The most important aspect of a horse’s diet is forage feed. It is essential to the proper functioning of its digestive system. A typical horse will consume about 2% of its body weight in feed on a daily basis. The percentage may be slightly lower or higher in some horses depending on its weight, age and level of activity.

Due to the importance of forage feed in a horse’s diet, careful attention must be made to the quality. Forage feed should make up 50-100% of a horse’s diet. Beets are a great example of an antioxidant-providing element of a horse’s diet.

Simply put, forage feed it is grass or hay. Land with plenty of grass provides enough forage where hay is not necessary. If your pasture has limited grass growth, always make hay available to the horse. During winter time, hay is a key ingredient to keeping the horses body temperature up. The highest quality forage feed should be made available to your horse. We know that a horse consumers about 2% or more of their body weight in feed each day - so the proper portions and nutrition is paramount. As you will read below, nutritional supplements in the right portions are great additions to forage feed.

The addition of barley should also be considered — especially in the winter time. Barley provides great nutrition and can be a substitute when grass is sparse. Make sure the barley is unrolled and un-crushed. Soak the Barley in water for two hours prior to feeding.

One other consideration for your horse’s nutrition is Oats. Oats are a common feed for horses because they are easily digested and a good source of energy. Oats are also an ingredient in Sweet Feed. Horses enjoy the addition of Sweet Feed to their diet. Typically, Sweet Feed is a mixture of chopped corn, pellets and oats. But, high sugar and starch content in these feeds can be the cause of behavioral issues and health problems. Even horses have a sweet tooth!

When should a horse be given these supplements? If you have a mature horse with minimal activity should thrive on good quality forage without a need for supplements. Most horses with a good pasture will benefit from supplemental forage during the winter months. If you feed working horses, stabled horses, and growing or breeding horses, it is a good idea to considered additional feed.

Make sure to feed horses on a regular schedule… Horses should be fed at regular times and a horse or pony should be given a few hours between having a hard feed and carrying out strenuous exercise. If a horse exercises strenuously, be sure and give it a break before eating and after eating. A full stomach plus exercise can have serious consequences including breath problems and heart strain. Lastly, don’t forget to keep your animal hydrated. It is vital that water be available to horses at all times. Ensure water is always available prior to feeding.

Finally, ration balancers (also referred to as diet balancers) are nutrient-dense foods meant to be served in moderation. They serve as an important addition to equine dietary programs. When considering your own horse’s dietary program, try to remember these facts to avoid confusion. However, do note that while sweet feed is a tempting choice, too much sugar and starch may contribute to behavioral problems as well as health issues.

Tags: Horses