Proper nutrition is the foundation of horse health. Understanding what to feed your horse and how much can seem complicated at first, but the basics are straightforward once you know the principles. This guide covers the essentials of daily horse feeding.
The Horse’s Digestive System
Horses are herbivores designed to eat small amounts of food continuously throughout the day. Their relatively small stomachs and long digestive tracts evolved to process fibrous plants almost constantly. Understanding this helps explain why feeding practices matter so much.
Horses deprived of forage for extended periods can develop ulcers, colic, and behavioral problems. The key to feeding horses is mimicking their natural grazing behavior as closely as possible within the constraints of domestic management.
Forage: The Foundation
Forage – hay and pasture grass – should make up the majority of every horse’s diet, typically 1.5-2% of their body weight daily. For a 1,000-pound horse, that’s 15-20 pounds of hay per day.
Types of hay:
Grass hay (timothy, orchard grass, brome): Lower in calories and protein, suitable for most adult horses in light work. This is the safest option for easy keepers and horses prone to weight gain.
Legume hay (alfalfa, clover): Higher in calories, protein, and calcium. Best for growing horses, pregnant/nursing mares, and hard keepers who need extra nutrition. Often too rich for horses in light work.
Mixed hay: Combines grass and legume for moderate nutrition levels.
Always choose hay that’s free of dust, mold, and weeds. Good hay should smell fresh and sweet, not musty or sour.
Grain and Concentrates
Many horses don’t need grain at all if they receive adequate quality forage. However, horses in heavy work, growing youngsters, and hard keepers often benefit from concentrated feeds.
Commercial feeds: Manufactured feeds are formulated for specific needs – maintenance, performance, senior, breeding. Follow the manufacturer’s feeding directions based on your horse’s weight and workload.
Whole grains: Oats, barley, and corn can supplement forage but lack the balanced vitamins and minerals of commercial feeds. Horses fed only whole grains typically need additional supplements.
Feeding guidelines:
- Divide grain into multiple small meals rather than one large feeding
- Never feed more than 5 pounds of grain at once
- Feed grain after hay to slow digestion
- Make any feed changes gradually over 1-2 weeks
Water
Fresh, clean water is the most critical nutrient. Horses drink 5-10 gallons daily under normal conditions, more in hot weather or during exercise. Dehydration can cause colic and other serious problems.
Check water sources daily for cleanliness and adequate supply. In winter, horses may drink less if water is too cold, so consider heated buckets or tanks.
Salt and Minerals
Horses need salt (sodium chloride) daily. Provide free-choice access to a salt block – plain white salt for horses on commercial feeds that already contain minerals, or mineral blocks for horses on straight hay and grain.
Trace mineral needs depend on your local hay and soil. A basic vitamin/mineral supplement ensures nutritional gaps are covered, especially for horses not on commercial feeds.
Feeding Schedule
Consistency matters to horses. Try to feed at the same times daily. A typical schedule might include:
- Morning: Hay, grain (if fed)
- Midday: Additional hay for stalled horses
- Evening: Hay, grain (if fed)
- Night: Hay to last through the night
Horses should never go more than 8 hours without forage. For horses in stalls, slow-feed hay nets extend eating time and better mimic natural grazing.
Special Considerations
Easy keepers: Some horses gain weight easily. These horses often do best on grass hay alone, possibly with a ration balancer to provide vitamins and minerals without excess calories.
Hard keepers: Thin horses may need alfalfa, higher-fat feeds, or increased portions. Rule out medical causes (teeth problems, parasites, ulcers) before simply adding more food.
Senior horses: Older horses often need softer feeds due to dental issues. Senior feeds and soaked hay cubes can replace traditional feeding when teeth aren’t up to the task.
What Not to Feed
Avoid these potentially harmful foods:
- Lawn clippings (ferment and cause colic)
- Moldy or dusty hay
- Suddenly introduced rich pasture
- Excessive treats or sugary foods
- Foods toxic to horses (avocado, chocolate, onions)
When in doubt about your horse’s nutritional needs, consult with an equine nutritionist or your veterinarian. Proper feeding keeps your horse healthy, happy, and ready to enjoy life with you.
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