How to disguise the taste of antibiotics?

[Pleasedontdothat]

DHorse has never had a problem taking antibiotics/Bute/supplements/you name it - if it comes in a bucket he will hoover it up and lick the sides clean. However DCompanion is rather fussier - he’s got a nasty abscess and has a 5 day course of antibiotics and Bute / he’s ok with just the Bute sachet but the antibiotics are apparently absolutely disgusting… I’ve only got chaffat the moment because neither of them need any proper feed - any ideas of anything I can add which might make it more palatable?

My yard owner swears by Angel Delight 😊

Liquid molasses is good if you can get hold of any.

I always used to give mine his wormer in a banana sandwich, probably not overly healthy but it was the only way we could get it in him!

Thanks for the suggestions - I’d forgotten Angel Delight even existed 😂. We tried a heavily molassed feed yesterday that they’re not normally allowed as they don’t need the calories - it worked a bit better but still wouldn’t eat it all. Angel delight might work 😉

We soak a small handful of nuts with some hot water mixed with black treacle, then grate a carrot into it to hide wormer as the big lad isn't a fan of being wormed with a syringe.

Apple juice is worth a try 😊

Warm bran , molasses and finely chopped apple or carrot , then tease him just a little bit so he can smell it ( that why its better warm ) but not reach it for a minuet , when I had to give one I looked after any meds he would point blank refuse to lower his head ( 17.1 ! ) but with that concoction he turned into a hoover

I read recently, I think it was in Horse & Hound, that if you feed them a small amount of the feed without the medication then give them the rest that sometimes works. I use a dollop of liquid molasses on the bottom, then add the feed with the powder in, and then trickle a little more liquid molasses over the top. Mine love the liquid molasses and will pretty much devour anything with it on, and the bit at the bottom means they lick the bowl out. I know someone else who uses ready made custard….. You just need to establish what it is that your pony loves above all else!

Ground fenugreek works well

Thanks everyone - using warm water and a bit of molasses in the feed did the trick 😅. He’s finished the course now and just has a couple more days of Bute left which he’s fine having in chaff

Recovery Mash
Vets recommended it

Really far too late but may be useful to someone else with very fussy horses.
ask vets for a 50ml syringe, mix antibiotics with a small amount of apple juice, squirt into back of throat like a wormer, but as it is more runny you must keep the head up until they swallow ( unless you like wearing the mixture )