Giving Your Horse Medicine

For many people, there is nothing more heartbreaking than having your horse become ill. Luckily, with the help of respected veterinarians, it is possible to diagnose and treat your horse. However if your veterinarian prescribes medicine, each day of recovery may include a struggle to get your horse to take his medicine. Like most animals, a horse will spit out or completely avoid medicine that is of an unlikeable taste or texture. The same goes for many of the equine supplements available today. While many are flavored and easy to mix with your horse’s food, the pickiest of horses will simply push it aside. Luckily, there are ways to trick your horse into taking his medicine.

One great disguise for your horse’s medicine is applesauce. The texture of applesauce lends itself well to hiding powdered forms of medicine. If you have a solid pill, check with your veterinarian to see if it is acceptable to crush the pill for your horse’s consumption. Simply mix the powder into a few bites of applesauce and put directly into your horse’s feed bin. He will probably lap it up happily, and look forward to future servings of this delicious equine dessert. Look for an all natural, unsweetened applesauce for your horse. Many of the processed or sweetened varieties are too rich for horses. Avoid over-feeding any type of applesauce or it alone could cause digestive issues for your horse.

If the medicine is in a liquid form, applesauce might not be thick enough to conceal it. Try mixing the medication with a bit of molasses. Add some water to thin the molasses if you are having hard time stirring it. A solution of sugar water might also do the trick. With the liquid methods, you can put the mixture right onto your horse’s grain in his dish. Be sure to promptly clean any remnants of a sticky mess when he is finished with his food.

In a pinch, sometimes instant oatmeal or baby food do the trick. With the oatmeal, be sure to use the plain variety and make it with water, not milk. Carrot baby food also works well for disguising an unwanted medication. However use care when feeding these items as well. Your horse will enjoy a small portion but remember not to overfeed him rich or processed foods. Always check with your veterinarian for advice specific to your horse’s individual needs.