The Complete Handbook of Horse Treats

From simple carrot chunks to molasses-free training pellets, from high-fat senior cubes to electrolyte-boosted recovery snacks, horse treats span a surprisingly wide product category with widely varying nutrition profiles, manufacturing methods, and shelf-life characteristics. Yet most buyers choose treats the same way they choose a candy bar for themselves: by the picture on the bag. This handbook replaces guesswork with knowledge. It explains how to read an ingredient label like a feed chemist, how to understand sugar and starch percentages that are often unlisted, and how to match a treat format to a specific horse's age, workload, dental condition, and metabolic risk.

Beyond the product itself, the book covers the practical operations: correct storage to prevent mold and rancidity, feeding protocols that avoid reinforcing unwanted behavior, and troubleshooting common problems from selective eating to digestive upset. The final sections address the business reader directly, covering bulk purchasing, private-label manufacturing, retail display strategies, and the emerging regulatory landscape around equine supplements and snacks.

The author has compiled input from feed mill operators, equine nutritionists, and barn managers into a single structured reference. No fluff, no brand cheerleading, just what works and why, with concrete examples throughout.