Can they eat it? / Broccoli, cabbage and cauliflower
Can horses eat broccoli, cabbage and cauliflower?
A little at most. Gas-forming.
Horses cannot burp; gassy vegetables can cause colic in quantity. A floret is fine, a head is not.
Gas colic: restlessness, pawing, looking at the flank.
Why
Broccoli, cabbage and cauliflower belong to the brassica family and contain raffinose, a complex sugar that horses cannot fully digest in the small intestine. It reaches the hindgut, where microbes ferment it and produce gas. Because horses cannot belch or vomit to relieve pressure, a large amount can lead to gas colic. Cabbage and broccoli are also cruciferous and can cause mild digestive upset in quantity.
How much is too much
A floret or two, or a small handful, is generally fine as an occasional treat for a 1,000 lb horse. A whole head, or a bucket of trimmings, is too much in one go and can trigger gas. Ponies, miniatures and horses prone to digestive upset should get even less, and only rarely. Keep portions small and spread out, never as a large single serving.
Horses
Full-size horses in work or at pasture can have a floret or two now and then, offered alongside their normal hay and feed. Introduce any new vegetable slowly and watch for changes in manure, appetite or gut sounds. Avoid giving a head or a big pile at once, especially before a ride or a long trailer trip.
Ponies and easy keepers
Ponies, miniatures, seniors and easy keepers should avoid these vegetables or limit them to a tiny piece only occasionally. Their guts are more sensitive to gas, and many are also prone to laminitis, so keeping treats low in sugar and carbohydrate matters. When in doubt, skip them and choose a safer option.
Safe alternatives
Offer a few apple slices with the core removed, or a handful of carrot pieces, which are widely accepted and low in gas-forming sugars. Serve them cut into bite-sized pieces so they are easy to chew. Keep treats small, and always pair them with forage.
Questions people ask
Can horses eat broccoli in hay or as a mix?
Broccoli is best kept out of hay or mixes. Stick to small, occasional pieces offered on their own so you can control the amount your horse gets.
Is cabbage safe for horses after a frost?
Frost does not make cabbage toxic, but frosted or spoiled vegetables can mould and cause upset. Avoid anything wilted, mouldy or rotten, and still keep portions small.
What should I do if my horse ate a whole head of cauliflower?
Watch closely for signs of gas colic such as restlessness, pawing or looking at the flank. Call your veterinarian promptly, since gas colic can worsen quickly.
Careful for horses means: fine in a small amount, prepared as described, and not for every pet; the details say when to skip it.
General information from veterinary guidance, not a diagnosis. If you are worried, call your vet or a pet poison line: ASPCA Animal Poison Control (888) 426-4435. Charges may apply.
Written by Hoofdeck editors · updated Nov 13, 2026 · from ASPCA Animal Poison Control, Merck Veterinary Manual and university extension guidance.