroot?
A few pieces are no problem. If your horse appears weak afterwards or shows signs of colic, call. If it has swallowed a whole tuber, look out for throat blockage: food slurry from the nostrils, salivation, coughing and a stretched neck are typical signs, according to Merck.
If there are signs of poisoning, blocked throat or colic, call the veterinarian or the veterinary emergency service immediately.
Frequently asked questions
Can horses eat beetroot raw? Our sources do not differentiate between raw and cooked. It is important that you cut them into small pieces.
Are horses allowed to eat beet leaves? Only a little. According to the ASPCA and CliniTox, large leaves contain oxalic acid, and sometimes also a lot of nitrate.
Read more
- Are horses allowed to eat beet pulp?
- Can horses eat carrots?
- Horse weight calculator: How heavy is your horse?
- 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); ASPCA, Toxic and Non-toxic Plants: Beets; CliniTox, Universität Zürich, Pflanzengifte: Beta vulgaris; Teagasc, Endocrine and Metabolic Disorders (Equine Health); Merck Veterinary Manual, Disorders of the Esophagus in Horses (Jan F. Hawkins, DVM)
