Feeding Your Horse
Each horse has an individual genetic body structure that determines factors such as its height and shape. It has an individual metabolism that determines how well it digests its food, and how efficiently it absorbs nutrients. Each horse also has its own collection of bacteria in its colon to digest roughage. Therefore, the same amount of food will have a different effect on different horses. Feeding guidelines are provided here, but feed your horse according to its needs, not to a formula. Each horse's needs will vary depending on whether it is stabled or kept in a field, whether it is clipped or not, and what the weather is like. If a horse lacks nutrients, one sign is it will lose weight.
| Part of diet | What it does | Where it is found |
|---|---|---|
| Protein | Proteins are the body's building blocks. Muscle is mostly protein; tendons and ligaments also have a high protein content. | Most horses' needs are met by grass in the summer, or hay (as needed) in the winter. In pellets, good sources include soybean. |
| Carbohydrate | The source of energy, carbohydrates are stored as glycogen in the muscles, ready for instant use during exercise | Grass or may gives enough for maintenance but usually not for work. Grains, such as oats, are the major energy source. |
| Fat | Fats or oils are a valuable energy source because they can be broken down to simple, easily utilized carbohydates. | Many premixed feeds include vegetable oils. Up to 15% of a horse's energy needs can be efficiently provided by vegetable oil. |
| Water | Much of the horse's body contains built-in water, it is the main medium for carrying substances around the body. | Spring grass may have a high water content, but most of a horse's needs are met by drinking. Water must be clean and fresh. |
| Minerals | Bones obviously need minerals, but most of the body tissues have some mineral requirements. | Alfalfa is a rich source. Minerals are taken in with soil during grazing. Salt can be given as a salt lick. |
