Horses are herbivores, which means they only eat plants. Their digestive system is designed to process fibrous plant material, which is why they need a diet that is high in fibre. Horses also require a balanced diet that provides them with all the nutrients they need to maintain good health. This includes carbohydrates, protein, fat, vitamins, and minerals.
The type of food that horses eat depends on a number of factors, including their age, weight, and activity level. In general, horses should be fed a diet that is high in roughage, such as hay or grass. They also require fresh water at all times. In addition to roughage, horses may also be given concentrates, such as grains or pellets, to provide them with extra energy. However, it is important to be careful when feeding concentrates, as too much can cause digestive problems.
Basic Diet of Horses
Forages
Forages are the foundation of a horse’s diet. They provide the necessary fibre that is essential for maintaining a healthy digestive system. Horses require a minimum of 1.5% of their body weight in forage per day. This can be provided in the form of hay, haylage or pasture grass.
It is important to ensure that the forage is of good quality and free from dust and mould. Horses should have access to fresh, clean water at all times.
Concentrates
Concentrates are an important part of a horse’s diet, but they should be fed in moderation. They provide the necessary energy, protein and other essential nutrients that may be lacking in forages.
It is important to choose concentrates that are specifically designed for horses and to feed them according to the horse’s workload and nutritional needs. Overfeeding concentrates can lead to health problems such as colic and laminitis.
When feeding concentrates, it is important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions and to introduce new feeds gradually to avoid digestive upsets.
In summary, horses require a balanced diet that is rich in forages and concentrates. Providing good quality forage and feeding concentrates in moderation can help to maintain a healthy horse.
Feeding Practices
Feeding your horse a well-balanced diet is essential to ensure their health and well-being. In this section, we will discuss feeding schedules and portion sizes.
Feeding Schedule
Horses are natural grazers and require access to forage throughout the day. Ideally, horses should have access to pasture or hay for at least 16 hours a day. If pasture or hay is not available, you can supplement with haylage, chaff, or hay cubes.
It is important to avoid feeding your horse large meals, as this can lead to digestive problems such as colic. Instead, divide their daily intake into smaller, more frequent meals. A good rule of thumb is to feed your horse 1.5-2% of their body weight in forage per day.
Portion Sizes
When it comes to feeding concentrates, it is important to follow the manufacturer’s guidelines and feed according to your horse’s weight and workload. Overfeeding concentrates can lead to weight gain and other health problems.
A general guideline for feeding concentrates is to feed no more than 0.5% of your horse’s body weight in concentrates per meal. For example, if your horse weighs 500kg, they should not be fed more than 2.5kg of concentrates per meal.
It is also important to ensure that your horse has access to clean, fresh water at all times. A horse can drink up to 10 gallons of water per day, so make sure their water source is replenished regularly.
By following a regular feeding schedule and providing appropriate portion sizes, you can help ensure your horse stays healthy and happy.
Nutritional Requirements
To maintain optimal health, your horse requires a balanced diet that provides all the necessary nutrients. These nutrients include vitamins, minerals, and protein. Here are some key points to consider when feeding your horse:
Vitamins
Vitamins are essential for your horse’s overall health. They play a vital role in many bodily functions, including metabolism, immunity, and growth. Horses require both fat-soluble and water-soluble vitamins, which can be found in forage and commercial feeds. Vitamin A, for example, is important for vision and immune function, while vitamin E is an antioxidant that helps protect cells from damage.
Minerals
Minerals are also essential for your horse’s health. They play a crucial role in many bodily functions, including bone development, muscle function, and nerve transmission. Horses require both macro and micro minerals, which can be found in forage and commercial feeds. Calcium and phosphorus, for example, are essential for bone health, while zinc and copper are important for skin and coat health.
Protein
Protein is essential for your horse’s growth, repair, and maintenance of tissues. Horses require high-quality protein sources, such as those found in forage and commercial feeds. However, feeding too much protein can be harmful to your horse’s health. It can lead to excess ammonia production, which can cause respiratory problems and other health issues.
It is important to note that every horse is different, and their individual nutritional requirements may vary. Consult with a veterinarian or equine nutritionist to develop a feeding plan that meets your horse’s specific needs.
Special Diets
If you have a horse with specific dietary needs, there are a few things you can do to ensure they get the nutrition they require. Here are some tips for feeding pregnant mares, performance horses, and elderly horses.
Pregnant Mares
Pregnant mares have increased nutritional requirements, especially during the last trimester of pregnancy. They need more protein, energy, and minerals to support the growth and development of the foal. Feeding pregnant mares a balanced diet is crucial to ensure the health of both the mare and foal.
Here are some tips for feeding pregnant mares:
- Increase the mare’s feed gradually over the course of her pregnancy.
- Feed a high-quality protein source, such as alfalfa hay or a commercial mare and foal feed.
- Provide access to clean, fresh water at all times.
- Consult with a veterinarian or equine nutritionist to ensure the mare’s diet is balanced and meets her nutritional needs.
Performance Horses
Performance horses have increased energy requirements due to the demands of their work. Feeding a performance horse a balanced diet that meets their nutritional needs is crucial to maintain their health and performance.
Here are some tips for feeding performance horses:
- Feed a high-quality forage, such as hay or haylage, to provide the horse with fibre and energy.
- Provide a commercial concentrate feed to supplement the horse’s diet with additional energy and nutrients.
- Ensure the horse has access to clean, fresh water at all times.
- Consult with a veterinarian or equine nutritionist to ensure the horse’s diet is balanced and meets their nutritional needs.
Elderly Horses
Elderly horses have unique nutritional needs due to changes in their metabolism and dental health. Feeding an elderly horse a balanced diet that meets their nutritional needs is crucial to maintain their health and quality of life.
Here are some tips for feeding elderly horses:
- Feed a high-quality forage, such as hay or haylage, to provide the horse with fibre and energy.
- Provide a commercial senior feed that is designed specifically for elderly horses.
- Soak the horse’s feed in water to make it easier to chew and digest.
- Consult with a veterinarian or equine nutritionist to ensure the horse’s diet is balanced and meets their nutritional needs.
Unsafe Foods for Horses
Horses are herbivores, and their digestive systems are designed to process plant matter. However, not all plants are safe for horses to eat. Some plants and human foods can be toxic to horses and can cause serious health problems. In this section, we will discuss the unsafe foods for horses.
Toxic Plants
Several plants are toxic to horses and can cause severe health problems. Here are some of the toxic plants that horses should avoid:
| Plant Name | Symptoms |
|---|---|
| Ragwort | Liver damage, jaundice, weight loss, and death |
| Yew | Sudden death |
| Nightshade | Colic, diarrhea, and seizures |
| Hemlock | Respiratory failure, paralysis, and death |
It is essential to remove these plants from your horse’s pasture and surroundings to prevent accidental ingestion. If you suspect that your horse has ingested any of these plants, contact your veterinarian immediately.
Human Foods
Some human foods can be harmful to horses and can cause digestive issues. Here are some of the human foods that horses should avoid:
- Chocolate: Chocolate contains theobromine, which can cause heart problems, seizures, and death in horses.
- Dairy products: Horses are lactose intolerant, and consuming dairy products can cause diarrhea and other digestive issues.
- Onions and garlic: These foods contain compounds that can damage red blood cells and cause anaemia in horses.
- Avocado: Avocado contains persin, which can cause heart problems in horses.
It is essential to avoid feeding your horse any human food, as it can cause digestive problems and other health issues. Stick to a diet of hay, grass, and horse feed that is specifically formulated for horses.
Hydration
Horses require access to clean and fresh water at all times. Water is crucial for maintaining a healthy digestive system, regulating body temperature, and transporting nutrients throughout the body.
Water Intake
The amount of water a horse needs varies depending on factors such as their size, activity level, and environment. On average, a horse requires around 5-10 gallons of water per day. However, during hot weather or periods of increased activity, a horse may require more water to stay properly hydrated.
It’s important to note that while horses get most of their water from drinking, they can also obtain moisture from their feed and forage. For example, spring grass can be up to 85% moisture, and soaked sugar beet can be up to 80% moisture. However, it’s still essential to provide access to clean and fresh water at all times to ensure that your horse stays properly hydrated.
Additionally, it’s important to monitor your horse’s water intake to ensure that they are drinking enough. Signs of dehydration in horses include dry mucous membranes, sunken eyes, and a lack of elasticity in the skin. If you notice any of these signs, it’s important to provide your horse with water and seek veterinary attention if necessary.
In summary, providing access to clean and fresh water at all times is crucial for maintaining your horse’s health and well-being. Monitor your horse’s water intake and seek veterinary attention if you notice any signs of dehydration.
Common Feeding Issues
Feeding horses can be a challenging task, and there are several common feeding issues that horse owners need to be aware of. Here are some of the most common feeding issues that you may encounter when feeding your horse:
Colic
Colic is a common digestive disorder that affects horses. It occurs when there is a blockage in the digestive system, which can be caused by a variety of factors such as overfeeding, dehydration, or an obstruction in the gut. Symptoms of colic include abdominal pain, restlessness, sweating, and decreased appetite.
To prevent colic, make sure that you feed your horse a balanced diet and avoid overfeeding. Provide your horse with plenty of fresh water, and ensure that your horse has access to good quality forage at all times. In addition, make sure that your horse has access to regular exercise and avoid sudden changes in feed or feeding schedule.
Laminitis
Laminitis is a painful hoof condition that can be caused by a variety of factors, including overfeeding, obesity, and metabolic disorders. Laminitis is characterized by inflammation of the laminae, which are the soft tissues that connect the hoof to the rest of the foot. Symptoms of laminitis include lameness, reluctance to move, and heat in the hooves.
To prevent laminitis, make sure that you feed your horse a balanced diet and avoid overfeeding. Provide your horse with plenty of fresh water, and ensure that your horse has access to good quality forage at all times. In addition, monitor your horse’s weight and body condition regularly, and provide regular exercise to help maintain a healthy weight.