Palatability of Horse Treats: Comparing the Preferences of Horses and Humans.

This study aimed to compare treat preferences between horses and their human owners, in order to inform product development in the animal food industry. Two different horse treat products were tested, and it was found that there were differences in the preferences of the horses and their human owners.

Research Method

• The researchers conducted this comparative study using two horse treat products. Product A was a disk-shaped treat, cinnamon-flavored, and based on flax seeds while Product B was an apple-flavored, oat-based treat with a textured consistency.
• Each horse participating in the study was presented with both treat products in a paired preference test. This test involved both ‘olfaction’ (sniffing/smelling) and ‘consumption’ (eating) periods, during which the horses’ reactions and preferences were observed and recorded.
• On the human side, horse owners were asked to evaluate the two products, but their assessment was based on different factors. They evaluated the treats separately to determine their purchase intent, that is, which treat they would be more likely to buy. The owners also performed a hedonic test, which is a method of sensory evaluation that focuses on the product’s sensory attributes such as taste, texture, and appearance.

Results

• Despite being different in flavour and composition, the horses showed no difference in preference for Product A or Product B in terms of which one they first sniffed, consumed, or finished eating.
• However, a moderate positive correlation was noted between the first treat sniffed and the first one consumed and between the first treat consumed and the first one finished. This suggests that, while horses may not clearly prefer one treat over another, the order in which they engage with the treats could be somewhat predictable based on their initial interaction.
• The human owners, on the other hand, rated Product A lower than Product B in terms of appearance, texture, size, and therefore, their purchase intent. This indicates a visible difference in preference from the human side as opposed to the horses themselves whose preferences didn’t significantly lean towards one product over another.

Implications

• This research illustrates that there can be a significant difference between a horse’s preference for a type of treat and a human’s willingness to purchase that same treat.
• The study highlights that consumer testing, when developing animal food products, should include testing with the animals themselves as their preferences might not align with human consumers’
• This could potentially increase the quality of animal food products as it caters to the animals’ preferences more effectively, improving their satisfaction and health.