Are acorns dangeours for horses and dogs?

In autumn the acorns often fall from the trees to the ground due to rain and wind. If your horse or dog eats too many acorns, it can get acorn poisoning. How dangerous are acorns for horses and dogs, what is the risk, what are the symptoms and how can you prevent your horse or dog from eating acorns?

Many horses have different preferences for food and taste. Fortunately, most horses don’t like acorns because of the bitter taste, but some horses really like them! Dogs often enjoy playing with the acorns, chewing them, or even eventually eating them. Does your horse or dog like acorns? Attention, this can be dangerous!

What is the risk if your horse or dog eats acorns?

If your horse or dog has eaten a few ripe (brown) acorns, there is usually nothing to worry about. Especially the green immature acorns and the green leaves contain a lot of the substance tannin, also known as tannic acid. There are tannins that are good for animals, but the tannins in acorns can be toxic, making it dangerous for horses and dogs. If your horse or dog gets too much tannins by eating acorns, this can cause poisoning symptoms such as a loss of appetite, drowsiness, diarrhea or colic. In very extreme cases it can even lead to kidney failure and in pregnant mares there is an increased risk of abortion.

How can you prevent your horse or dog from eating acorns?

• Block off the part of the meadow where oak trees are right next to it, this way you prevent your horse from eating acorns or oak leaves. Also check the drinking water for acorns and oak leaves.
• Keep a close eye on your dog during a walk where a lot of acorns are on the ground. Choose another route where there are no acorns on the street, or keep your dog on a leash so he can’t eat the acorns off the ground.

Therapy

If your horse or dog has suffered acorn poisoning, always contact your vet. The vet will make your horse or dog vomit to remove any remaining acorns from the stomach, and will also deal with stomach and intestinal problems. In addition, a blood test may be necessary to determine whether the kidney function is still sufficient. You don’t have to panic when your horse or dog eats a few acorns, but prevention is always better than cure.

Are you looking for products to support the stomach and intestines? Then take a look at our digestive system for horses or dogs.