Horses Show Preference for Cherry Flavor in Study

Flavors are often added to equine feed supplements and medications in order to make them more palatable. But which flavors do horses prefer?

In one study, researchers offered flavored and unflavored oats to eight Thoroughbreds during multiple feedings over several days. The positions of the flavored and control buckets were switched at each feeding, and the leftover oats weighed after 5 minutes of consumption.

The horses preferred all of the flavorings offered (teaberry, apple, citrus, and cherry) over the unflavored oats; flavored oats were consumed at a rate of 147 grams (5.2 ounces) per minute, compared to 130.5 grams (4.6 ounces) of unflavored oats. The highest rate of consumption was recorded for the oats with cherry flavoring, which were consumed at a rate of 153 grams (5.4 ounces) per minute.

This might indicate that horses prefer cherry flavoring above teaberry, apple, or citrus.