Proper nutrition is absolutely vital for the health and performance of horses. These majestic creatures have very specific dietary needs that must be carefully met to allow them to thrive. Whether a horse is used for breeding, racing, showing, recreational riding or simply as a beloved companion animal, improperly feeding them can lead to a host of issues. From developmental problems in young horses to colic, laminitis, metabolic disorders and suboptimal performance in adult animals, nutrition plays a key role. By understanding the fundamentals of equine nutrition, horse owners can construct balanced diets tailored to their horse’s age, breed, activity level, and health status. Critical dietary components include quality forage sources, appropriate concentrate intake, ample water, balanced minerals and vitamins, sufficient protein, properly calibrated energy levels, and promoting overall digestive health. With the right nutritional approach, horses can live long, healthy lives while meeting their full performance potential.
Forage:
– Grass hays like timothy, orchard grass, and coastal bermuda are excellent forage sources for horses. For example, a 1,000 lb horse may consume 15-20 lbs of grass hay per day.
– Legume hays like alfalfa provide additional protein and calcium. A lactating mare may receive 50% of her forage as alfalfa hay to meet increased protein demands.
– Lush, high-sugar pastures like those with high levels of Kentucky bluegrass can cause issues for horses prone to laminitis or metabolic disorders like Equine Metabolic Syndrome.
Concentrates:
– Oats are a popular cereal grain concentrate, providing energy and nutrients like vitamin B1, iron, and fiber. A 500 kg performance horse may receive 4-6 lbs of whole oats daily.
– Soybean meal is a common plant-based protein source used in concentrates for growing weanlings or heavily exercised horses.
– Commercial pelleted or textured feeds like “Growth” or “Performance” mixes provide balanced nutrients. For instance, a yearling may be fed 6-8 lbs of a growth pellet daily.
Water:
– A typical 500 kg horse at rest may drink 5-10 gallons (20-40 liters) of water per day, with variations based on temperature and activity levels.
– Electrolyte supplements like salt or commercial electrolyte mixes can help replace minerals lost through sweat during intense exercise or hot weather.
Minerals and Vitamins:
– Calcium and phosphorus are crucial for bone development. A mineral supplement with a 2:1 calcium:phosphorus ratio may be fed to a weanling to support proper skeletal growth.
– Zinc is essential for hoof health and immune function. A performance horse may receive a zinc-methionine supplement to meet increased demands.
– Vitamin E, a fat-soluble antioxidant, can be supplemented (e.g., 1,000-2,000 IU per day) for horses undergoing intense exercise or breeding.
Protein:
– A growing yearling horse may require 16-18% crude protein in its diet for proper muscle and tissue development, met through forage and concentrated protein sources.
– A lactating mare nursing a foal has increased protein needs, which can be supported by providing high-quality alfalfa hay and a concentrated protein supplement.
Energy:
– Idle, mature horses may thrive on a low-energy, high-fiber diet of good quality grass hay, while avoiding excessive grain intake to prevent obesity.
– A racehorse in heavy training may require a high-energy, high-fat diet with added oils or rice bran to fuel its intense exercise demands.
Digestive Health:
– Gradually transitioning between hay sources over 7-10 days can help prevent digestive upset in horses.
– Feeding probiotics like live yeast cultures (e.g., Saccharomyces cerevisiae) can support a healthy hindgut microbiome and aid digestion.
– Regular dental care, including floating (filing) of sharp enamel points, allows for proper chewing and digestion of forage.
It’s essential to consult with an equine nutritionist or veterinarian to develop a tailored feeding program that meets each horse’s specific needs based on factors like age, breed, activity level, and overall health status. Regular monitoring and adjustments to the diet may be necessary to ensure optimal equine health and performance.
