Bamboo is non-toxic to humans. But what about horses? Is there a danger to the animals if bamboo grows on the horses' pasture and they nibble on it every now and then?
Is bamboo poisonous to horses?
Bamboo is not toxic to horses, but they should not eat bamboo leaves in large quantities or exclusively, as this can have a negative impact on the digestive system. Young and tender shoots are better suited for feeding than older leaves and hard stalks.
Can horses eat bamboo leaves safely?
Bamboo is considerednon-toxic for horses. But these grazing animals should not feed on bamboo in abundance or even exclusively. Too large quantities - especially of older leaves - could have a negative effect on the horse's digestive system. There are no more detailed studies on this so far, which is why caution is advised.
Do bamboo leaves contain substances that are incompatible with horses?
Bamboo leavescontaina small amount ofhydrocyanic acid If horses were to eat too many bamboo leaves, they could develop intolerances. But since horses are instinctive animals, they would not gorge themselves on bamboo leaves again if they had already suffered from them. Basically, horses stay away from all food that is harmful to them.
Would horses eat bamboo shoots?
In addition to the bamboo leaves, the bamboo shoots freshly sprouted from the ground could also beinteresting for horses. They are only edible for humans when processed, cooked or pickled in vinegar. Like the leaves, they contain a certain amount of hydrogen cyanide.
How could you offer bamboo to horses?
If you have bamboo in your garden or on your property, you can simply let horsesgraze thereAlternatively,individual branches, for example which occur during pruning, are collected and offered to the horses. But be careful: just offer, don't impose.
Tip
Prefer delicate shoots for horses
If you want to do your horse a favor, you shouldn't give him the old leaves and hard stalks of bamboo to eat. The young and tender shoots are more suitable for feeding, as they contain fewer substances that protect the bamboo from excessive eating.
