Feeding horses is essential for their health and performance. These herbivorous animals require a balanced diet that is tailored to their individual needs. Knowing the right types of food and the frequency of meals is essential. Proper feeding management contributes to the horse’s overall well-being and prevents digestive problems.

At Curtisur, we understand the importance of a balanced diet tailored to the specific needs of each equine. Next, we’ll explore the key aspects of horse nutrition, giving you valuable information for caring for your adventure companion.

Features of the Horse’s Digestive System

The horse’s digestive system has particularities that are essential to its health. Due to its design, it is essential to understand how it works in order to provide proper nutrition.

Delicate Digestive System

The horse’s digestive system is remarkably delicate and is adapted to a grassy diet. Its digestive system is composed of a relatively small stomach, which has a limited capacity for storing food. Unlike other animals, horses cannot consume large amounts of forage in one sitting, making meal frequency very important.
The structure of their stomach allows for the constant production of gastric juices. This means that without a regular supply of feed, horses can experience problems such as colic or gastric ulcers. Therefore, it is vital that they have access to feed throughout the day.

Small Amounts of Feed

The feeding of horses should be organised so that small portions are offered on several occasions throughout the day. This method of feeding mimics the horse’s natural behaviour in the wild, where it spends much of its time grazing and consuming forage in small amounts.

Below are some important aspects related to the practice of offering small amounts of food:

  • Limiting the amount of food offered at each feeding reduces the risk of digestive problems.
  • This method helps maintain optimal digestive health by allowing for better absorption of nutrients.
  • Meals should be appropriately spaced to facilitate digestion and minimize stress on the digestive system.
  • Frequent feeding also helps keep the horse’s energy levels stable throughout the day.

Types of Horse Feed

Equine feed should include a variety of feeds that meet the specific nutritional needs of each horse. The most common types of feed that should be part of their diet are described below.

Forage

Forage is the basis of the horse’s diet. Its high fiber content is essential for the proper functioning of the digestive system. Within this category you can find different options:

Hay and Straw

Hay is an essential feed and should be of high quality, free of mold and dust. It is produced from dried grasses and can be a source of vital nutrients. Straw, although of lower nutritional value, is used as a supplement. However, it should not be the only source of forage.

Fresh Grass

Access to fresh grass is ideal for free-ranging horses. This feed provides not only important nutrients but also a natural environment where horses can graze, which is beneficial for their well-being. It is essential to ensure that the grass is of good quality and free of toxic plants.

Concentrated Feeds

Concentrated feeds offer greater energy density, ideal for horses that require more strength for demanding activities. This group includes:

Cereals

Cereals such as corn, oats and barley are important sources of carbohydrates. However, their intake must be controlled to avoid digestive problems, especially in horses prone to colic.

Alfalfa

Alfalfa is an outstanding supplement due to its high protein content. It can be offered in the form of hay or pellets and is ideal for horses that are growing or recovering.

Beet Pulp and Bran

These ingredients are highly energetic and can be included in the diet of hard-working horses. Beet pulp is also beneficial for its fibre content, which helps with gut health.

Juicy Feeds

Juicy feeds, such as grass silage or corn, are more palatable and can be a good choice, especially in hot weather. They provide vital nutrients, but should be offered with caution to avoid unwanted fermentation.

Mineral and Vitamin Supplements

To ensure that horses receive all the necessary nutrients, especially those with high physical activity, the use of mineral and vitamin supplements may be considered. Salt blocks and other specific supplements help to cover nutritional deficiencies and support the overall well-being of the animal.

Foods to Avoid

The appropriate selection of foods is essential to ensure the health of horses. There are certain components that, although they may seem harmless, can cause serious health problems if included in the equine diet. It is essential to know what these foods are and why they should be avoided.

Excessive Grains

The excessive consumption of grains can be harmful to the digestive health of the horse. Although grains provide a quick source of energy, their inclusion in large quantities can cause gastrointestinal disorders, such as colic or diarrhea.

  • Care should be taken with oats, as their high starch content can aggravate digestive system irritation.
  • Corn, although an excellent concentrate, can cause inflammation if the recommended amount is exceeded.
  • It is important to balance cereals with forage and other foods to avoid imbalances in the diet.

Wheat and Rice Bran

Wheat and rice bran, although they can be used in small doses, is not recommended for regular equine feeding. Its high phosphorus content can cause mineral imbalances that will affect the horse’s health.

  • Wheat bran may cause digestive problems, including colic, especially if fed inappropriately.
  • Frequent use of rice bran is not advisable due to its tendency to cause mineral malnutrition.

Unknown Grass

Access to unknown grass or grass of uncertain origin can be dangerous for horses. Some plants can be toxic and cause serious health complications.

  • It is essential to prevent horses from grazing in areas where the existing flora is unknown.
  • Ingestion of toxic plants can cause poisoning, making it necessary to have a clear knowledge of the species that can be found in their environment.

Forage Quality

Forage quality is a key aspect of equine nutrition. Good quality forage ensures that horses receive the right nutrients and contributes to their overall health and well-being.

Importance of Good Quality Hay

Hay is one of the pillars of a horse’s diet and its quality directly influences their health. Good quality hay should be rich in fibre and provide a solid foundation for daily feeding.

Several factors should be considered to assess hay quality:

  • Appearance: It should be a bright green colour, indicating that it has been harvested at the optimum time. Brown or yellow hay may indicate that it has been exposed to the sun for too long, losing nutrients.
  • Texture: Hay should be soft, not rough. This ensures that it is appealing to the horse and easy to consume.
  • Smell: Good hay will have a fresh, pleasant aroma. A musty or moldy smell is a sign of poor quality and can be detrimental to the horse’s health.
  • Dust and Mold Content: Hay should be free of dust, mold, and contaminants that can affect the horse’s respiratory health.

Mold and Dust Prevention

Mold and dust prevention is essential to maintaining forage quality. Both of these conditions can negatively affect the health of horses, leading to respiratory problems and digestive problems.

To avoid these problems, some recommendations can be followed:

  • Storage: Hay should be stored in a dry and well-ventilated place. Humidity is the main factor that contributes to the development of mold. Shelves or platforms should be used to avoid direct contact with the ground.
  • Regular monitoring: Checking hay periodically helps detect any signs of mold or deterioration. Removing affected parts is crucial to minimize risks.
  • Presentation method: Whenever possible, hay should be offered in small, airy piles. This not only makes it easier to eat, but also helps maintain freshness and prevent mold formation.

Additional Tips

It is essential to pay attention to certain aspects of horse nutrition to ensure optimal health and well-being. Below are some practical tips that can help improve equine nutrition.

Maintain a Regular Schedule

Establishing a regular meal schedule for horses not only helps with their daily routine, but also promotes digestive health. Regularity in feeding allows the digestive system to function more efficiently and reduces the risk of colic. Some recommendations include:

  • Feed meals at the same time each day.
  • Spread rations throughout the day, opting for several small meals.
  • Ensure that forage is always available for the horse, especially if meal times are pacified.

Salt Supplements and Blocks

Including supplements and salt blocks in a horse’s diet can be beneficial depending on its individual needs and activity level. Supplements help cover potential nutrient deficiencies, while salt blocks provide essential minerals. Here are some guidelines:

  • Salt pads should be easily accessible and placed where the horse can lick them at will.
  • Vitamin and mineral supplements should be chosen based on the type of work the horse performs and its basic diet.
  • It is advisable to have a regular check-up with a veterinarian to determine if the inclusion of supplements is necessary.

It is essential to observe how your horse responds to supplements and modify the dosage if necessary. Proper administration can optimize its performance and well-being, keeping it in excellent condition. Don’t forget that proper nutrition is vital to your horse’s health and happiness. Consult with a veterinarian or equine nutrition expert to create a balanced, personalized diet.

At Curtisur, we are proud to provide high-quality saddlery products that promote equine well-being. Visit our online store and explore our range of equestrian accessories essential for your horse’s care.