Have you caught your horse staring at you while eating a watermelon? Are you curious as to whether you can share or not? Well, the answer is that you can share your watermelon with your giant friend especially during the summer season. All you have to do is offer your horse this treat in moderation.
Horses can eat watermelon including the rind and the seeds. It is safe for them and it even contains nutrients and minerals that your hose requires to radiate with good health. However, you have to consider whether your horse loves to have the seeds or not to avoid occasions of misbehavior on the part of your horse.
Do you worry about the sugar content of watermelons? You have nothing to worry about because it is really low. One serving of watermelon contains 90% water and about 9 grams of sugar. Sugar is what is found naturally in plants, vegetables, and even grass.
The only issue is when horses consume too much sugar as it can lead to colic. However, your horse would have to eat a whole lot of watermelons before the sugar can become a problem. Watermelons contain nutrients and minerals that would help your horse radiate good health.
Amazing Facts About Watermelon
- Watermelons are grown in almost 100 countries in the world. They are classified both as a vegetable and fruit that can be completely consumed without leaving out any part.
- Across the globe, you would find about 1200 varieties of watermelon that contain a high level of lycopene, even more than tomatoes.
- Wild watermelons originated from South Africa, however, it is mostly consumed in the United States while China holds the leading producers of this fruit. It comes from the same family as cucumbers and pumpkins.
- Although red is the most popular color for the flesh of watermelons, it can also be yellow, white, orange, and even green.
- As a fruit, it contains no fatty content or cholesterol which makes it a great choice for healthy nourishment.
- Per cup, watermelon contains only 40 calories which makes it great for weight management.
Nutrients
Watermelons have the lowest level of calories among other fruits. It contains Vitamin C, Vitamin B5, Vitamin B1, Vitamin B6, Magnesium, Potassium, etc. Apart from these nutrients, watermelon also contains minerals such as citrulline, beta-carotene, and lycopene that would protect your horse from damages and health challenges.
Health Benefits Of Watermelon
There are various ways that the watermelon fruit can help the health of your horse. Here are 5 health benefits your stallion can get from watermelons;
Aids Hydration
Although drinking water is a major way to keep your horse hydrated, watermelon is a beneficial alternative that can help you achieve the same result. It contains 92% of water which would serve your horse especially when tasking exercises are done.
Also, giving your horse watermelon to eat helps in keeping it whole. This way, you can keep your horse satisfied while riding long distances. The best part is that it also contains fiber without containing many calories. Digestion is also enhanced by the high level of water and fiber that would make stooling effortless. Watermelon helps the bowel of your horse work effectively.
Improves Heart Health
The major nutrient in watermelon that helps in keeping the heart in good condition is called lycopene. This way, it reduces the risk for heart attack and heart disease, especially for your horse. By feeding your horse with this vegetable, you can increase its lifespan.
Lycopene also helps in reducing the level of stiffness that is around the artery walls. Another nutrient that helps heart health is citrulline which increases the levels of nitric oxide which in turn keeps the blood levels in check. Vitamins and minerals such as potassium and magnesium are also good for the heart.
Reduces Oxidative Stress
Chronic health issues can occur due to inflammation, however, watermelon reduces oxidative damage as a result of antioxidants such as Vitamin C. With watermelon, you can help keep your horse in great condition and get the best results from your giant buddy.
Relieves Soreness In Muscles
As much as your horses perform certain exercises, you must safeguard them from soreness. Watermelons contain the amino acid called citrulline which helps in reducing the soreness in muscles. The watermelon juice serves as a major source of recovery for your horse after much exercise.
The endurance and performance level of your horse can be improved when the soreness is removed from the scenario. If you need your horse to perform exceedingly well especially during competitions, feeding it with watermelon helps with enhancing performance.
Great Skin and Hair
Vitamin A and C contribute massively to improving your hair and skin health. Vitamin A helps in repairing and creating skin cells for your horse. Also, Vitamin C makes collagen that helps the skin of your horse look supple and your hair grows strong.
Even beta-carotene and lycopene helps in protecting the skin of your horse from damages. This would help your horse look fine and appealing even while performing the most difficult tasks such as hauling load and riding.
Final Thoughts
Giving your horse the best treats would not only make it happy but also keep it radiating with good health. Watermelon is one of the perfect fruits that would help your horse develop properly and burst with energy.
