Ask The Equine Nutritionist

QUESTION

I was just wondering, I've always heard that wheat is bad for horses, but no one has ever really told me why. My Dad said he thought it was because it had too much protein, but he wasn't sure. So is that the reason, or is there a different one? Also, would it be okay to feed a little?    Thank you!

ANSWER 

Wheat is unsafe for horses because it contains the protein gluten. Gluten turns to glue when exposed to water (think flour and water= glue) which means that the horses get impaction colics if fed raw wheat. Once cooked how ever the protein denatures and can not longer make glue (bread and water = mush), thus cooked wheat is okay to feed (in small amounts) but raw wheat is dangerous. Hope that helps

Dr. Melyni Worth Ph.D. - 2004 - 2005(c)

Back to Dr. Melyni's Articles Home Page
Back to Articles Home Page