Equine Nutrition

Water is the most important nutrient; horses can’t live long without it. Always make sure there is an adequate supply of clean water for your horse.

Signs that your horse may be water deficient include decreased feed intake and physical activity, and signs of dehydration like dry mucous membranes in the mouth, dry feces, and decreased capillary refill time. Learn how to spot equine dehydration here.

Energy (fat and carbohydrates) is what horses use to do work.

The most dense source of energy is fat (almost three times more than carbohydrates or proteins); however, carbohydrates in the forms of fermentable fiber or starch are the most common source.

Signs of energy deficiency include weight loss, decreased physical activity, milk production, and growth rate. However, a diet too high in energy can cause obesity increasing the risk of colic, laminitis, and contribute to increased sweat loss and exercise intolerance.

Fat can be added to a feed to increase the energy density of the diet.

Protein is used in muscle development during growth or exercise. The main building blocks of protein are amino acids.

Signs of protein deficiency include a rough or coarse hair coat, weight loss, and reduced growth, milk production, and performance. Excess protein can result in increased water intake and urination, and increased sweat losses during exercise, which in turn lead to dehydration and electrolyte imbalances.

Vitamins are fat-soluble (vitamin A, D, E, and K), or water-soluble (vitamin C, and B-complex). Horses at maintenance usually have adequate amounts of vitamins in their diet if they are receiving fresh green forage and/or premixed rations.

Horses may need a vitamin supplement if they are being fed a high-grain diet or low quality hay. Stress, strenuous activity or convalescing horses may also need supplements.

Green, leafy forages provide most of the required vitamins. Sunlight provides Vitamin D, so only horses that are stalled for 24 hours a day need a supplement. Vitamin E is found in fresh green forages. Horses that are under heavy exercise or under increased levels of stress also may benefit from vitamin E supplementation. Severely stressed horses may benefit from B-complex and vitamin C supplements.

Horses require minerals for maintenance of body structure, fluid balance in cells (electrolytes), nerve conduction, and muscle contraction. Calcium and phosphorus comprise about 70% of the mineral content of a horse's body. Horses are more likely to suffer from a lack of these than any other mineral. Salt, copper, zinc and selenium are also required in suitable quantities.

Understanding the building blocks of equine nutrition will help you design a suitable feeding and supplementation plan for your horse.

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