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Discussion on Apple seeds
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Member: boomer
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Posted on Tuesday, Sep 25, 2007 - 2:04 pm:
I've looked but can't find anything on this site about apple seeds. I recently purchased a recipe book for horse treats and such and it says in more than one place that apple seeds are poisonous to horses. I've never ever heard that before and also figures horses would be DrOpping like flies if that were the case. Dr,O..do you know that truth? Thanks.
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Member: vickiann
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Posted on Tuesday, Sep 25, 2007 - 3:37 pm:
Apple seeds can release cyanide when eaten (as can the pits of certain other fruits: https://www.geocities.com/perfectapple/cyanide.html I've seen many people feed their horses fresh apples without difficulty. Most often, I remove the seeds and slice or quarter the apples before feeding, though not always. I doubt that most horses would be harmed by a few apple seeds, though at some level of consumption there could be a problem.
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Moderator: DrO
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Posted on Tuesday, Sep 25, 2007 - 6:52 pm:
It is true apple seeds contain cyanogenic glycosides but the problem is one of amount. I do not know how many seeds it would take to be toxic but having watched horses graze on many apples below a apple tree without ill effects, it is considerably more than any amount you are likely to feed by giving a daily apple. DrO
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Member: ajudson1
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Posted on Tuesday, Sep 25, 2007 - 7:02 pm:
O.k., breathing again!! When our trees are full, the horses might get 10-12 apples in a day, depending who is throwing them in the pasture. I've also seen horses that live right in apple orchards, so it must take many, many apples to be toxic.
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Member: boomer
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Posted on Wednesday, Sep 26, 2007 - 11:43 am:
Thank you. I feed apples regularly in their morning hot cereal. I've got two very old mares with minimal chompers, "cereal" is hot oats, apples and Sr. Feed.
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Member: muffi
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Posted on Thursday, Sep 27, 2007 - 11:21 pm:
I eat the whole apple my self - always had since I was a teen ager. many moons ago. I have never had any ill affects. the seeds actually have an interesting flavor. I like them. OK i only eat one at a time so I guess like Dr O said it;s a matter of quantity
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