Welcome to yet another edition of the a-z of plants that hate your horse (the list is a big one). Today’s plant is one everyone is bound to say simply isn’t toxic to horses. However it isn’t simply the oats themselves that are the problem, it’s the plant itself.
A Little About Oats
Avena sativa is also called Sea Oats. This is an annual grass which grows in tufts. Fruit grows in a terminal, loose panicle.
How Dangerous Are They?
Yes, we know horses eat oats, but they should never be allowed free access to them or to oat fields. Oat hay must be properly cured & stored to avoid it becoming toxic.
All parts of this plant are toxic & can be fatal to equines.
What To Look For
You know your animal the best, so you should know when something is amiss. Oat toxicity symptoms include trouble breathing, skin irritation, anxiety, gastrointestinal distress, paralysis & convulsions.
Learn More
Be sure to check out the Oats page to learn more about the plant & while you are at it why not check out more toxic plants?
*It should be noted that we’re not veterinarians. This information is written specifically for horses & should be used for reference purposes only. If you think your horse has eaten something toxic call your vet right away.