All Lucky Chestnut treats are made with only a small amount of added sugar (boiled apple cider syrup). Two of our flavors—Banana and Carrot—also use fruits and vegetables that naturally contain more sugar and starch, so their NSC percentages are higher. The important thing to keep in mind is that because each treat is small, the actual sugar/starch per piece remains quite low.

Since NSC is such an essential consideration for metabolic horses, here’s the exact breakdown per treat:

Alfalfa Treats (~4.2 g each)
• 5.9% NSC (0.1% starch + 5.8% ESC)
• ≈ 0.25 g NSC per treat

Banana Treats (~4.8 g each)
• 23.8% NSC (12.7% starch + 11.1% ESC)
• ≈ 1.14 g NSC per treat

Carrot Treats (~4.8 g each)
• 17% NSC (1.0% starch + 16% ESC)
• ≈ 0.82 g NSC per treat

While we’re not veterinarians, many owners of metabolic horses find that the Alfalfa treats are the most suitable choice. We always recommend checking with your vet for specific guidance on serving size and diet.

Most horses can enjoy a few treats a day without any issue. They’re designed to be small rewards, not full meals. Think “a few cookies” rather than “half the bag.” If your horse has a special dietary need (like Cushing’s or EMS), it’s always best to double-check with your vet about daily limits.

Because our treats are dehydrated (with no preservatives beyond a touch of salt), they’re best enjoyed fresh:

Unopened bags: up to 6 months if stored in a cool, dry place.

After opening: about 4–6 weeks for peak freshness.

Tips to extend freshness:

Store opened treats in an airtight container (glass jars, plastic tubs, or even a freezer-safe bag work well).

Keep them in a cool, dark spot. Heat and light speed up nutrient loss and moisture changes.

Avoid humid areas (like tack rooms in summer). Moisture is what shortens shelf life the fastest.

For long-term storage, treats freeze beautifully; just portion them into airtight bags, and thaw treats as needed.

We recommend keeping them either in the resealable bag they came in, or another airtight container in a cool, dry location out of direct sunlight. This is especially true if you live somewhere where humidity is high!

Right now, our recipes use a small amount of boiled apple cider syrup to help bind ingredients and add natural flavor. It’s a low amount, but it’s there. The good news? We’re currently reformulating so that even that little bit will be gone! Soon our treats will be made with zero added sugar, while still keeping the taste horses love.

Yes we do! Please reach out to us via email at howdy@luckychestnut.com for more details. Bulk orders may require a few extra days of processing time.

We like our treats to be as fresh as possible. Orders will be fulfilled within 1-3 days from the date purchased. Once shipped, you should have your horse treats within about 3-6 days! 

Yes! You can set up a subscription so your horse’s favorite treats show up like clockwork. Subscriptions mean you never run out, you save a little, and your horse gets to look forward to their stash without you lifting a finger (other than opening the bag).

Our treats are packed by weight, so this number can vary based on each flavor.

On average, 8 ounce bags will contain between 45-55 treats depending on the flavor you choose. 24 ounce bags will contain between 140-170 treats.

Dogs love our Banana and Carrot treats! Our Alfalfa treats contain a small amount of food-grade peppermint oil, which can be toxic to dogs in large quantities. Because of this, we don’t recommend feeding our Alfalfa treats to your dog.

We’re dedicated to the happiness of horse people and their horses. If you’re not 100% happy with your purchase, we want to make it right for you! Please email us at howdy@luckychestnut.com at any time with your questions.