Basics of Equine Nutrition
A horse’s specific nutritional needs vary greatly depending on their life situation. As a horse owner, you simply want to keep your horse healthy and provide them with the proper nutrition needed to maintain a healthy body condition or performing at their highest level.
When it comes to equine nutrition there are endless options and an overwhelming amount of information. A horse’s specific nutritional needs vary greatly depending on their life situation. As a horse owner, you simply want to keep your horse healthy and provide them with the proper nutrition needed to maintain a healthy body condition or performing at their highest level. With this in mind, we are breaking down some of the basic nutritional elements a horse needs to be healthy.
**Note: It is highly recommended that you speak with a veterinarian regarding any nutritional concerns you have for your horse. Below is a breakdown of nutrition basics and should NOT be interpreted as direct veterinary advice.**
There are 6 types of nutrients a horse needs to survive:
- Water – the most important, 5-15 gallons per day
- Proteins (Amino Acids) – diet should contain 8% protein
- Carbohydrates – provides energy as well as fiber needed by the large intestine
- Fat – necessary for cell membrane health, more energy dense than carbohydrates
- Vitamins – required for essential metabolic functions, especially important for senior horses or any horses experiencing stress
- Minerals – perform essential bodily functions
Most of these elements can be found in the hay we feed our horses. The amount of forage a horse needs per day varies based on the size of the horse. The minimum requirements are 1-1.5 pounds of hay for every 100 pounds of horse. So, if you have a 1,000-pound horse, they need about 15 pounds of hay per day.
There are 3 common types of forage:
- Grass Hay – higher in sugar, lower in calories
- Alfalfa Hay – higher in protein, higher in calories, not for free feeding
- Pasture – sugar content is higher in the afternoon or when stressed by heat/freezing
If your horse isn’t maintaining a healthy weight or doesn’t have enough energy to perform, it is time to speak with your veterinarian about supplementing your horse. We know there are a variety of options for supplements for horses at any life stage. Due to the wide range of needs and unique situations, it is nearly impossible to have a “one size fits all” recommendation for nutrition and it may take a few tries to get it right. As more research and information on optimal nutrition becomes available, we are seeing happier, healthier horses, which is the ultimate goal!
Have questions about your horse’s nutritional needs?