Q: Is it Okay to Feed a Horse Pine needles?

Posted by Laura Thompson Apr 8, 2009

I recently received a question from a concerned Suite101 reader about whether or not it is safe to feed horses pine needles. I answered her e-mail privately, but I thought the answer to this question might help other horse owners.

If you live in an area with lots of pine trees, it's safe to say your horse will encounter pine needles from time to time. And since horses are prone to grazing in their pastures or when walked by their owners, it is possible your horse will one day ingest a needle or two.

In some species of pine trees, the sap found in the pine needles is attractive to horses, which might be why your horse is munching down. I had a feeling about this particular issue, but I called my veterinarian to confirm.

It is not necessarily dangerous for a horse to eat pine needles, but it isn't necessarily healthy either. Horses have very sensitive digestive tracts, and any disruptions can cause problems, such as colic, bloody diarrhea and general distress. If your horse is eating pine needles, try clearing the area as often as possible.

And do not intentionally fed your horse pine needles. Even though there may be no negative consequences, it isn't a good idea.

Have a horse question? Send it to Horses@Suite101.com and Laura Thompson will provide an answer, either in a private e-mail or in a blog post.