A healthy and energetic horse starts with the right nutrition. But with so many types of horse feed on the market, it can be difficult to make the best choice. In this complete guide, we discuss which feed best suits your horse's needs and how to create a balanced diet.
The basics of horse nutrition
A horse's digestive system is designed to eat small amounts of fiber-rich food throughout the day. Forage , such as hay and silage, is therefore the basis of a healthy diet. This not only helps with good digestion, but also prevents boredom and behavioral problems.
Types of roughage:
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Hay: A popular choice that is rich in fiber and essential nutrients.
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Silage: Slightly moister than hay and often more nutritious.
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Pasture grass: Natural food, but nutritional value varies by season.
Make sure your forage is of good quality and free of mold or dust to avoid health problems.
Concentrated feed: When does your horse need extra energy?
In addition to roughage, concentrated feed can be a valuable supplement, especially for sports horses, pregnant mares or horses with increased energy requirements. There are different types of concentrated feed available:
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Horse feed: A pressed feed with a balanced mix of vitamins, minerals and energy.
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Muesli: A mix of grains, seeds and fibers, often richer in natural nutrients.
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Grain-free concentrated feed: Ideal for horses that are sensitive to sugars or starch.
It is important to carefully match concentrates to your horse's activity and weight to avoid overfeeding and health problems such as laminitis.
Essential Horse Supplements: When Are They Needed?
Sometimes a horse needs extra support in the form of horse supplements . Depending on the health and life stage of your horse, the following supplements may be useful:
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Vitamins and minerals: Essential for a strong immune system and healthy growth.
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Glucosamine for horses: Supports joints and mobility.
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Biotin for horses: Helps grow strong hooves and a shiny coat.
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Electrolytes: Essential for sports horses that sweat a lot.
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Probiotics and prebiotics: Support healthy intestinal flora and digestion.
Supplements can be a valuable addition, but are not a substitute for a balanced diet.
Special food for different horses
Every horse has unique nutritional needs. Here are some common situations and their appropriate diet:
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Sport horses: Extra energy from fibre-rich concentrates and electrolytes to compensate for fluid loss.
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Older horses: Easily digestible feed and extra glucosamine for joint health.
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Overweight horses: A low calorie diet with plenty of roughage and limited concentrates.
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Horses with a sensitive stomach: Grain-free feed and stomach-protecting supplements.
How do you put together the best diet for your horse?
A balanced diet takes the following factors into account:
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Roughage as a basis: Make sure your horse gets enough hay or grass every day.
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Energy requirements: Adjust concentrated feed to the level of exertion and activity.
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Supplements if needed: Only use supplements if there is a specific deficiency.
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Fresh Water: Always provide clean, unlimited water.
Conclusion
The best horse feed is tailored to the individual needs of your horse. Roughage always forms the basis, while concentrates and supplements can be a valuable addition. By paying close attention to quality and nutritional value, you ensure that your horse remains healthy and energetic.
