Uncover the fascinating world of horse diets, from the lush pastures of wild horses to the carefully crafted meals of domesticated stables.
Horses are pretty happy with pasture grass.
An adult horse should typically eat about 1.5 to 2 percent of its body weight in food each day. This means a 1,000-pound (454-kilogram) horse may eat 15 to 20 pounds (6.8 to 9 kilograms) of hay and grass daily.
Knowing how to provide the right diet for your horse is essential for their overall well-being. A balanced diet directly influences their energy, temperament, and digestive health.
Horse well-being encompasses physical, emotional, and social health.
Factors influencing horse well-being include nutrition, shelter, veterinary care, handling practices, and living conditions.
A well-cared-for horse is one that has access to clean water, nutritious food, regular exercise, and adequate shelter from the elements.
Research suggests that horses in humane environments exhibit improved behavior and reduced stress levels.
The Basics of a Horse’s Natural Diet
A horse’s natural diet consists mostly of forage. Horses eat grass and hay as their primary food sources, which provide the fiber they need to maintain a healthy gut.
Eating dry forage is part of a healthy equine diet. Most horse owners ensure their horses have access to high-quality pasture grass or grass hay to mimic what wild horses eat in nature. A stabled horse that doesn’t have access to fresh grasses and hay must be provided with other options, like horse feed.
Pasture grasses are a type of vegetation that grows in pastures, providing essential nutrients and shelter for livestock.
It is a key component of sustainable livestock production, as it allows animals to graze freely and exercise naturally.
There are over 10,000 species of pasture grass worldwide, with the most common being tall fescue, orchardgrass, and perennial ryegrass.
Pasture grasses can be divided into two categories: cool-season and warm-season grasses, each with its own growth patterns and nutritional profiles.
Commercial horse feed is designed to provide extra calories, protein, and vitamins that horses may not get from hay alone. Some horse owners provide healthy treats like carrots, apples, and even the occasional sugar cube as a reward (too much sugar is bad for horses).
Why Horses Graze Continuously
Unlike humans, who eat large meals at specific times, horses graze continuously to support their digestion. Since their digestive system is sensitive, sudden changes in diet can lead to serious health problems.
Horses are herbivores, meaning they are naturally designed to eat plants. However, some domesticated horses have been known to nibble on unusual things, like a hot dog or other nontraditional snacks. Animal science tells us that their digestive system isn’t built to process meat efficiently, so it’s best to stick to a plant-based diet.
Diets of Stabled Horses vs. Wild Horses
A stabled horse used for work needs a well-balanced diet that includes hay, feed, and possibly supplements. Horse trainers often tailor a horse’s diet based on activity level, ensuring that racehorses, workhorses, and leisure horses all get the nutrients they need.
In contrast, wild horses eat whatever forage they can find in their environment, which varies based on the season and region. The average horse enjoys the occasional treat, such as an apple or carrot.
Wild horses are herbivores that feed on a variety of plants, including grasses, 'leaves' , and 'fruits'.
Their diet also consists of twigs, bark, and roots in the winter months when other food sources are scarce.
They can consume up to 25-30 kilograms of food per day, depending on their age, sex, and activity level.
In addition to plant material, wild horses may occasionally eat insects, small reptiles, or even carrion if encountered.
- howstuffworks.com | What Do Horses Eat in the Wild and on Farms?
