Ask the Nutritionist: Dr. Getty's Forum for Equine Nutrition
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All the best,
Dr. Getty
My vet recently said that he doesn't recommend feeding horses carrots and apples especially to older horses. What is your opinion about this?
Where are you from? Yukon, OK
How did you locate this forum? web browsing
Hi Glenda,
Your vet's concern is likely due to the propensity of older horses to develop equine Cushing's disease as they age. This leads to insulin resistance and such horses should not have feeds high in starch or sugar (such as sweet treats like carrots and apples) because the elevated insulin that results can lead to laminitis.
Unless your horse is very active, he should not have too much starch or sugar. His body and internal organs are aging and are less able to tolerate high levels of blood sugar. However, if he is healthy, is not overweight, and does not show signs of Cushing's (e.g., failure to shed, increased urination and thirst, muscle wasting, and depressed immune function), then a carrot or apple each day would be acceptable.
All the best,
Dr. Getty 
Where are you from? Bayfield, CO