Vitamunch Heavenly Hedgerow vs Crunchits Fruit Fusion: Which Horse Treat Suits Your Training Needs?

Quick Answer

For most training sessions, crunchits-fruit-fusion-28076da657888542d24a9c8d-555635">Crunchits Fruit Fusion (or the original Crunchits) is the better choice because it is low sugar and molasses free, making it safer for frequent rewards and suitable for horses prone to laminitis. Choose Vitamunch Heavenly Hedgerow if you want a fruit-based treat with more texture and variety, but be mindful of its natural sugar content.

When you're training your horse, the right treat can make all the difference between a focused session and a distracted one. Two popular options are Vitamunch Heavenly Hedgerow and Crunchits Fruit Fusion. Both are designed to reward your horse, but they differ in ingredients, sugar content, and texture. Understanding these differences helps you pick the treat that fits your training goals and your horse's dietary needs.

In this comparison, we'll look at what each treat offers, how they're made, and what to consider when choosing between them. Whether you're teaching a young horse or fine-tuning an experienced partner, the right treat keeps motivation high without compromising health.

What Makes Crunchits Fruit Fusion Stand Out?

Crunchits Fruit Fusion is part of the Crunchits range, which was inspired by macaroons – those little cookies we enjoy. Equilibrium wanted horses to have a similar-looking treat, but one that was healthy and suitable for all. The result is a low sugar, molasses free treat that comes in natural fruit flavours like strawberry, cranberry, and cherry. This makes it a great option for horses that need to watch their sugar intake, including those prone to laminitis.

The texture is cookie-like and crunchy, which can be satisfying for horses that like to chew. Because it's low sugar, you can use it more frequently during training without worrying about overloading your horse with sugar. It's also a good choice for horses that are picky eaters, as the fruit flavours add appeal without relying on sugary syrups.

• Low sugar and molasses free – safe for frequent training rewards.
• Suitable for horses prone to laminitis.
• Crunchy texture that horses enjoy chewing.

What Does Vitamunch Heavenly Hedgerow Offer?

Vitamunch Heavenly Hedgerow is a fruit-based treat that combines a mix of apples, apricots, strawberries, dates, and sultanas. This gives it a chewy, fruity texture that many horses find irresistible. It's designed to make dull feeds exciting or serve as a boredom buster for stabled horses. The variety of fruits provides natural sweetness and a range of textures that can be more engaging for horses that get bored easily.

However, because it's fruit-based, it contains natural sugars. While these are healthier than refined sugars, they still add up, especially if you're using treats frequently during training. For horses that are sensitive to sugar or prone to weight gain, this might not be the best daily training treat. But for occasional rewards or as a special treat, it can be a great way to keep your horse interested.

• Fruit mix provides natural sweetness and texture variety.
• Great for picky eaters or horses that need boredom relief.
• Contains natural sugars – use in moderation for sugar-sensitive horses.

Training Considerations: Frequency and Sugar Intake

When you're training, the frequency of treats matters. If you're using treats as a primary reward, you want something low sugar that won't spike your horse's energy or contribute to weight gain. Crunchits Fruit Fusion fits this need well, as it's specifically formulated to be low sugar and molasses free. This means you can reward your horse multiple times in a session without feeling guilty.

On the other hand, if you're using treats sparingly – say, as a final reward or for occasional positive reinforcement – Vitamunch Heavenly Hedgerow's richer fruit mix can be a more exciting option. The variety of fruits and textures can make the treat feel more special, which can be motivating for horses that need extra encouragement. Just be mindful of the sugar content and adjust the amount accordingly.

• For daily training, prioritize low sugar options like Crunchits.
• For occasional rewards, fruit-based treats like Vitamunch can be more exciting.
• Monitor your horse's overall diet to avoid excess sugar.

Texture and Preference: What Do Horses Like?

Horses have individual preferences when it comes to treat texture. Some enjoy a crunchy, cookie-like bite, while others prefer something chewy and fruit-filled. Crunchits Fruit Fusion offers a crunchy texture that can be satisfying for horses that like to chew. It's also easy to break into smaller pieces, which is handy for training when you need to give small rewards.

Vitamunch Heavenly Hedgerow, with its mixture of dried fruits, provides a chewier, more varied texture. This can be particularly appealing to horses that get bored with uniform treats. The different fruits also release flavours at different rates, which can keep your horse engaged. If your horse is a picky eater, the fruit mix might be more enticing than a plain cookie.

• Crunchits are crunchy and easy to break into small pieces.
• Vitamunch offers chewy, varied textures from mixed dried fruits.
• Try both to see which texture your horse prefers.

Cost and Value: Which Offers More for Your Money?

Price is always a consideration when stocking up on treats. Crunchits are available at a competitive price, especially when you consider their low sugar formulation and suitability for horses with dietary restrictions. The original Crunchits are priced at USD 5.50, while Crunchits Berries & Cherries is even more budget-friendly at USD 3.00. This makes them an economical choice for regular training use.

Vitamunch Heavenly Hedgerow, priced at USD 6.50, is slightly more expensive, but it offers a fruit mix that could be seen as a premium treat. If you're using it sparingly, the cost per treat might be comparable. However, if you're going through treats quickly, the lower price of Crunchits could make a significant difference over time.

• Crunchits offer a lower cost per treat, ideal for frequent use.
• Vitamunch is a premium fruit treat, best for occasional rewards.
• Consider your training frequency to determine the best value.

Trade-Offs to Consider

• Sugar Content: Crunchits are low sugar and molasses free, making them safe for frequent rewards. Vitamunch contains natural fruit sugars, which are healthier than refined but still add up. Choose Crunchits for daily training; reserve Vitamunch for special occasions.
• Texture and Appeal: Crunchits have a crunchy, cookie-like texture. Vitamunch offers chewy, varied fruit textures that can be more engaging for picky eaters. If your horse is bored with crunchy treats, try Vitamunch for a change.
• Cost Efficiency: Crunchits are priced lower (USD 5.50 and USD 3.00) compared to Vitamunch (USD 6.50). For frequent training, Crunchits offer better value. Budget-conscious trainers may prefer Crunchits for regular use.

Product Facts at a Glance

• Crunchits: Low sugar, molasses free horse treats, inspired by macaroons, made from low sugar ingredients and trialled for flavour. You can reward your horse frequently during training without worrying about excess sugar, making it ideal for daily use.
• Crunchits Berries & Cherries: Original low sugar, molasses free horse treats, suitable for horses prone to laminitis, with new natural fruit flavours: strawberry, cranberry, cherry. If your horse has laminitis or sugar sensitivity, this variant gives you a safe, tasty training reward that won't compromise health.
• Simply Irresistible Fabulous Fruits: Healthy horse supplement made from a mixture of apples, apricots, strawberries, dates, and sultanas, designed to make dull feeds exciting or as a boredom buster. This fruit-based treat offers variety and natural sweetness, but its sugar content means it's best used as an occasional reward, not for high-frequency training.

Which Treat Fits Your Training?

Best For

• Horses that need low sugar treats for frequent training rewards, especially those prone to laminitis or weight gain.
• Trainers who want a cost-effective, healthy treat that can be used in large quantities without guilt.

Not For

• Horses that require a more exciting, fruit-filled reward to stay motivated – they may prefer Vitamunch Heavenly Hedgerow.

Both Vitamunch Heavenly Hedgerow and Crunchits Fruit Fusion have their place in your training toolkit. If you're looking for a daily, low sugar treat that won't derail your horse's diet, Crunchits is the clear winner. But if you want to add variety and a touch of natural sweetness for special rewards, Vitamunch is a great option. Consider your horse's health, your training frequency, and your budget to make the best choice.