Horse diet and nutrition

Horses are similar to humans in that they have a single stomach unlike other herbivores that have a multi-chambered digestive system. This means that they graze throughout the day eating small amounts constantly, mainly pasture and hay but this can also include supplements of grains, mixes and pellets in order to keep a balanced diet. This is in contrast to owners’ time constraints trying to feed their horses twice a day.

Having access to fresh, clean water is absolutely essential for horses as it makes up to 68 per cent of a horse’s body weight, with the average horse able to drink 5 to 10 gallons per day (40 – 80 pints), so regardless of whether the horse is stabled or left out to pasture then a water supply is vital.

Your horse needs to be fed the same time everyday as disturbing his pattern can result in him becoming distressed and predispose him to illnesses, such as colic. For example if you have to feed him at 6am in the week you will need to ensure that you feed him the same time at the weekend.