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Love Thy horse Magazine 15
How old does a foal have to be before it is safe to give them apples and carrots? And how old are they when they get all their teeth?
Cheers, Tania.
Great question Tania! This isn't something that many people think of. It comes down to the development of the foal, physically and mentally. If you've seen the foal nibbling at grass alongside his or her dam, or maybe even chewing on things they probably shouldn't, it should be safe to introduce them to apples and carrots. Some foals will start nibbling at things from birth, others may not start for a couple of months.
If your foal has front teeth visible (should appear at birth or a few weeks) he or she will be able to chew a little, and this can assist with growing healthy strong teeth!
If you're worried that your foal might choke on the treats, try mashing up the apple and for carrots, try grating them.
At a young age, foals have what are called 'milk teeth'. These are only temporary until the permanent or 'adult teeth' emerge.
Around the age of one month, foals will have four milk teeth at the front and three milk teeth on each side. Then when foals are ready for weaning (around 6 months old) they will then have six milk teeth up until 9 months old.
There are lots and lots of things to learn about horses and their teeth. I can supply you with diagrams to show you how they develop and at what stage.
Hope your foal enjoys the treats!
~Ashleigh