What to look for on the label—so your horse gets treats that love them back.
Let’s be real: most of us have grabbed a cute-looking treat bag without reading the label first. We want to make our horses happy, after all! But when it comes to everyday rewards, a few small tweaks can make a big difference for your horse’s long-term health.
Here are a few common ingredients to keep an eye out for—and some clean, easy swaps your horse will still love.
👀 1. Molasses as a Main Ingredient
Why to pause: Molasses is sweet and sticky—horses love it—but it can spike blood sugar and isn't ideal for metabolic horses or easy keepers.
A cleaner option: Look for treats that use fruit or fruit-based sweeteners in small amounts—like banana, carrot, or boiled apple cider syrup. Horses don’t need a sugar rush to enjoy a snack.
👀 2. Grain-Based Fillers (Corn, Soy, Wheat)
Why to pause: Grains can be hard on sensitive horses and often show up in treats as inexpensive fillers without much nutritional value.
A cleaner option: Choose grain-free treats made with alfalfa, beet pulp, or other fiber-rich bases that support digestion and slow energy release.
👀 3. Artificial Flavors or Colors
Why to pause: If the label lists something you can’t pronounce—or a color not found in nature—it’s likely just for looks or artificial flavor, not your horse’s health.
A cleaner option: Real ingredients your horse already knows and loves—like peppermint, turmeric, or fennel—are naturally tasty and beneficial.
👀 4. “Natural Flavoring” or Ingredient Byproducts
Why to pause: Terms like “natural flavoring” or “byproduct” can sound harmless—but they often hide low-quality or unnecessary additives. These ingredients may be used to boost flavor without offering any real nutritional benefit, and they're rarely specific about the source.
A cleaner option: Look for treat labels where every ingredient is clearly listed—no guessing games. If you wouldn’t feed it on its own, it shouldn’t be tucked into a treat.
👀 5. Treats That Are Baked at High Temps
Why to pause: High-heat baking can strip away nutrients from whole foods and herbs.
A cleaner option: Dehydrated treats preserve more of the good stuff—vitamins, minerals, and all that plant-based power your horse can actually use.
So what does a clean treat label look like?
Something like this:
Ingredients: Flax Seed, Chia Seed, Alfalfa, Flax Seed Oil, Boiled Apple Cider, Nettle, Himalayan Salt, Peppermint Oil.
You know what everything is. You can feel good about every single bite.
(And yep—that’s one of ours 💚)
At Lucky Chestnut, we make small-batch, nutrient-conscious treats with ingredients we’d feed our own horses. No molasses. No grains. Just real, honest snacks made with love for your heart horse.
Curious which one your horse will pick?
👉 Try the Tasting Bundle and see which flavor they go for first.