Feeding a horse is about more than just filling up a trough with grain. Horses, being large and complex creatures, have specific dietary needs that vary based on their age, breed, activity level, and overall health. Providing your horse with the right nutrition is essential to their well-being and performance, whether they’re working hard on the trails or enjoying a quiet day in the pasture.
At Layla Rose Ranch Horse Rescue, this can be a really tough part of our day. Each horse has its own dietary plan that is kept on a whiteboard in the Feed Room. This plan includes supplements and minerals needed bae don age and health.
Understanding a Horse’s Diet
Horses are herbivores with highly specialized digestive systems, designed for grazing. Their diet should primarily consist of fibrous materials like grass and hay, which provide the necessary nutrients for energy and overall health. A balanced diet for your horse includes:
- Hay and Grass (for more detail on hay, READ our Guide)
- Hay should be the foundation of your horse’s diet. The type of hay can vary, with the most common being timothy, alfalfa, and orchard grass. The quality of hay matters: it should be free from mold and dust, and it should be leafy, not too coarse or stemmy.
- In Texas, where we are located, coastal hay is very common. It is plentiful and cheap. But it’s kind of like feeding your kids McDonalds every day. They may love it, but it’s not the best nutritionally for them.
- We are very particular at Layla Rose Ranch. We use only tested hays – Timothy, Alfalfa and Teff and try to move all horses away from grain if possible. The right forage diet has a significant impact on the horse’s health and can even reduce vet bills. Colic is a big issue with horses who eat poor hays and grasses.
- We get all of our hay from Hay USA. Check them out.
- Fun Fact: Horses have a natural instinct to graze throughout the day. In the wild, horses can eat for up to 16 hours a day! To mimic this, many horse owners provide hay in slow feeders, which encourages natural grazing behavior and reduces the risk of colic.
- Fun Fact: Horse eat about 2% of their body weight daily. So a 1,000lb horse will eat 20lbs of hay.
- Grain and Concentrates
- While hay provides the bulk of your horse’s nutrition, some horses may need additional concentrates like grains to meet higher energy demands. Grains are typically given to horses in training or those with higher activity levels.
- We use grain with all of our younger and unhealthy horses when they first come in too help get them caught up. But try to transition to a supplant or ration balancer once they are healthy. Nothing bad about grain, just our preference. Kind of like we keep our horse barefoot with no shoes.
- Fun Fact: Some horses love oats so much that they may begin to show excitement when they see a bucket of oats. Oats are a good source of fiber, and their carbohydrate content helps support a horse’s energy needs.
- Fresh Water
- Fresh, clean water is just as important as food. A horse can drink anywhere from 5 to 10 gallons of water a day, depending on the weather, exercise, and diet.
- Fun Fact: Horses can drink so much water at once that they can consume a gallon or more in just a few gulps. It’s essential that they always have access to fresh water, especially after exercise, to stay hydrated and maintain optimal health.
- Minerals and Supplements
- In some cases, you may need to provide mineral supplements to ensure your horse receives all the nutrients it needs. For example, salt and electrolyte supplements are commonly provided to horses in hot weather or those undergoing heavy training.
- Fun Fact: Horses have a natural craving for salt, which is why you might find them licking salt blocks in the pasture. Providing a salt lick or loose salt in their feeding area can help meet this need.
Feeding Frequency
The frequency and amount of food a horse needs will depend on several factors, including their age, size, and activity level.
- Adult Horses
- A mature, healthy horse typically needs to be fed 2-3 times a day. Most of their diet should come from hay and pasture. If you’re feeding grain, this should be done in smaller, more frequent amounts to avoid overloading their digestive system with too much starch at once.
- Young Horses and Foals
- Foals and young horses have different dietary needs than adults. Foals rely on their mother’s milk for the first few months of life. Afterward, they begin grazing and eating small amounts of grain and hay.
- Fun Fact: Foals are born with the ability to stand and walk within hours of birth, and they start nibbling on grass almost immediately. However, they still rely on their mother’s milk for essential nutrients in the early stages of life.
- Senior Horses
- Older horses may need their diet adjusted to account for any dental issues, reduced energy levels, or weight concerns. Senior horses may benefit from softer hay and specially formulated feeds to help maintain their body condition.
- Fun Fact: As horses age, their teeth begin to wear down, which can make chewing tougher food more difficult. That’s why older horses may need hay chopped into smaller pieces or even soaked hay cubes to help with digestion.
Hay Types and Their Benefits
Choosing the right type of hay for your horse is crucial, as different types offer different benefits. Here’s a breakdown of some of the most common hay types: But for a detaiedl guide, read this article.
- Timothy Hay
- The most popular type of hay for adult horses. It’s high in fiber and low in sugar, making it an excellent choice for maintaining a healthy digestive system and preventing obesity.
- Alfalfa Hay
- Alfalfa is richer in protein and calcium, making it a good choice for young, growing horses, pregnant mares, or those in intense training. However, it’s not recommended for adult horses who are not working hard, as the extra calories can contribute to obesity.
- Teff Hay
- Teff is a great hay for horses. It is gluten free and has low sugar and high protein content.
- Orchard Grass Hay
- A softer and sweeter-smelling hay, orchard grass is often used for horses with sensitive digestive systems. It is lower in protein and ideal for older horses or those with metabolic issues.
- Meadow Hay
- A mixture of grasses that comes from wild or natural meadows. It is high in fiber, and horses often enjoy its variety of grasses and herbs.
Treats and Extras
Treats are a fun way to bond with your horse, but they should be given in moderation. Horses love things like carrots, apples, and peppermints. However, always avoid feeding them foods like chocolate, onions, or garlic, which can be toxic.
- Carrots and Apples
- These are two of the most common and healthy horse treats. Just be sure to cut the apples into manageable pieces to prevent choking, and only offer treats in moderation.
- Peppermints
- Many horses enjoy peppermints, and they can be a great way to reward your horse for good behavior or after training.
- Sugar Cubes
- While sugar cubes are a classic horse treat, they should only be given sparingly, as they’re high in sugar. Always ensure your horse’s overall diet remains balanced.
Fun Facts About Horse Feeding
- Horses Can’t Vomit: Horses have a unique digestive system that doesn’t allow them to vomit. This means they must be very careful about the foods they consume. Once food enters the stomach, it has to pass through the intestines—there’s no turning back!
- Horses Have Teeth Adapted for Grinding: Unlike humans, who can chew food in a back-and-forth motion, horses grind their food by moving their jaws in a circular motion. This allows them to break down fibrous plants and grasses effectively.
- Horses Are Grazers, Not Gorgers: Horses have evolved to graze small amounts of food throughout the day, rather than eating large meals. Their stomachs are relatively small compared to their size, so they need to eat frequently but in smaller amounts.
Conclusion
Feeding a horse is both an art and a science, requiring careful consideration of the right foods and the appropriate feeding schedule to maintain optimal health. By providing the proper balance of hay, grain, fresh water, and occasional treats, you’ll ensure that your horse stays healthy, strong, and happy. Whether you’re offering a carrot as a reward or ensuring they have enough hay to graze on throughout the day, proper nutrition is the foundation of good horse care. So, take the time to learn about your horse’s dietary needs, and you’ll reap the rewards of a happy, healthy companion.
