Horse feeding: Expert tips for a healthy diet for your horse

1. importance of correct horse feeding

A key factor for the well-being and performance of our horses is the right nutrition. Horses are sensitive animals by nature and their health depends largely on a balanced diet that meets their needs. As a passionate rider or horse owner, it is essential to understand the relationship between the food we feed our horses and their physical condition.

Feeding horses is not just a question of satiety, but an art that takes into account the harmonious balance between the horse's individual needs, age, activity level and health. In this article, we will take an in-depth look at the importance of proper horse nutrition and give you valuable insights into how you can optimize your horse's health and performance through targeted nutrition. Dive into the world of horse nutrition with us and discover why it is much more than just daily hay and concentrates.

1.1 Digestion in the horse

In order to be able to provide our horses with the feed they need, we should first look at the utilization of the feed. The digestive process in horses differs significantly from that of humans. The following is a very simplified description of this process. However, it already gives us a good overview.

‍Lips:
Sort the food.

‍Teeth:
Incisors are used to bite off grass, for example.
Molars grind the food into finer components.

‍Mouth cavity:
Food is soaked in saliva.
The first food components, such as simple sugars, are absorbed into the bloodstream.

‍Oesophagus:
Transports the food to the stomach.

‍Stomach:
Holds about 15 to 20 liters.
Retention time is about 1 to 5 hours.
Bacteria break down the food into sugar and starch.
Hydrochloric acid stops bacterial fermentation.
The enzyme pepsin breaks down protein.

‍Small intestine:
Holds between 40 and 100 liters.
Is 16 to 24 meters long.
Dwell time is about 1.5 hours.
Enzymes break down proteins, carbohydrates and fats.
Food components are discharged into the bloodstream.

‍The cecumand large intestine:
The cecum holds about 30 liters and is 1 meter long.
The large intestine holds about 100 liters and is 6 to 8 meters long.
The cecum is 15 to 20 hours long.
Microorganisms decompose cellulose in the roughage.
The cecum acts as a kind of fermentation chamber, free of oxygen.
Bacteria decompose remaining proteins.

‍Smallcolon and rectum:
‍Waterand salts are removed from the food slurry.
Horse droppings are formed.

‍After:
‍Settlesthe feces.

Horses need continuous feed to keep their digestive system going. The small stomach can only process small portions. The microbes in the large intestine cannot adapt to rapidly changing feedstuffs, so feed changes should always be implemented slowly. To keep the microbes in the large intestine busy, horses need plenty of roughage.

1.2 Ingredients in our feed for horses

Feed that is used to feed horses consists of various ingredients.

Carbohydrates, which include sugar, starch and crude fiber (cellulose), are an important source of energy for the body. They are used for various functions such as generating body heat, muscle work and metabolic processes. Excess carbohydrates are stored by the body as fat in the long term.
crude fiber plays a decisive role. Feeding a diet rich in crude fiber not only offers nutritional benefits, but also provides meaningful activity for the horse.
The basic feed requirement covers the need for crude fiber, while an increased need for carbohydrates, for example in sport horses or school horses, is primarily covered by the supply of concentrated feed.

‍Protein consists of different amino acids. Proteins fulfill a variety of functions in the organism. In particular, they play a decisive role in the build-up of body mass be it in young horses, pregnant mares, riding horses in the muscle building or in old, thin horses. Foods with a high protein content include fresh pasture grass, especially in spring, as well as hay or grass silage, depending on the respective growth stage.

‍Fats are made up of various fatty acids and, although they provide plenty of energy, they are not available as quickly as energy from carbohydrates. An increased need for fats occurs in high-performance horses, older, slender horses and in colder temperatures when the energy requirement cannot be covered by carbohydrates. One way to cover the increased need for fats is to add vegetable oil, for example.

‍Minerals can be divided into two categories depending on their quantitative requirements:
Bulk elements (which are required in large quantities).
Trace elements (which are required in small quantities).

These minerals fulfill different, specific functions in the organism.

A deficiency of individual minerals can have correspondingly negative effects, which can be detected by a blood test.

It is important to note that an excessive intake of minerals can have toxic effects. Therefore, the intake should be carefully controlled. 

The required quantity elements include:

• Calcium: is responsible for bone formation, bone maintenance and the function of nerves and muscles. It is mainly found in alfalfa, lime and green fodder. Foals cover their calcium needs through their mother's milk.
• Phosphorus: complements calcium and is required for the same metabolic processes. A ratio of calcium to phosphorus of 2:1 is important here. The value of phosphorus is particularly high in oats, barley and maize.
• Magnesium: strengthens the development and maintenance of bones, teeth and muscles. It is mainly found in legumes, bran and linseed.
• Sodium: is responsible for the body's nerve functions
• Chlorine: influences the muscle metabolism
• Potassium: keeps body fluids constant

Among the required trace elements include:

• Iron: forms haemoglobin and is found in all common feedstuffs
• Copper: forms haemoglobin and ensures the pigmentation of hair. It is mainly found in herbs, seeds and cereals
• Zinc: is an important trace element for skin, hair and bones and is also important for milk production in broodmares. Zinc is found in yeast, bran and cereal germ
• Manganese: plays an important role in the horse's energy metabolism and is found in green fodder and wheat bran
• Cobalt: ensures the production of vitamin B12 and is found in green fodder and pasture grass
• Iodine: supports thyroid function and is obtained from sea salt
• Selenium: supports muscle metabolism and works together with vitamin E. It is found in green fodder and plants

Dr. Felicitas Drebes explains what tasks the individual trace elements perform and how we can ensure our horses have a sufficient supply. The tips from the expert in this video:

‍Vitamins are essential organic substances, some of which can be produced by the body itself, while others must be supplied. The fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E and K as well as the water-soluble vitamins, which include all the others, play a crucial role in the horse's organism. There are usually enough vitamins in high-quality forage and grass to cover the requirements. It is important to note that a balanced diet for horses ensures that they receive all the necessary vitamins in appropriate amounts.

The required vitamins include:

• Vitamin A: strengthens night vision, nerve functions and the immune system of our horses. It is absorbed through grass and fresh hay.
• Vitamin D: supports bone formation and absorbs calcium and phosphorus from the horse's intestines. Vitamin D is formed through exposure to sunlight and can also be detected in sun-dried feed.
• Vitamin E: contributes to muscle function and fat metabolism. It is found in cereals and cereal sprouts.
• Vitamin K: ensures well-functioning blood clotting. It is absorbed via pasture grass and hay. It is also produced by self-synthesis in the large intestine.
• Vitamin C: strengthens the immune system and muscle function. It is obtained from glucose through self-synthesis.
• Vitamin B1: is responsible for carbohydrate and fat metabolism. It is obtained from cereals and green fodder and is also synthesized in the body.
• Vitamin B2: regulates metabolism and skin regeneration. This vitamin is produced exclusively by self-synthesis.
• Vitamin B12: ensures a functioning cell metabolism and is produced by the body
• Vitamin B6: ensures the breakdown of carbohydrates, proteins and fats and is also produced naturally in the body.
• Biotin: regulates the build-up of fat and the structure of hair and hooves. It can be added to corn, yeast, green fodder and soy.

2. what types of feed are used in horse feeding?

The types of feed available range from staple feeds such as hay and grass to special concentrate mixtures. In this exploration of the different feed types, we take a look at how they meet the nutritional requirements of horses and what role they play in terms of growth, energy provision and health. A sound knowledge of the different feed options is crucial to ensure that horses receive a balanced diet that meets their needs.

2.1 Basic feed

The basis of a balanced horse diet consists of different types of feed that meet the needs of the animals. Forage not only meets the high requirement for crude fiber, but also keeps the horse occupied for a longer period of time and is crucial for the intestinal flora in the large intestine. The nutritional content varies depending on the time of cutting, the region and the quality of the forage.

Pasture grass is considered the healthiest and most natural forage. It can either be eaten by the horses in the pasture or freshly mown every day - although it should be noted that lawnmower grass can cause severe colic. Good pasture forage is characterized by species richness and is free of poisonous plants.
In this video, Dr. Patricia Sitzenstock explains what to consider when grazing and how to prevent colic caused by incorrect feeding:

Good hay should be fresh, crisp and aromatic smelling, fluffy and dust-free. The time of cutting influences the content of leaves and flowers, and it must be stored for at least six weeks before it is fed. Hay that is over a year old has a lower nutrient content.

High-quality silage/haylage is characterized by its aromatic smell, rich structure, optimum moisture and freedom from poisonous plants and impurities . It should always be fresh and opened bales must be used up quickly.

Good straw, mainly wheat, barley or oat straw, should be golden yellow (for wheat straw) or dull yellow (for other types), loose to the touch, neutral smelling and free from impurities, mold and dust. Horses with dental problems, especially older horses, can be given softened hay cobs (grass cobs) as a basic feed.

2.2 Concentrated feed

Grains such as oats, barley and maize as well as ready-made concentrated feed mixtures in pellet or muesli form are suitable feed options. Various oils can also be used to provide the horse with highly concentrated energy.

The addition of concentrated feed serves to provide the horse with additional energy, although it should be noted that not every horse is necessarily dependent on concentrated feed. The requirement depends on the individual load and the current feeding condition of the horse.

These are the most common types of concentrated feed:

• Oats:
  Very easily digestible carbohydrates, high, quickly available energy content. Sold as whole or crushed grain. However, crushed oats do not keep as long as whole grains.
• Barley:
  high energy content (900 g barley replaces 1 kg oats), but harder to digest. Low fat content. Available as whole, kibbled or popped grain.
• Maize:
  very high energy content (800 g maize replaces 1 kg oats), but harder to digest. Popped maize is three times easier to digest. Low in fat, but still high in calories, making it ideal for thin horses. One disadvantage is the very high phosphorus content.
• Wheat or rye:
  difficult to digest but high in protein. Also high in phosphorus. Should only be included in horse feed in small quantities.
• Spelt:
  relatively easy to digest. Compared to oats, it has less fat and crude fiber, but more starch. Generally well accepted even by fussy eaters. Must be offered to the horses crushed.
• Compound feed:
  extremely different compositions, always refer to the instruction leaflet. It can be bought in loose muesli form or pelleted. Partly mineralized and vitaminized. You should pay attention to the shelf life and the feeding recommendations.

2.3 Mineral feed

Mineral feed supplements both the basic feed and the concentrated feed by adding important minerals. Horses that are not fed concentrates can suffer from a deficiency, especially if there is no high-quality forage available. There is also vitaminized mineral feed, which is particularly useful at the end of winter when the vitamin content of the basic feed is low.

It is advisable that horses always have access to a salt lick. This plays a particularly important role in the supply of sodium chloride to compensate for losses through sweating. However, it should be noted that foals should not have access to a salt lick.

2.4 Supplementary feed

Supplementary feed refers to all nutritional supplements that are given to the horse in addition to basic feed, concentrated feed and mineral feed. Examples of this include

Mash as a diet feed, consisting of 2 liters of wheat bran and 1/2 to 1 liter of crushed oats mixed with hot water as required.

A handful of linseed, boil gently in plenty of water for about 10 minutes to form a viscous mucilage, which is then stirred into the mixture of wheat bran and oats. The feed is served lukewarm. Apples, carrots and herbs are also included in the supplementary feed.

3. practical horse feeding

The daily feed ration should be divided into several portions to suit the horse's digestive system. Ideally, horses should receive their feed in at least two, preferably three to four portions per day. For horses with an increased need for roughage, it is best to have hay, straw or silage available at all times.
The largest ration should be given in the evening, as horses have enough time at night to eat and digest larger amounts of feed in peace. To avoid hasty gulping down of the concentrate, the forage should be fed first, followed by the concentrate.
After feeding, the horse needs two to three hours rest for digestion. It is important to note that sensitive horses, when loaded with a full stomach, are prone to colic.
It is advisable to feed all horses in the stable at approximately the same time to avoid stress and arguments in the herd or in the stalls. Individual horses should never be fed concentrated feed or similar in the herd, but should always be taken out of the herd to eat.

‍

3.1 Drinking water

Fresh and clean water must be accessible to every horse at all times, as it is essential for life. Water plays a decisive role in various metabolic functions and the regulation of the body's heat balance. Drinking water requirements vary depending on feeding, temperature and physical performance.

On average, the drinking water requirement is 15-30 liters per day, but can rise to over 40 liters if demand increases. It is important to check the water containers daily and clean them regularly toensure a continuoussupply of clean water. In addition, self-waterers should be checked regularly to ensure that they are working properly. Particular care should be taken in winter to ensure that the drinkers do not freeze over. Heated drinkers are particularly recommended, as studies have shown that horses are much less likely to drink ice-cold water than lukewarm water.

3.2 Grazing

In contrast to humans, horses should receive the same type of feed every day, as they already find sufficient variety in their basic feed and on pasture. Each feed change should be gradual so that the intestinal flora can adjust to the new feed. This is particularly important when changing forage in spring and fall, for example from hay to grass in spring or from grass to silage in fall. Sudden changes to grass can lead to colic, diarrhea or laminitis can lead to

A recommended method for grazing is initially about 20 minutes of grazing per day. When horses are first turned out to pasture in the spring, they often spend some time playing and romping around, which can be added to the pure feeding time. Alternatively, the appropriate amount of mown grass can be added to the hay.

In the following weeks, the grazing time can be increased by 15 minutes every two days so that the horse spends about an hour in the pasture after one week. In the second week, this can be extended to two hours a day. In the third week, the time is increased further until the horse can finally spend the whole day in the paddock. 

Meanwhile, it is important to ensure that the horse continues to have access to hay and/or straw to meet its crude fiber requirements. It is crucial to feed sufficient hay prior to grazing to meet crude fiber requirements and not make the horse too hungry for the grass. In the case of very fat horses or horses prone to laminitis, grazing should be carried out with particular care, with grazing time reduced to a few hours per day. In such cases, it is advisable to discuss the grazing plan with a vet.

3.3 Poisonous plants

It is possible for poisonous plants to grow on the horse's pasture as well as in hay or silage. Horses may also tend to nibble on hedges or ingest poisonous garden waste. While some poisonous plants lose their toxicity when dried, not all do. To prevent poisoning, it is important that we carefully check both the environment and our horse's food.

Although many horses instinctively avoid poisonous plants, you cannot rely exclusively on this.

It is important to emphasize that poisoning can occur not only through the ingestion of poisonous plants, but also through chemical substances. 

Plants known to be poisonous include, among others: Broom broom, pale foxglove, crown vetch, boxwood, Christmas rose, yew, monkshood, laburnum, garden poppy, opium poppy, buttercup, autumn crocus, ragwort, cherry laurel, privet, arborvitae (Thuja), lily of the valley, narcissus, peony, tansy, robinia or false acacia, red foxglove, snowdrop, celandine, black elder, daphne, deadly nightshade and white datura.

4. determine the feed condition of your horse: Body Conditioning Score (BCS)

You can determine your horse's nutritional status with the so-called Body Conditioning Score (BCS) . The BCS provides information about the nutritional status and body condition of your horse. Six defined body regions are analyzed: Neck, shoulder area, ribs of the chest wall, back and croup, hip hump and the line between the base of the tail and ischial tuberosity. The BCS is determined by examining fat reserves and bone structures. This enables a reliable assessment of whether your horse is overweight, underweight or within the normal range. Knowing the BCS and other body measurements also enables a comparatively accurate weight estimate of your horse, even without a scale. This information is useful for adjusting the feeding and amount of feed precisely to the respective horse.

It is difficult to estimate your horse's weight just by looking at it. Only extremely thin or fat horses are recognizable at first glance. In particular, you should not be confused by a possibly large abdominal girth, as this does not necessarily indicate fat reserves. The abdominal girth varies greatly depending on the filling of the large intestine, as in the case of a pasture or hay belly. However, a protruding belly can also be due to incorrect training or sagging abdominal muscles.

Based on the BCS and various body measurements, the body weight can be calculated quite accurately - a practical method if no scales are available. The calculation is based on the following formula:

‍

The body weight determined and the BCS can be used to determine the appropriate amount of feed for your horse. For very thin or very overweight horses in particular, body weight alone is not sufficient for a comprehensive calculation, especially if the aim is to gain or lose weight.

To determine your horse's BCS level, six areas of the body are scored individually on a scale of 1 to 9, and the average of the individual scores gives the Body Condition Score. An ideal score is between 5 and 6, while most horses have a BCS between 4 and 7.

5. innovative feeding trends in horse nutrition

Several innovative trends are emerging in the world of horse nutrition today, aimed at improving the health, well-being and performance of our horses. 

• Personalized feeding plans:
  With advances in technology, horse owners can now access personalized feeding plans. These are based on individual needs, including age, breed, health status, activity level and specific requirements. By taking these factors into account, a tailored diet is ensured.
• Functional foods:
  Similar to human nutrition, functional feeds for horses are becoming increasingly important. These are feedstuffs that go beyond the traditional nutrients and offer additional health-promoting benefits. For example, ingredients such as omega-3 fatty acids for improved joint health or special herbs for the respiratory tract can be used. 
• Superfoods:
  The use of "superfoods" in horse feed is becoming increasingly popular. These include ingredients such as chia seeds, linseed, spirulina and turmeric, which are valued for their high levels of essential nutrients and antioxidant properties. These superfoods are said to promote the general health and immune system of horses.
• Minimal processing:
  There is an increasing trend towards less processed feed. There is a preference for feed that is minimally processed and as close as possible to its natural state. This is to ensure that the horses benefit from the full nutritional content of the ingredients used.
• Innovative delivery methods:
  In addition to traditional forms of feed, innovative delivery methods are also gaining in importance. These include, for example, supplementary pellets, liquid feed or special feed bags, which are designed to make feeding more interesting and appealing for the horse.
• Sustainability:
  The search for sustainable and environmentally friendly animal feed is gaining momentum. More and more feed is being used that not only meets nutritional requirements but is also produced in an environmentally friendly way.

These trends show that feeding horses is not just a question of providing them with essential nutrients, but that there is also an increasing focus on promoting their health and well-being.

6. FAQ on the subject of horse feeding

Horse feeding is a complex subject. Here we answer the most frequently asked questions (FAQ) about horse feeding:

1. how much energy does a horse need?

Horses need energy for various purposes, not just for physical activity. An adequate energy supply is crucial for:

1. basic physiological functions
In order for the cardiovascular system to function smoothly and for all organs to perform their tasks, a horse needs an appropriate amount of energy.

2. thermal regulation of the body
Horses are sensitive to temperature fluctuations. The right energy supply supports the regulation of body temperature, especially in cold weather conditions.

3. healthy muscle development and maintenance
A balanced energy supply is essential for muscle development and the maintenance of strong muscles, even if the horse is not performing intensive exercises.

Here you will find practical tips on how to measure and adjust your horse's energy requirements. Dr. Sitzenstock shares proven methods to avoid over- or undersupply. Develop an understanding of your horse's individual needs and learn how to achieve optimal energy balance through targeted nutrition:

2. is a grain-free diet good for horses?

The practice of feeding oats or other cereals is widespread in horse husbandry, even though the horse's digestive tract is not actually designed to process large quantities of grain! In their natural habitat, the steppes, horses feed primarily on herbs, grass, moss and occasionally fallen fruit to meet their daily energy and nutrient requirements. Grain plays a subordinate role there.
‍

Dr. Felicitas Drebes explains why the feeding of grain to horses has become so firmly established:

3. how do I support my horse's immune system?

A dull coat, nasal discharge and declining performance during training can be signs of a weakened immune system in horses. There are various measures that can be taken to support the immune system through feeding. We asked a vet and a feed expert about these issues.

‍