Succulents in the Horse’s Diet – More Than Just a Summer Treat

Written by Briony Witherow MSc RNutr. FHEA

As horse owners, we’re always looking for ways to keep our horses happy, hydrated, and engaged—especially in warm weather when pasture quality may drop, and hydration is vital. One simple but often overlooked option is adding succulent feeds (fruit and vegetables) into the diet. These can provide moisture, variety, and enrichment, but there are important considerations before you start.

Why Succulents?

Most fruits and vegetables are 80–90% water, making them an excellent source of extra moisture for horses stabled for long periods or fed on dry forage. On a dry matter basis, they contribute relatively little sugar and calories, so—when fed in moderation—they can be a safe addition to many rations.

However, not all horses respond the same way to sugar intake. For those with insulin dysregulation or laminitis risk, any ration addition should be treated with care and every horse managed as an individual.

Feeding Guidelines

For All Horses

·        Never feed anything to a horse that does not belong to you or that you don’t have permission to feed.

·        Feed small quantities to provide variety and enrichment without excessive extra calories.

·        Split servings across the day to promote enrichment and help avoid sugar peaks.

·        Always consider the whole ration — even small treats contribute to total starch, sugar, and calorie intake.

For Horses Requiring a Low Sugar Ration

·        Prioritise low sugar/calorie options first (see green section in our Succulents Quick Reference Guide).

·        Use peelings instead of flesh where possible — skins of many fruits/veg are lower in sugar.

·        Avoid or strictly limit high-sugar “occasional treats” such as apple, banana, pear, and swede.

·        Consider keeping a consistent treat allowance to avoid fluctuations in dietary sugar levels.

Choosing What to Feed

Some treats are better suited for horses on a low sugar ration. That’s where our Succulents Quick Reference Guide comes in. It provides:

·        Sugar levels for common fruits and vegetables (and notes on starch where relevant) for standard serving sizes

·        How they compare to typical forage and other common feeds in the ration.

·        Colour-coded categories:

o  Lower sugar/calorie options – best for low sugar diets

o  Moderation treats – occasional options for low sugar diets, more flexibility for others

o  Occasional treats – suitable for occasional use or infrequent use in low sugar diets

By having these figures alongside common forage sugar values, you can make informed choices and avoid unintentional excess sugar.

Take-Home Points

·        Succulents boost hydration, add variety, and support enrichment—especially in hot weather or for stabled horses.

·        Portion control is key

·        For low sugar diets, stick mainly to green category foods in the quick reference guide.

·        Always tailor treat choices to the individual, particularly for horses prone to laminitis or metabolic issues.

·        When in doubt, consult your vet or equine nutritionist.