Q: The stable owner where my son stables his horse discourages us from feeding carrots to the horse – something about beta carotene being bad for the horse. Everything I’ve been able to read from many sources indicate that carrots are O.K. Can you offer any information about this?

A: Carrots are an excellent succulent for horses. They can be used for treats, but care must be taken to ensure that the horse doesn't bite the giver. They can also be used in the daily feed. Many racing stables feed chopped or shredded carrots to horses daily. Carrots are high in sugar, but because they have so much water you seldom give a horse enough to impact on the animals attitude. Feed carrots if you like. Horses will like them.

Beta carotene is a source of vitamin A for horses. Green pasture grass and alfalfa hay are also rich sources of beta carotene. There is nothing in the literature to indicate that beta carotene is adverse to any animals.