Can they eat it? / Persimmon seeds
Can horses eat persimmon seeds?
No. Seeds and skins form stomach blockages (phytobezoars).
A horse with access to a persimmon tree will strip the fallen fruit. The seeds clump into a mass that blocks the stomach.
Colic, weight loss, going off feed in fall and winter.
Call your vet now. Note what was eaten, how much and when; do not wait for signs.
Why it is dangerous
Persimmon seeds and skins are hard, fibrous and slow to break down, so they can clump together in the stomach and form a phytobezoar, a mass that can partly or fully block the stomach outlet. Fallen fruit in autumn is the usual route, because horses eat it readily and sometimes swallow seeds whole. The mass builds up over time, which is why problems can appear weeks after the fruit was eaten rather than right away.
How much is too much
There is no safe amount to feed. Even a few seeds can contribute to a blockage, and a horse that strips a fallen tree can take in many at once. A small nibble of pulp may not cause trouble, but seeds and skins should be kept away entirely. Ponies, miniatures and horses with a history of colic or a delicate gut face the same risk and should not be given the fruit at all.
Horses
For full-size horses in work or at pasture, check fencing and tree lines in fall. Walk the field after persimmons drop and pick up fruit before turnout. A horse in heavy work may be less likely to graze fallen fruit, but at pasture, a bored or hungry horse will eat it. Keep grazing areas clear of windfalls and tell anyone who helps with the horses about the tree.
Ponies and easy keepers
Ponies, miniatures, seniors and easy keepers are just as vulnerable and can be especially hard to read. Watch for dullness, reduced appetite, weight loss or changes in manure, which may be the only early hints. Insulin-resistant or laminitis-prone animals should not have fruit treats as a substitute for safe forage. Keep these animals off any ground under persimmon trees.
Safe alternatives
Offer a few apple slices with the core and seeds removed, or a small handful of carrot coins, served by hand. Fresh grass, good-quality hay and a salt or mineral block make reliable treats and supplements. Chopped carrots or a small amount of plain beet pulp soaked in water can add variety without risk.
Questions people ask
What if my horse ate persimmon seeds in hay?
Persimmons do not belong in hay, so check the bale and any feed source. Call your vet now and note the amount and timing. Do not wait for signs before acting.
How long after eating persimmon seeds do symptoms appear?
Signs can take days to weeks to show, as the seeds clump and the blockage builds. Early warnings include reduced appetite, weight loss and mild colic. Contact your vet even if your horse looks normal.
Are persimmon seeds a competition rules issue?
Persimmons are not a banned substance, but a horse with a suspected blockage should not be shown or worked hard. Ask your vet about fitness before returning to competition.
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.