Can they eat it? / Nightshade
Can horses eat nightshade?
No. Berries and leaves affect the gut and nerves.
Black and deadly nightshade grow along fences and in overgrazed pasture. Most horses avoid it fresh; dried in hay it is eaten.
Colic, dilated pupils, weakness, drowsiness or excitement.
Call your vet now. Note what was eaten, how much and when; do not wait for signs.
Why it is dangerous
Nightshade plants, including black nightshade and deadly nightshade, contain tropane alkaloids such as atropine and solanine. These compounds block the nerve signals that control the gut and the pupils, and they affect the central nervous system. The result can be colic from slowed digestion, dilated pupils, weakness, and shifts between drowsiness and agitation. Berries and leaves are both dangerous, and the toxin can persist when the plant is dried in hay.
How much is too much
For a 1,000 lb horse, even a small handful of leaves or a few berries can cause trouble, and there is no established safe amount. A lot, such as a mouthful of plant matter in hay or a patch grazed down, is a serious emergency. Ponies, miniatures, and metabolic horses are at greater risk because of their smaller body size and sensitivity. Treat any confirmed intake as a reason to call a vet.
Horses
Horses in work or at pasture should be kept away from nightshade along fence lines and in overgrazed areas. Walk the fence line in spring and after storms, and remove plants by hand while wearing gloves. Check hay carefully when you buy it, since dried nightshade can hide among other weeds. Keep feed areas and water troughs clear of any plant debris.
Ponies and easy keepers
Ponies, miniatures, seniors, and easy keepers are especially vulnerable, so check their paddocks even more closely. Small body weight means a little plant material can have an outsized effect. If a pony or senior horse is near any nightshade, contact your vet promptly rather than watching and waiting. Restricting access to suspect areas is the simplest protection.
Safe alternatives
Offer good-quality grass hay from a trusted source, which you can inspect for weeds before feeding. Fresh pasture that is well maintained and free of weeds is another safe option. For a treat, offer a small amount of plain carrot or apple cut into slices, which most horses enjoy and which are easy to check.
Questions people ask
Can nightshade be in hay?
Yes. Dried nightshade can remain toxic in hay and is sometimes eaten by horses who avoid it fresh. Inspect hay before feeding and remove any weeds you find.
What should I do if my horse ate nightshade?
Call your vet right away, even if your horse seems fine. Note what was eaten, how much, and when, and do not wait for signs to appear.
Is nightshade a problem for competition horses?
Competition rules vary by organization, but any horse that has eaten nightshade should be examined by a vet before it is worked or shown. Ask your vet and the governing body for guidance.
Toxic for horses means: do not give it; if they ate it, call your vet or a poison line.
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.