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After harvesting a crop of corn, there are plenty of leftovers, including the stalks, leaves, and husks. Many farmers grind them up to use as animal feed—most commonly for cattle or pigs—or compost. But you may be wondering if your horse can eat corn husks.
The simple answer is yes, horses can eat corn husks, but there are risks. The real question is whether they should. In general, several vegetables are safe for horses to eat in moderation, and some even have considerable nutritional value. However, horses have sensitive digestive systems, and too many vegetables can cause colic, a potentially life-threatening condition, especially if the veggies are high in fiber, like corn husks.
In this article, we’ll examine the risks of feeding corn husks to your horse and why they are probably better left off the menu. Let’s get started!
What Are Corn Husks?
Corn husks are the bright green outer covering of an ear of corn that protects the cob from pests and the environment. They are most commonly thrown onto the compost heap or fed to animals after a harvest. The husks are strong yet biodegradable, and the silks were used as medicine in ancient cultures for centuries.
Potential Risks of Feeding Corn Husks to Your Horse
Corn husks have little nutritional value, and they are commonly used as a filler ingredient in commercial pet foods. So, while your horse may enjoy the taste and texture of chewing on a fresh corn husk, it will provide them with few nutrients.
The main risks to be aware of are the mycotoxins that can sometimes grow on corn ears and husks. When consumed in large amounts, the toxins can cause a neurological condition called Equine Leukoencephalomalacia, also known as “moldy corn disease.” This can result in blindness or cognitive disorders, and it may even be fatal. The toxins are especially common in warm, humid environments and can easily go undetected since the palatability of the corn and husk is not diminished with the presence of the mold.
Another risk is colic. Corn husks contain a lot of fiber, and if eaten in excess, they may cause painful and even life-threatening bloat for your horse.
What About Corn Kernels?
Corn is a common ingredient in animal feeds due to its availability and affordability. Provided that your horse’s teeth are healthy, they should have no problem chewing through the outer shell of corn kernels, but they are typically given to horses shelled, rolled, or cracked.
Ground or crushed kernels should never be given to horses because they pass through the small intestines too quickly and can cause colic. There is also the risk of toxic fungus, so you must ensure any corn you give them is from a reputable source. Corn kernels are also high in sugar and carbohydrates, which, in excess, can result in behavior issues.
Moderation is vital, and corn kernels should only be fed to them occasionally. Also, overweight or insulin-resistant horses should not be fed corn kernels at all due to the high sugar content.
What About Corn Cobs?
The corn cob is high in fiber but has no nutritional value. Horses enjoy chewing on the cobs after eating kernels, but the high fiber can cause issues if they eat too much. Plus, there is the risk of choking when feeding your horse a corn cob, and in our opinion, with the lack of nutritional value, it’s simply not worth the risk.
Conclusion
While corn husks do not pose a massive risk to your horse, any form of corn, including the stalks, kernels, and cob, should be given in strict moderation and with a watchful eye. The most significant risk is mycotoxins, which can be difficult to detect. Since there is little nutritional value in corn husks, we recommend leaving them off the menu altogether; there are plenty of other tasty treats to offer your horse!
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