Horse feed

The horse's digestive system - why nutrition is so important

The horse has a small stomach

Digestion occurs continuously

It is not adapted to large single doses

Fiber is key to healthy digestion

👉 The basis of feeding must be roughage, not core.

How horse feeds are used

Feed several times a day in smaller doses

Roughage should be available continuously or most of the day

Core feed adapts to:

workload

age

health condition

Access to clean water and salt must always be ensured

Basic types of feeds for horses
1. Roughage (base of nutrition)

They make up 60–80% of the feed ration.

Hay - The most important feed.

Advantages:

High fiber content

Supports digestion

Natural for the horse

Disadvantages:

Quality can vary

Dusty hay can be harmful to the respiratory tract

Hay / silage

Fermented roughage.

Advantages:

Soft and tasty

Suitable for horses with dental problems

Disadvantages:

Risk of mold

Shorter shelf life after opening

Grazing (grass)

The most natural way to feed.

Advantages:

High nutritional value

Exercise and psychological well-being

Disadvantages:

Risk of laminitis

Depending on the season

2. Core feeds

Used as an energy supplement.

Oats

Traditional feed.

Advantages:

Easily digestible

Provides energy

Disadvantages:

Can cause a "hot" temperament

Not suitable for horses with low workload

Barley

Higher in energy.

Advantages:5

High energy content

Disadvantages:

Must be cooked

More difficult to digest

Corn

Very energetic.

Advantages:

High energy value

Disadvantages:

Risk of overfeeding

Not suitable for recreational horses

3. Complete and complementary mixtures

Industrially produced feeds.

Types:

for sport horses

for recreational horses

for seniors

for foals

dietary feeds

Advantages:

Balanced composition

Simple dosage

Disadvantages:

Higher price

Risk of overfeeding with incorrect dosage

4. Mineral and vitamin supplements

They serve to replenish missing nutrients.

They contain:

calcium, phosphorus, magnesium

zinc, selenium

vitamins A, D, E

Benefits:

Prevention of deficiencies

Support of immunity

Disadvantages:

Overdose if used incorrectly

5. Special feeds

For sports horses

high energy

muscle support

For seniors

easy digestibility

higher fiber content

For horses with metabolic problems

low sugar and starch content

Benefits of properly selected nutrition

Healthy digestion

Shiny coat

Strong hooves

Stable psyche

Better performance

Longer active life

Disadvantages and risks of improper feeding

Colic

Laminitis

Obesity or malnutrition

Stomach ulcers

Behavioral disorders

How to choose the right feed for your horse

When When choosing, consider:

1. Workload

recreational

sports

working

2. Age

foal

adult horse

senior

3. Health status

metabolic disorders

allergies

dental problems

4. Quality of roughage

👉 The better the hay, the less grain you need.

Principles of proper feeding

Roughage always takes precedence

Make changes to the feed gradually (7–14 days)

The horse must always have access to water

Salt (lick) is essential

Monitor the horse's condition, not tables

Most common mistakes

Too much grain

Poor quality hay

Sudden changes in feed

Lack of minerals

Feeding according to "habit", not the horse's needs

Horse feed forms the basis of their health, performance and well-being. Proper nutrition is not about quantity, but about balance, quality and adaptation to the specific horse. A well-fed horse is healthy, happy and willing to cooperate.