Some parts of the dogwood contain toxic substances. However, the leaves, twigs and fruits of the dogwood are not dangerous to horses. Here's what you need to know about dogwoods and horses.
Is dogwood poisonous to horses?
Dogwood is non-toxic to horses in moderation. They can eat both the leaves and bark of branches without suffering any damage. After boiling, red dogwood fruits are even edible for humans and are rich in vitamin C.
How poisonous is dogwood to people and horses?
Most varieties of dogwood areslightly poisonous and inedible. The toxins are concentrated at different levels in different parts of the plant. However, with some varieties you can even make jam from the fruits of the plant. However, correct processing is absolutely necessary for this. Otherwise, the plant can cause diarrhea or, in the worst case, even cause poisoning.
Can horses eat poisonous dogwood?
It's not a problem if horses eatDogwood leaves The leaves of the plant are not dangerous to the large animal. It is therefore harmless if the animal eats dogwood leaves. The opinion is often expressed that dogwood is essentially non-toxic to horses. In this context, remember that horses have a natural sense of what is good for them and what is not.
Are dogwood branches poisonous to horses?
Twigs and branches of the dogwood are certainly safe for horsesedible The plant's toxic substances are mainly concentrated in the middle part of the branch. Typically, horses only nibble on the outside of the branches and eat the bark. In this respect, they absorb little toxin even if they eat a lot of twigs. Typically, twigs and branches are often used as food for overweight horses. They form a kind of diet food. The branches of the dogwood can be used for this purpose.
Tip
Fruits of some varieties are also edible
The fruits of the red dogwood are not poisonous. They are edible for both humans and horses. However, if you want to enjoy these as a human, you should boil the berries before eating them. Then you get edible berries that contain lots of vitamin C.
