What keeps one moving is the energy derived from the food eaten. Every living thing on earth is naturally born to eat, develop, and grow so that they may function well to their design in our ecosystem. Like humans, our horses need a diet to get the nutrients they need to survive daily; lack of food and overeating results in abnormal body functions that may cause unwanted illnesses. That is why it is very important to know the right amount of food given to the kind of horses we have, the right type of food to feed, and what kind of foods to avoid for our horses’ diet.
I believe the focus on personalized feeding and advanced feeding technologies represents a significant leap forward in equine care. Feeding horses is a task that combines both art and science, aimed at ensuring the animal’s health, performance, and overall well-being. The right diet is crucial for horses, influencing everything from their coat condition to their energy levels and digestive health. With advancements in nutritional science and feed technology, horse owners have many options to optimize their horses’ diets. Choosing the right food for your horses can save you a lot of time by maintaining their health and avoiding diseases from malnutrition and/or obesity.
Selecting the Right Feed
When choosing a horse feed, the first step is to consider the horse’s age, activity level, and health status. Horses in different stages of life—whether they’re foals, mature adults, or seniors—have varying nutritional needs. American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP) emphasizes that nutrition is the foundation of a healthy, happy horse that performs to the best of its ability and promotes optimal digestive health. The right foods that we must feed to our horses are as follows;
1. HAY FOR HEALTHY HORSES
Hay comes in various sizes and packaging depending on how it is sold by horse feed stores near me or your area. It can also be available online, like on Amazon. These are the cut grass when they are less greener on any other part of the Pasteur and are a great feed for horses. They are usually sold in bales, pellets, or cubes. The main concern with hay is choosing its type to feed your kind of horse. There are two major types of hay: legume hay and grass hay.
WHAT IS LEGUME HAY?
Legume hays comprise a higher amount of protein, minerals, and vitamins than that of grass hays. An example is the alfalfa, which horses love because of its taste. Still, because of its dense nutrient content, excess consumption of this may result in obesity and upset the gastrointestinal tract of your horses. Another kind of this type is the red clover; it has almost the same taste and nutrients as alfalfa but is prone to dust and molds. Other kinds are the white clover and birdsfoot trefoil.
WHAT IS A GRASS HAY?
Grass hays, on the other hand, are known to be richer in fiber content than legume hays, but they are less in protein, minerals, and vitamins. Because of this, grass hays have been recommended for mixed feeding and easy keepers. This is also ideal for small and frequent feeding.
The amount of hay given to horses in daily consumption may range from 15 to 20 pounds for the average thousand-pound horse. This depends on the horse’s weight.
2. HORSES FEED DELICIOUSLY WITH GRAINS
Grains are typically a good source of calories and are much needed to boost more energy for horses designed to move vigorously, such as those involved in race events, pregnant or nursing mares, and horses used on ranch work. A small number of grain concentrates are recommended.
TYPES OF GRAINS FOR HORSES
Grains most fed to horses include rice bran, barley, oats, and corn. However, other tasty grain options like soybeans, beef pulp, and molasses exist.
A. STABILIZED RICE BRAN
Rice bran is the brown covering of rice for humans that is removed as a by-product of the milling process. This by-product of the rice is stabilized in the process of heating before feeding it to horses and prevents the occurrence of rancidity and digestive problems. The stabilized rice bran is known for its high-fat content of 20%. Stabilized rice bran is convenient as an energy and essential fatty acid source in the diets of show and performance horses and young growing horses. Finally, stabilized rice bran should be considered an additive to a horse’s diet, not replacing essential vitamins and minerals in grass pasture.
B. BARLEY
Barley is a less palatable grain for horses and is usually mixed with other grains. It is known to be less in fiber compared to oats.
C. OATS
Oats are preferred to barley in caloric supplements, which is tastier for horses. Oats are considered as one of the healthiest grains in the world. They are known to be gluten-free whole grains and a great source of important vitamins, minerals, fiber, and antioxidants vital to the body’s health. Studies show that oats have many health benefits, including reducing the risk of heart disease, aiding in weight loss, boosting digestion, and many more.
D. CORN
Corns are generally cultivated to produce commercial products such as ethanol and biofuels, some whiskey, baking products, and more. Sweet corn is for human consumption, and the field corns are processed for animal feeds. Corn is high in carbohydrates and packed with fiber, vitamins, and minerals. It’s also relatively low in protein and fat. Corn can be fed on the cob as shelled whole corn, cracked corn, steamed rolled corn, or ground crushed corn. It is best to meet the daily energy requirement of active horses.
E. SOYBEAN
Extruded soybeans provide an excellent source of balanced essential amino acids and are high in lysine. Soybeans are also known to have high levels of protein and fat. They are also a great source of phosphorus, low in fiber, and highly digestible when processed properly for horse consumption; otherwise, the horse may experience indigestion, especially when eaten raw, so do not attempt to feed your horses with raw soybeans. To get the most benefit for your horse, consider what type of soy you are feeding your horse. Ensure you are feeding full-fat extruded soybeans for your horse’s greatest benefit. Soybean meal is the most common form of soy used in horse feeds. Other forms of soybeans that can be fed to horses are roasted soybeans, micronized soybeans, soybean flour, and soybean flakes
F. BEET PULP
Beet pulp is another great mix for horse feeds because of its high-fiber, high-energy, and calcium nutrient content. It’s common practice to soak beet pulp to make it more palatable and reduce the risk of choking before feeding your horses.
G. MOLASSES
Molasses contain sugar, a direct source of so-called ‘fast energy’ for horses. If your horse is into performing loads of activities, it is necessary to include sugar in the horse’s diet as a source of energy. Molasses is often used in horse feed to boost energy and is also a good source of potassium.
What is the best grain for your horses? All of the above-mentioned types of grains are good for your horses. Remember that grains are recommended as a mixed addition to hay as part of their daily diet. They must be given only in small amounts or depending on the intensity of exerted energy they are doing in every activity that they have.
Aside from the hays and grains, another type of food your horse loves and needs in their daily nutritional diet is a variety of fresh fruits!
3. FRUITS AND VEGGIES FOR A HORSE TREAT
Yes! You read it right. Fruits are considered treats for horses. This palatable horse feed is often given as a treat to horses. Fruits are also used as a reward for doing a good job. Proven over the years, the horses’ favorites are apples and carrots.
Here is a list of some of the best choices of foods and vegetables you can feed your horses.
- Apricot
- Banana
- Blackberry
- Cantaloupe
- Coconut
- Grapes
- Orange
- Peaches
- Pear
- Pineapple
- Plum
- Raisins
- Strawberry
- Watermelon
- Beet Root
- Carrot
- Celery
- Cucumber
- Parsnip
- Pumpkin
- Snow Peas
- Swede
- Turnip
You should cut these fruits and vegetables into smaller pieces before feeding them to your horse to avoid choking.
Choosing the right feed and using effective techniques are essential for a horse’s overall health and performance. By familiarizing yourself with the various feed options and applying contemporary feeding practices, horse owners can ensure their horses receive optimal nutrition, which supports their well-being, energy levels, and overall happiness. This thoughtful approach to feeding helps maintain the horse’s health, promotes better performance, and contributes to a long, fulfilling life for your equine friend.
