A guide to proper horse nutrition
Feeding horses is a critical aspect of their care, but it’s easy to avoid common mistakes when feeding your horse that could negatively impact their health.
In this article, we’ll highlight common feeding errors and provide valuable insights and practical tips for proper horse nutrition.
Avoid these Common Mistakes when Feeding your Horse
It’s easy to make common feeding mistakes when you’re a new horse owner.
However, unless they’re serious, horses are fairly tolerant of minor mistakes. Nevertheless, it is important to make sure you educate yourself about any mistakes you might inadvertently be making, and correct them as soon as you can.
So – what are some of the most common mistakes when feeding your horse that horse owners make?
The most common mistake when feeding your horse is Overfeeding or Underfeeding
This is very common, even amongst experienced horse owners so finding the right balance is crucial. Overfeeding can lead to obesity and related health issues, while underfeeding can result in malnutrition and weight loss.
Horses need at least 2% of their body weight in dry feed each day just for maintenance. If they’re in work, this goes up.
So – a 500-kilo horse should be getting a minimum of 10 kilos of feed per day. Poorer do-ers may need closer to 12 kilos.
If you’re not sure how much you are feeding, get a set of scales and start weighing portions.
A luggage scale works well for weighing hay, whilst a set of kitchen scales will do for grains and chaff.
Poor Forage Quality
Hay and pasture are primary sources of forage for horses – your 500-kilo horse should be chomping his or her way through a minimum of 5 kilos of it every day, and more if possible.
You can use forage to make up almost the entire 10 – 12 kilos of daily feed if you like, with just a small hard feed of something like balancer pellets or chaff mixed with a mineral supplement to correct any imbalances in the forage.
Alternatively, allow access to a loose-lick mineral supplement.
Always avoid feeding low-quality hay – unlike cattle and sheep, horses do not tolerate mouldy, rank hay and can in fact get extremely sick from eating it.
Monitor pasture conditions regularly as well, particularly if this is your horse’s primary source of forage.
Let paddocks rest and fertilise them regularly if you can.
Inadequate Water Supply
Horses require ample fresh water daily.
Ensure clean water is readily available at all times, as dehydration can lead to digestive issues like impaction colic, and overall health problems.
Take your 500-kilo horse as an example again – he or she can easily drink 30 to 50 litres of water a day, and more in hot weather, or they’re sweating.
Inconsistent Horse Feeding Schedule
Establish a regular feeding schedule and stick to it.
Horses like routine, especially when it comes to food, and irregular or sporadic feeding can disrupt their digestion and overall wellbeing.
It can also lead to behavioural problems like pawing or weaving if they become anxious and stressed.
Making Sudden Changes To Feed is a common mistake when feeding your horse
Avoid making sudden changes to your horse’s feed.
Always introduce new types of feeds slowly and preferably mix them with decreasing quantities of the old feed.
That way you’ll avoid digestive issues, and the potential risk that your horse may not like the taste of the new product. As a general rule, allow 10 to 14 days to fully swap your horse over.
Ignoring Individual Needs
Although the basic principles for feeding horses apply overall, horses are individuals and usually have specific dietary needs.
For example, mineral requirements can vary considerably between individuals based on body condition, workload, age, breed, and so on.
Avoid a one-size-fits-all approach – just because Mary next door feeds her horse certain things, or in a certain way, doesn’t mean it will suit your horse.
Always tailor your horse’s diet based on age, activity level, breed, and overall health.
Consult equine nutrition specialists for personalised feeding recommendations.
Frequently Asked Questions About Common Mistakes When Feeding Your Horse
Can I feed my horse solely on pasture?
While pasture can provide nutrition, it may not meet all dietary requirements. Supplementing with good-quality hay and considering additional feed or supplements ensures a balanced diet.
How often should I feed my horse?
Horses ideally should have access to feed 24/7 either as free range grazing or as hay in slow feeder haynets. If this isn’t possible, they will need to be fed every 4 – 6 hours, preferably with enough feed to last them until the next feed. A large portion of this should – again – be hay.
Are treats okay to give horses?
Treats can be given occasionally but should not replace a balanced diet. Choose healthy, horse-approved treats and avoid overindulgence.
Is it important to monitor my horse’s body condition score?
Yes, regularly assessing your horse’s body condition score helps ensure they maintain a healthy weight. Adjust their diet and feeding regimen accordingly to prevent obesity or under nourishment.
Key Takeaways About Common Mistakes When Feeding Your Horse
If you can avoid common feeding mistakes, your horse will appreciate it. Everyone makes mistakes, particularly at first. The issue is compounding those mistakes by not fixing or learning from them.
