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Nutrition Tips for Your Horse
by Dr. David Ramey, DVM |
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Most horse people realize that horses need a lot of feed (where do you think the phrase--eat like a horse--came from?). Unfortunately, there are a lot of misconceptions regarding proper feeding of the horse. Here are eight basic, easy points to remember:
- Feed to fit the horse. How much hay and grain a horse needs depends on what he does and how much he weighs. A weight tape, available at most feed stores, is a surprisingly accurate way to determine your horse's weight.
As a general rule of thumb, a mature horse, not in work, needs 2 pounds of hay per hundred pounds of body weight per day to maintain his weight. A horse in light work needs ½ to ¾ pounds of grain and 1 ½ pounds of hay per cwt. Light work includes most pleasure riding; heavy work is defined as endurance riding or heavy performance activity.
Measure feed by weight. A scoop or coffee can measure can be convenient, but the proper weight of the feed should be measured. A scope of corn, for example, is much heavier than a scoop of rolled oats.
- Monitor your horse. Keeping track of his weight on a monthly basis can be a good indication of proper feeding. You cannot see the ribs of a horse at the proper weight, but you should be able to feel them easily.
- Feed according to schedule. In nature, horses graze. Their digestive systems work on small amounts of feed all the time, just like cats. So try to feed at least twice a day. Hay breaks down slowly in the system; grains are digested quickly. When feeding grain, it's better to feed small amounts frequently (no more than five pounds at a time) than it is to feed a lot of grain all at once. Too much grain can lead to colic (indigestion), or even severe inflamation of the feet (laminitis).
- Check feed for quality. Good hay smells fresh and good. Musty, smelly, or discolored feed may not be safe, so don't feed it. Grain, too, should smell clean and look good. Anything out of the ordinary, such as a fuzzy white coating or a sour odor, is a warning to discard that feed.
- Store feed carefully. A moisture-proof container, such as a garbage can with a tight lid, provides good protection for most feeds. No feed keeps forever, so stockpiling it is not a good idea. Sweet feeds, in particular, should be used up within two weeks after opening. Remove any grain from the feed bin or bucket that is not eaten within two hours after feeding to protect against contamination.
- Don't overfeed. Overfeeding a horse risks colic, foot problems, and muscle problems. Overweight horses put more strain on their musculoskeletal system and don't get rid of heat efficiently. To trim down an overweight horse, reduce the ration of grain and hay by at least 15-20% and divide it into several smaller feedings. That way, his digestive system stays active, and he won't feel like he's being denied food.
- Cut back on grain when you cut back on work. A horse laid up for injury or after the show season doesn't need as many calories as a horse in work and will have troubles if his diet isn't adjusted.
- Don't over-supplement. A healthy, mature horse with an adequate diet of grain, hay and water doesn't need supplements. Given needlessly, they are a waste of money. You generally don't need to supplement the following items:
- Protein. Alfalfa hay has more than enough protein for all horses, young and old, working and resting, in foal or lactating. Excess protein is converted into calories and heat, and is a waste of money. Older horses generally do fine with grass or oat hays, which have less protein than alfalfa.
- Vitamins. Horses synthesize all their own vitamins. Additional vitamins are not required.
- Electrolytes. These are body salts and are found in ample supply in all feeds.
- Minerals. The balance of calcium and phosphorus in feed is important, especially in young, growing horses. Alfalfa hay is high in calcium; grains are higher in phosphorus. Feeding both tends to balance the diet.
Supplements should be given only on the advise of your veterinarian.
© 1998 by Dr. David W. Ramey. All Rights Reserved.
Dr. David Ramey is a 1983 graduate of Colorado State University. He is the author of numerous books and articles on horse health, including Horsefeathers: Facts vs. Myths About Your Horse's Health and the Concise Guide series on equine health care. He can be reached at (818) 953-8528. |
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