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Taste Testing Low Sugar Horse Treats with Dr. Liz

Posted on: February 12, 2025 by Dr. Liz Schatz

There are many reasons to look for horse treats that are low in sugar; some horses have metabolic issues and some riders like to minimize a horse’s sugar consumption. Regardless of the reason, there are many great options available. Maybe too many? It can be hard to know where to start, but because I have three eager in-house taste testers, they thought-- I mean I thought it would be fun to do a comparison and review of some of the low-sugar treats that are currently available on the SmartPak website.

The taste test team includes: 

  • Felix – 13yo chestnut Thoroughbred gelding 

    • Likes: almost all treats, neck scratches, getting muddy 
    • Dislikes: fish oil, interruptions to nap time 
  • Wyatt – 11yo bay Thoroughbred gelding 

    • Likes: almost all food items, forehead kisses, kids 
    • Dislikes: hot weather, anyone in the way of his hay bag 
  • Homer – 7yo grey Thoroughbred gelding 

    • Likes: pulling hats off humans, muzzle smooches, being absolutely filthy 
    • Dislikes: cold weather, anything peppermint flavored 

Our wonderful Product Team selected several options with 10% NSC (non-structural carbohydrates) or lower. In reverse order of popularity, here is the feedback from my hard-working taste test team:

5. Mrs. Pastures® Super Cookie™

  • Shape: Disc
  • Texture: Crunchy with a rough surface
  • Aroma: None

I was a bit surprised when two of my three horses seemed a bit put off by these treats (even the one who usually eats everything!) I thought the sweet potato would be very mild and even a bit sweet, and the kelp would not have much flavor. I don’t know that any of them have ever tasted turmeric before, so I suspect that was the source of the hesitation. For what it’s worth, one horse ate these with no issues.

4. Equine Elixirs Tidbits Digestion Cookies

  • Shape: Disc
  • Texture: Crunchy and fairly smooth
  • Aroma: Very faint flour smell

These treats were accepted by all three horses, but not with the enthusiasm that they ate some of the other options. I love that they provide some digestion support, so I would definitely buy these again. They would even be a great option if you’re looking for a training treat.

3. Standlee Alfalfa Forage Bites – Banana

  • Shape: Large pellet
  • Texture: Firm and smooth, like an alfalfa cube
  • Aroma: Pleasant banana scent

All three horses loved these treats. The bag is fairly large, so they got these in their dinner for several days after the taste test, and they continued to enjoy them. My horses don’t usually get alfalfa, so these felt like an extra special treat for them.

2. Hilton Herballs

  • Shape: Small pellet
  • Texture: Firm and smooth
  • Aroma: Very strong and herbal

I was honestly surprised that all three horses loved these treats. I thought they might be put off by the strong herbal aroma, but they were very excited about them and ate them enthusiastically. They are even small enough to fit several in your pocket to feed on the go.

1. SmartCookies - Guilt-Free Carrot Cake

  • Shape: Small pellet
  • Texture: Firm and smooth
  • Aroma: Very pleasant carrot cake smell

SmartCookies are a favorite here, but my horses had not tried the carrot cake flavor yet and they were very excited to eat these. Like the Standlee Alfalfa Forage Bites, even the smallest bag is big enough that they got them for several days, and they continued to enjoy them. And they are small enough to put several in your pocket, just like the Hilton Herballs.

I hope this helps you select a low sugar treat for your horse. If you still have questions about healthier treat options, our terrific Customer Care Team would love to chat with you!