Why Do Horses Chew On Wood. Horses will gnaw on anything in order. If your horse chooses to chew wood very sparingly, it is typically not a cause for concern.
Horses aren't browsing animals like deer or moose that use the soft shoots of trees as a food source. Problems chewing on wood can cause it can cause undue wear on their incisors they can have a chance of swallowing splinters or getting them lodged in the mouth and stomach. However, you may see horses in the field chewing on wood fences.
Horses Will Gnaw On Anything In Order.
Instead, horses are attracted to wood chewing because of boredom, stress, frustration or even a vitamin or mineral deficiency. Although being turned out in a field is less stressful for a horse, they can still become bored and suffer from behavioral problems. If your horse chooses to chew wood very sparingly, it is typically not a cause for concern.
Chewing The Wood On Fences.
However, you may see horses in the field chewing on wood fences. Horses also frequently chew on any accessible tree bark or branches. Gravitating toward wood on the property.
Most Horses Chew On Wood When They Are Confined, Through Boredom And A Lack Of Mental Stimulation.
Problems chewing on wood can cause it can cause undue wear on their incisors they can have a chance of swallowing splinters or getting them lodged in the mouth and stomach. Horses are often bored when there is no suitable activity for them, so if they don't get enough hay or other food items in order to alleviate this feeling then boredom may lead them towards chewing on things like fences and sticks. Horses aren't browsing animals like deer or moose that use the soft shoots of trees as a food source.
It's Not A Hunger Issue;
Infections if the wood has been treated, the carcinogens and chemicals can cause harm to the horse.