A treat is a small thing, but it does a lot of work. It builds trust, it rewards good behavior in the arena, and honestly, it’s just a nice moment at the end of the day for horse and owner alike. Not every treat suits every horse, though. A horse managing a metabolic condition needs something low in sugar. A trainer wants small pieces that won’t slow down a session. And some horses just want something crunchy and apple-flavored to look forward to. Below are five treats worth knowing about — low-sugar formulas, everyday cookies, and a couple of training-friendly bites in between.
Quick Comparison Table
|
Product |
Best For |
Flavor |
Key Ingredients |
Form |
|
Manna Pro NutriGood Low-Sugar Treats |
Controlled sugar/starch diets |
Apple |
Beet pulp, soybean hulls, linseed meal |
Treat |
|
The German Horse Muffin |
Training and general feeding |
Mint |
All-natural blend |
Chunk |
|
Purina Apple and Oat Treats |
Everyday rewards |
Apple & Oat |
Oats, wheat middlings, apple pomace |
Pellet |
|
Mrs. Pastures Cookies |
Daily treats, pocket-friendly |
Unflavored |
Oats, wheat bran, barley, apples |
Cookie |
|
Uckele SmartEquine Equi Treats |
Low-sugar training treats |
Peppermint |
Timothy grass, sunflower seed meal |
Pellet |
1. Manna Pro NutriGood Low-Sugar Apple Horse Treats
Overview
Most horse treats lean on molasses for their sweetness. This one doesn’t. It’s built on a beet pulp and soybean hull base instead, and Manna Pro states the formula runs about 80% lower in sugar and starch than typical leading treats. That’s a meaningful difference for anyone watching a horse’s sugar intake closely. Apple flavor still comes through, just without the added sugar or molasses backing it up.
Key Features
- Beet pulp and soybean hull base
- Manufacturer states 80% less sugar and starch than typical treats
- No added sugar or molasses
- Gluten-free formula
- Apple flavor with no artificial colors
Specifications
|
Spec |
Detail |
|
Brand |
Manna Pro |
|
Item Form |
Treat |
|
Flavor |
Apple |
|
Special Ingredients |
Beet pulp, soybean hulls, linseed meal |
|
Free From |
Added sugar, molasses, artificial colors |
|
Bag Weight |
4 lbs |
Pros: Genuinely useful when sugar control matters, and the beet pulp base gives it a different bite than the molasses cookies elsewhere on this list. Cons: That low-sugar focus means it skips the deep sweetness some horses expect, so one used to a molasses treat might need a bit of time to come around to it.
Why This One Ranks Where It Does
Nothing else here targets sugar control quite this directly. For a horse with a metabolic condition, or an owner just trying to be careful, this is the more deliberate choice compared to the everyday cookies and pellets further down the page.
Manna Pro NutriGood FAQ
Is this treat suitable for horses with metabolic conditions?
It’s formulated with controlled sugar diets in mind, though a vet should still weigh in on whether it fits a particular horse’s needs.
Does it contain molasses?
No. Manna Pro states it’s made without added sugar or molasses.
What gives it the apple flavor?
Natural flavoring, not added sugar.
2. The German Horse Muffin
Overview
This one keeps it simple. It’s an all-natural, chunk-style treat with a mint flavor, sold in a small bag meant for training sessions or everyday feeding. There’s no long ingredient breakdown on the listing — the brand leans on “natural” and “additive-free” rather than a detailed nutrition panel, and the texture is noticeably different from the pellet treats that make up most of this list.
Key Features
- All-natural ingredient blend
- Mint flavor
- Chunk-style texture, distinct from pellet treats
- Additive-free, according to the listing
- Suited to training or everyday feeding
Specifications
|
Spec |
Detail |
|
Brand |
Leather and Lights |
|
Item Form |
Chunk |
|
Flavor |
Mint |
|
Special Ingredients |
All natural |
|
Bag Weight |
1 lb |
Pros: The smaller bag makes it easy to grab for a training session, and mint gives horses a change of pace from the usual apple-heavy lineup. Cons: There’s no detailed ingredient breakdown on the listing, so owners after a full nutritional picture may need to dig further or look elsewhere.
Why This One Ranks Where It Does
It lands in the training slot mostly because of its size — a small bag, a simple recipe, and a flavor that stands apart from the apple and peppermint treats everywhere else on this list.
German Horse Muffin FAQ
What flavor is this treat?
Mint — different from the apple and peppermint options found elsewhere on this list.
Is it suitable for training sessions?
Yes, the listing recommends it for both training and general feeding.
How large is the bag?
1 lb.
3. Purina Apple and Oat Flavored Horse Treats
Overview
This is the classic version of a horse treat. Ground oats and wheat middlings form the base, apple pomace and cane molasses handle the flavor, and the result is closer to a traditional cookie than a specialty diet product. It’s not chasing a low-sugar angle or a training niche — it’s just a treat built around taste.
Key Features
- Ground oats and wheat middlings base
- Apple pomace for natural apple flavor
- Small, fun-shaped pellets for easy feeding
- Fortified with vitamins and minerals
- Sold in a 3.5 lb resealable bag
Specifications
|
Spec |
Detail |
|
Brand |
Purina |
|
Item Form |
Pellet |
|
Flavor |
Apple & Oat |
|
Special Ingredients |
Apple, oats |
|
Bag Weight |
3.5 lbs |
Pros: A dependable everyday option with a flavor most horses like right away, and the fortified formula adds a bit more nutritional value than a plain sugary snack. Cons: Cane molasses is in the mix, so it’s not the pick for owners specifically steering clear of added sugar, the way Manna Pro’s lineup is.
Why This One Ranks Where It Does
This is the no-frills option — familiar ingredients, a familiar flavor, no particular dietary angle. For owners who just want a treat their horse will reliably enjoy without overthinking it, that’s the appeal.
Purina Apple and Oat FAQ
Does this treat contain added sugar?
Yes, cane molasses is part of the ingredient list, unlike some of the low-sugar options covered above.
What size and shape are the treats?
Small, rectangular pellets, sized for easy feeding.
Is it fortified with vitamins?
Yes — vitamins and minerals are added alongside the oat and apple base.
4. Mrs. Pastures Cookies
Overview
Oats, wheat bran, barley, molasses, apples, and water — that’s the entire ingredient list, with nothing added to preserve it. Mrs. Pastures notes it’s been recognized by both Michael Plumb’s Horse Journal and John Lyons’ Perfect Horse, and the cookie itself is dehydrated to a firm, crunchy texture built to survive being carried around in a coat pocket all day.
Key Features
- Made from oats, wheat bran, barley, molasses, and apples
- No preservatives or additives
- Dehydrated for a firm, pocket-friendly texture
- Recognized by Michael Plumb’s Horse Journal and John Lyons’ Perfect Horse, per the brand
- Backed by the manufacturer’s own satisfaction guarantee
Specifications
|
Spec |
Detail |
|
Brand |
Mrs. Pastures |
|
Item Form |
Cookie |
|
Flavor |
Unflavored |
|
Special Ingredients |
Oats, wheat bran, barley, molasses, apples, water |
|
Allergen Info |
Contains barley and wheat |
Pros: A short, preservative-free ingredient list, and a texture built to actually hold up in a pocket rather than crumbling apart after an hour. Cons: Between the molasses and the barley, it’s not a match for a horse on a low-sugar or grain-sensitive diet — worth checking the allergen note before buying a big bag.
Why This One Ranks Where It Does
This is the everyday, pocket-ready cookie on the list — simple ingredients, a texture made for carrying, and enough of a reputation among horse publications to be a familiar name in a lot of barns already.
Mrs. Pastures Cookies FAQ
What ingredients are in Mrs. Pastures Cookies?
Oats, wheat bran, rolled barley, cane molasses, apples, and water, with no added preservatives.
Are these treats suitable for horses with grain sensitivities?
They contain wheat and barley, so it’s worth checking with a vet first if a horse has known grain sensitivities.
How long do the cookies stay fresh in a pocket?
The dehydrated texture is meant to hold together rather than crumble, though how long it stays fresh still depends on storage conditions.
5. Uckele SmartEquine Equi Treats
Overview
Swap out the usual molasses base and you get something closer to this: timothy grass and sunflower seed meal, with cinnamon and fenugreek doing the flavor work instead of sugar. Peppermint is the flavor covered here, though it’s one of several in the line. The pellets themselves are bite-sized, built to be carried easily and handed out quickly during a training session.
Key Features
- Timothy grass and sunflower seed meal base
- No added sugar, low in ESC and starch
- Bite-sized pellets for easy carrying
- Peppermint flavor, with other flavors available in the line
- Non-GMO and soy-free formula
Specifications
|
Spec |
Detail |
|
Brand |
Uckele |
|
Item Form |
Pellet |
|
Flavor |
Peppermint |
|
Special Ingredients |
Timothy grass, sunflower seed meal |
|
Free From |
Added sugar, artificial colors, soy |
|
Bag Weight |
4 lbs |
Pros: The forage-based recipe and low sugar/starch profile land it somewhere between a strict low-sugar treat and a flavorful reward. Cons: Peppermint isn’t universally loved by every horse, so it might take some trial and error compared to a flavor like apple that’s a safer bet across the board.
Why This One Ranks Where It Does
This closes out the list as the low-sugar training treat — a forage-based recipe in a bite-sized format that works well for repeated rewards during a session, without needing sugar to make it appealing.
Uckele SmartEquine FAQ
Does this treat contain added sugar?
No — it’s formulated without added sugar and described as low in ESC and starch.
What flavors are available besides peppermint?
Cherry vanilla, apple pie, watermelon basil, carrot cake, and banana bread round out the line.
Is it suitable for horses with soy sensitivities?
Yes, the formula is listed as soy-free.
Final Verdict
- Best Overall: Manna Pro NutriGood Low-Sugar Apple Treats — a beet pulp-based formula built for controlled sugar diets
- Best for Training: The German Horse Muffin — a small, simple bag suited to repeated rewards during a session
- Best Everyday Treat: Purina Apple and Oat Flavored Treats — a familiar, fortified pellet most horses take to quickly
- Best Pocket Cookie: Mrs. Pastures Cookies — a firm, preservative-free cookie built to hold up in a pocket
- Best Low-Sugar Training Treat: Uckele SmartEquine Equi Treats — a forage-based, no-added-sugar pellet in a bite-sized format
Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best Horse Treats
Check the Sugar and Starch Content First
A horse with insulin resistance or Cushing’s generally does better on treats without added sugar or molasses — think Manna Pro or Uckele’s Equi Treats — rather than the more traditional molasses-based cookies.
Match the Treat to the Situation
Small, bite-sized pellets work better for repeated rewards mid-session, while something larger like Mrs. Pastures makes more sense as a single end-of-day treat.
Consider Flavor Preferences
Apple is the safe bet for most horses, but peppermint or mint can be worth keeping on hand as backup, either for a horse that’s tired of the same flavor or just to mix things up.
Watch for Known Allergens
Wheat, barley, and soy show up in a few of these formulas, so it’s worth checking the ingredient list against a horse’s known sensitivities before committing to a big bag.
Don’t Overdo the Portion Size
Even a low-sugar treat is still a treat. Keeping portions reasonable and factoring treats into a horse’s overall diet matters more than which specific brand ends up in the bucket.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Are the Best Low-Sugar Horse Treats?
Manna Pro’s NutriGood line and Uckele’s Equi Treats are both built around low-sugar, low-starch formulas without added molasses, making them common choices for horses on controlled sugar diets.
What Horse Treats Work Best for Training?
Smaller, bite-sized treats like The German Horse Muffin or Uckele’s Equi Treats tend to work well for training since they’re easy to carry and quick to hand out repeatedly.
Are Horse Treats Safe for Horses With Metabolic Conditions?
Not universally — treats with added molasses or sugar are generally best avoided for horses with metabolic conditions, and a vet is the right person to confirm which treats fit.
What Flavor of Horse Treats Do Horses Like Best?
Apple tends to be the most reliably popular flavor, though it varies by horse, and peppermint or mint make reasonable alternatives.
Can Horse Treats Be Used as a Full Meal Replacement?
No. Treats are meant to supplement a horse’s diet, not replace forage or a balanced feed.
How Many Treats Can a Horse Have in a Day?
That depends on the horse’s size, workload, and any dietary restrictions — label guidance is a good starting point, and a vet can weigh in for horses with specific health conditions.
Conclusion
The right horse treat comes down to what it’s actually being used for. Manna Pro’s low-sugar formula and Uckele’s Equi Treats both work well for horses that need tighter sugar control, while Purina’s apple and oat treats and Mrs. Pastures Cookies lean more traditional for an everyday reward. The German Horse Muffin rounds things out as a simple option for repeated training rewards. Pairing the right treats with a solid base diet makes a real difference, so it’s worth checking our guide to the best horse feeds for 2026 to round out a complete feeding plan.
