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One of the most important decisions you need to make when you own a horse is what you will feed him. When considering the options, it helps to remember how horses evolved from the beginning. They are essentially grazers, or roughage eaters. Their digestive systems work on a continuous basis and their small stomachs prevent them from eating large amounts at one feeding. With this in mind, it can be concluded that the horse’s basic feeding requirement for proper digestion is free access to “forage” (pasture grass) or hay. When considering forage choices, legumes (like alfalfa and timothy) contain the most minerals. However, grasses such as timothy and fescue offer good nutrition as well.
Beyond the basic grazing need, horses have nutritional needs that are similar to ours. The components include water, carbohydrates, proteins, vitamins, minerals and fats.
A horse’s water consumption is influenced by such factors as temperature, amount of work, and texture of feed. Generally, adults will consume 10 to 20 gallons a day. It is best to allow free access to water unless the horse is overheated, when he should be given small amounts of water.
Carbohydrates are important to provide energy for the horse to perform properly. Oats are a good source, and amounts should be based on the horse’s weight and activity level.
Proteins make up about 20 percent of an adult horse’s weight and are important for building muscle and tissue and replacing lost or damaged cells. They are found in hay, pasture grass and grains.
Sufficient vitamins are usually acquired through foraging and grains, but in some cases supplements are given. Indications include stress from illness or excessive training.
Minerals are needed for metabolic functions, proper working of the skeletal system, and hormone and enzyme regulation. For horses, important minerals include calcium, magnesium, sodium, chloride, potassium and phosphorous.
Fats are concentrated energy sources that should be given in low quantities. They are often added to feed products to improve taste and reduce dust and are also helpful to improve the horse’s coat.
Commercial feeds including oats, pellets, sweet feed and corn can be used to improve nutrition as well. Salt is also important, especially if commercial feeds are not used.
You should always discuss your horse’s nutritional needs and feeding regimen with your veterinarian to determine individual needs. Some areas may require more supplements than others, and horse’s needs vary depending on the amount of work they are required to do.
As a general rule, the experts make the following feeding recommendations:
--Allow free access to hay and water.
--Follow a regular feeding schedule.
--Feed small amounts often, never large amounts at one time.
--Amounts of food should be based on the horse’s weight, activity level and overall condition.
--Give water first, then hay, then grain. This gives the digestive system time to begin working and can help prevent problems such as colic.
--Make changes in amounts or types of feed gradually.
--Give plenty of pasture grass and hay.
--Be sure hay is not moldy, musty, or too green.
--Wait at least one hour after feeding to work a horse.
--Let the horse rest for at least an hour after riding before he is fed.
--Pay attention to your horse to be sure he is not getting too fat or too thin.
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