Balanced feeding is essential for maintaining the health and wellbeing of your horses. Horses require a variety of nutrients, and it is important to understand the different types of horse feeds and supplements available to ensure they receive a balanced diet.

Understanding Horse Nutrition

Horses—like humans—require carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins, minerals, and water to maintain a healthy diet and peak performance. Each nutrient plays a critical role in the horse’s diet, and it is important to provide the recommended amounts of each nutrient.

• Carbohydrates: Horses require carbohydrates for energy. The recommended amount of carbohydrates in a horse’s diet is between 1.5-3% of their body weight in dry matter per day.
• Proteins: Proteins are essential for muscle growth and repair. The recommended amount of protein in a horse’s diet is between 8-12% of their body weight in dry matter per day.
• Fats: Fats are a good source of energy and can help improve coat condition. The recommended amount of fat in a horse’s diet is between 3-8% of their body weight in dry matter per day.
• Vitamins: Vitamins are essential for a horse’s overall health and wellbeing. The recommended levels of vitamins vary depending on the type of vitamin, but it is important to provide a balanced mix of vitamins in a horse’s diet. Depending on where you are and the feed available you may want to supplement with different vitamins.
• Minerals: Minerals are also essential for a horse’s health, with calcium and phosphorus being two of the most important minerals. The recommended levels of minerals vary depending on the type of mineral, but it is important to provide a balanced mix of minerals in a horse’s diet.
• Water: Water is a vital nutrient for horses and plays a critical role in digestion, temperature regulation, and overall bodily functions. Horses should have access to clean and fresh water at all times. On average, a horse may consume 5 to 10 gallons of water per day, but this amount can vary depending on factors like temperature, activity level, and diet. It’s essential to regularly check water sources and ensure they are clean and replenished.

It’s important to note that the exact recommended levels of each nutrient may vary depending on the horse’s age, breed, and activity level. It’s always a good idea to consult with professionals such as your barn manager, veterinarian, or equine nutritionist to determine the specific nutritional needs of your horse.

Types of Horse Feed

There are different types of horse feed available, including hay, pasture, and concentrates. Each type of feed has its pros and cons, and it is important to choose the right feed for your horse based on their specific needs.

• Hay: Hay is a dried forage that can be made from grasses or legumes. It is a good source of fiber and can be fed to horses year-round. There are different types of hay available, including timothy, alfalfa, and grass hay. The type of hay you choose will depend on your horse’s nutritional needs and any health concerns they may have.
• Pasture: Horses are natural grazers and can thrive on a diet of fresh grass. It is recommended that horses have access to pasture for at least 12 hours a day. However, it’s important to monitor their grazing to ensure they don’t overeat and become overweight.
• Concentrates: Concentrates are feeds that are designed to provide additional nutrients to a horse’s diet. They can include grains, pellets, or extruded feeds. It’s important to choose a concentrate that is appropriate for your horse’s age, activity level, and nutritional needs.

Other options for horse feed may include:

• Beet pulp: Beet pulp is a byproduct of sugar beet processing and is a good source of fiber and energy. It can be soaked in water before feeding to horses.
• Complete feeds: Complete feeds are designed to provide a horse with all the nutrients they need in one package. They can be a good option for horses that have difficulty maintaining weight or have dental problems.

Be sure to choose a feed that is appropriate for your horse’s nutritional needs and to feed them the recommended amount based on their weight and activity level.

Supplements for Horses

Supplements, including vitamins, minerals, and probiotics, can be beneficial for horses. It is important to understand when and why supplements are needed and the recommended doses for each.

• Vitamins: Horses require a variety of vitamins to maintain their health. Vitamin A is important for vision and immune function, while vitamin E is an antioxidant that helps protect cells from damage. B vitamins are important for energy metabolism, and vitamin D is important for bone health.
• Minerals: Horses require a variety of minerals, including calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, and potassium. These minerals are important for bone health, muscle function, and overall health.
• Electrolytes: Electrolytes are minerals that are important for maintaining fluid balance in the body. Horses lose electrolytes through sweat, so it’s important to replace them during periods of heavy exercise or hot weather. Electrolyte supplements can be added to a horse’s feed or water.
• Probiotics: Probiotics are beneficial bacteria that can help improve gut health in horses. They can be especially helpful for horses that are prone to digestive issues, such as colic or diarrhea.
• Joint supplements: Joint supplements are designed to support joint health and mobility in horses. They can be especially helpful for older horses or horses that are prone to joint issues.

Not all horses require supplements. If a horse’s diet is balanced and provides all the necessary nutrients, supplements may not be necessary. Consulting with a veterinarian or equine nutritionist can help determine if a supplement is necessary for your horse and which type of supplement would be most beneficial.

Common Nutritional Problems in Horses

Obesity, colic, and laminitis are common nutritional problems that horses face. Understanding the causes, symptoms, and prevention tips for each can help keep your horse healthy.

• Obesity: Obesity can lead to a number of problems, including laminitis, colic, and joint issues. A fat horse is more likely to develop laminitis because the body has difficulty processing excess sugar in the blood. The extra weight also puts more pressure on joints and ligaments.
• Colic: Colic refers to abdominal pain in horses and can be caused by various factors, including improper nutrition. Overfeeding, sudden changes in diet, or poor-quality forage can contribute to colic. Symptoms of colic may include restlessness, pawing at the ground, rolling, sweating, and a lack of appetite. Prompt veterinary attention is crucial in managing colic cases, as it can be a life-threatening condition.
• Laminitis: Laminitis is a painful condition that affects the sensitive laminae inside a horse’s hoof. It is often linked to obesity and can be triggered by excessive carbohydrate intake or sudden access to lush pastures. The laminae, which connect the hoof wall to the underlying structures, become inflamed and damaged, leading to severe lameness. Signs of laminitis include reluctance to move, increased digital pulse, heat in the hooves, and a characteristic “rocked back” stance.

Below are some prevention tips for these common issues along with others:

1. Balanced Diet: Providing a balanced diet is crucial for maintaining a horse’s optimal body condition. Consult with a veterinarian or equine nutritionist to determine the appropriate amount and type of feed for your horse’s individual needs. Ensure the diet includes adequate fiber from good-quality forage, such as hay or pasture.
2. Controlled Calorie Intake: Monitor your horse’s calorie intake to prevent obesity. This includes limiting access to lush pastures, avoiding excessive grain or concentrate feed, and using slow-feeders or small-hole hay nets to slow down forage consumption.
3. Regular Exercise: Regular exercise is essential for maintaining a healthy weight and overall well-being in horses. Develop a consistent exercise routine that includes a combination of riding, lunging, or turnout in a safe environment. Consult with a veterinarian to determine the appropriate exercise regimen based on your horse’s age, fitness level, and any underlying health conditions.
4. Gradual Diet Changes: Make any dietary changes gradually to allow the horse’s digestive system to adapt. Sudden changes in feed type or quantity can disrupt the delicate balance in the gut, increasing the risk of colic or other digestive disturbances.
5. Monitor Body Condition Score: Regularly assess your horse’s body condition score (BCS) to ensure they are neither too thin nor overweight. Aim for a BCS of 4-6 on a scale of 1-9, with 1 being emaciated and 9 being obese. Adjust the diet and exercise regimen as needed to maintain a healthy BCS.
6. Veterinary Care: Regular veterinary check-ups are essential for detecting any nutritional issues early on. Work closely with your veterinarian to develop a comprehensive healthcare plan tailored to your horse’s specific needs. They can provide guidance on diet, weight management, and preventive measures.

By being proactive in managing your horse’s nutrition and implementing preventive measures, you can minimize the risk of obesity, colic, and laminitis. Remember, each horse is unique, and their nutritional requirements may vary, so consult with professionals to ensure the best care for your equine companion.

In Conclusion

Balanced feeding is crucial for the health and wellbeing of horses. By understanding the different types of horse feeds and supplements available, you can ensure your horse receives a balanced diet. For more information on horse nutrition, check out the following resources:

• American Association of Equine Practitioners
• The Horse
• Equine Nutrition