What do horses eat? A complete guide to horse feeding for optimal health

The horse’s nutrition is essential to ensure its health, performance, and overall well-being.

Knowing what horses eat helps you offer a balanced and safe diet, avoiding common mistakes that can harm the horse’s health.

In this guide, you will find detailed information about hay, feed, herbs, supplements, and much more.

WHAT IS THE CORRECT FEEDING FOR A HORSE?

The correct feeding of a horse is based on a combination of hay, feed, water, and supplements, depending on each horse’s needs.

The horse’s digestive system is made to eat small amounts of food during the whole day. For this reason, every horse must always have access to a source of fiber.

The horse’s diet must change depending on age, activity level, and season.

Each horse is different, and to avoid digestive problems like colic, it is important to give a balanced ration made mainly of high-quality hay.

WHAT DO HORSES EAT IN NATURE?

Horses are herbivores and spend most of their time grazing. Their natural diet includes:

• Fresh grass: rich in fiber, vitamins, and minerals.

• Wild plants: many of them give nutrients that help digestion.

• Fresh water: a horse drinks between 20 and 40 liters every day.

Understanding what horses eat in nature helps to create a feeding routine that respects their digestive system and improves the horse’s health.

THE IMPORTANT ROLE OF HAY IN HORSE FEEDING

Hay is the main part of the horse’s diet, especially when grass is not available.

It gives fiber, helps digestion, and keeps the horse busy, reducing stress.

It is important to give the right amount of hay every day, depending on the horse’s weight. On average, an adult horse needs 1.5–2 kg of hay for every 100 kg of weight.

For example, a 500 kg horse needs 7–10 kg of hay per day.

WHAT SHOULD GOOD HAY FOR HORSES LOOK LIKE?

Hay must be clean, without mold, dust, or foreign objects, to avoid breathing problems.

FEED FOR HORSES: WHICH ONE TO CHOOSE AND WHEN TO GIVE IT?

Horse feed is a good addition, especially when hay alone is not enough to give all the nutrients horses need. Some examples:

• Oats: gives energy, but must be balanced to avoid too much.

• Barley: easier to digest than oats.

• Corn: very high in calories, should be given in small amounts.

• Pelleted or extruded feed: complete and balanced mixes.

A good feed must give proteins, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals. It is important to balance the feed with hay to ensure good nutrition and avoid colic.

FRUITS AND VEGETABLES: WHAT CAN A HORSE EAT?

Many horse owners like to give fruits and vegetables as a treat. But be careful: not all foods are safe.

Recommended foods:

• Carrot, apple, pear, banana, watermelon

• Fennel, celery, pumpkin

To avoid:

Avocado, tomato, potato, onion, garlic

Small portions are very important: even healthy food must be given in the right amount to keep the ration balanced.

WHAT IS THE RIGHT DIET FOR A SPORT HORSE?

A sport horse has special needs: more energy, more proteins for muscle recovery, and vitamins for metabolism.

The sport horse’s diet can include:

• Alfalfa hay

• High-energy feed

• Supplements for muscle support

It is important that the horse eats slowly to help digestion and avoid digestive problems.

HOW DOES THE DIET OF AN OLDER HORSE CHANGE?

An older horse may have worn teeth or digestive issues. In these cases, it is helpful to give food that is:

• Easy to digest: chopped hay, mash, or special feeds

• With nutrients that support the joints and immune system

Good feeding for senior horses helps them live longer and improves the quality of their later years.

WHAT MISTAKES TO AVOID IN A HORSE’S DIET?

Here are the most common mistakes to avoid:

• Giving too much feed and not enough hay

• Changing food without doing it slowly

• Giving poor quality or unsafe food

When a horse has a bad reaction to a change in diet, it is often because the horse cannot tolerate something or because the change was too fast.

HOW MUCH DOES A HORSE EAT PER DAY?

This is a common question: how much does a horse eat each day? It depends on the horse’s weight, activity level, and the type of food.

On average:

• A 500 kg horse eats about 7–10 kg of hay daily

• If it works a lot, it can receive 1–2 kg of feed per day

• Water is essential: a horse drinks up to 40 liters in 24 hours

Remember: a horse is a herbivore, so good feeding means respecting its natural needs.

CONCLUSIONS: KEY POINTS TO REMEMBER 

Horse feed must be chosen based on the horse’s needs.

• Always provide high-quality hay

• Fruits and vegetables are good, but only in small amounts

• Hydration and minerals are essential

• Avoid sudden changes in food and dangerous items

Each horse is different: the diet must be adapted to its weight, activity, and age.

• Sport horses need more energy and proteins

• Older horses need food that is easy to digest

Correct feeding prevents problems like colic and improves the horse’s health.

Need help with your horse’s diet?

Write to us on WhatsApp at +39 349 733 9837 for a personalized consultation!