Hi Dr. Getty!! Back again for a question about our miniature horses. I read somewhere that it was safe to give horses bow tie noodles for a treat...uncooked, of course. They love them and don't choke on them and I think they're low in sugar and high in protein. They also only get 1 or 2 a day at most. What do you think? Many, many thanks, Pam

Where are you from? Arizona

How did you locate this forum? Been here before

Hi Pam,

Any type of pasta (bow ties, included) is made from semolina wheat, a type of cereal grain. So, they are high in starch, which breaks down to be sugar in the digestive tract.

So, if your horse needs to avoid starch and sugar, this would not be a good choice.

If your horse is healthy, not overweight, not insulin resistant (metabolic syndrome), or has any other issue where sugar and starch need to be limited, you can offer a small amount as a treat.

Keep in mind, pasta is just like white bread -- basically starch and not much else.

All the best,

Dr. Getty
Author of Feed Your Horse Like A Horse

Where are you from? Bayfield, CO

Once again, I thank you for your sage advice! We give VERY few treats, so it won't be difficult to eliminate these. Our favorite treats are alfalfa pellets and knowing we're going to treat the horses now and then, replace some of their feed with the pellets.

Take care and God bless,
Pam

Where are you from? Arizona

How did you locate this forum? Been here before

Thank you, Pam, for your kind words. I'm delighted to help.

Keep up the fine work!

Dr. Getty

Where are you from? Bayfield, CO