A majority of people define horses as one of the noblest animals, and also one of the most beautiful animals in the world. No wonder so many people either own or would love to own a horse.

But those who’ve never owned them yet would love to someday, frequently forget that it’s a huge responsibility, especially if you want to make sure that this animal is properly-fed. In order to do this right, you must comprehend all the ins and outs of its nutritional needs.

Without the right nutrition, just like other living beings, the horse would never be able to lead a normal, healthy life. So if you want to know what are the best options nutrition-wise, then take a look at these tips below!

Top Nutrition Tips Every Horse Owner Must Follow 

Balanced Diet Is Very Important

A majority of horses’ daily nutrition comes from either dried grass or fresh one. Therefore, you want to be sure you are giving your animal first-class hay or forage. Namely, both of these things consist of nutrients that are extremely important for their health. 

Now, many horse owners will tell you that aiming for a balanced diet when it comes to this animal isn’t always the easiest thing to do. How come? Well, it’s because you must keep the balance between every single nutrient class, such as:

1. Carbs
2. Proteins
3. Minerals
4. Fats
5. Vitamins
6. Water (it is supposed to have between five and fifteen, or even more gallons every day)

Every single thing that was listed here is essential for your horse’s health. For instance, carbs are one of the most crucial nutrients for these animals. Namely, they provide it with a lot of beneficial things like fiber which is of huge importance for a healthy gut.

As far as other nutrients are concerned, they are necessary for energy production, immune system health, muscle development, and many other things. If you want to ensure your horse is receiving everything it needs, you must consult your veterinarian to determine the perfect amounts of these nutrients. 

Supplement Vitamins

Generally speaking, vitamins are a huge necessity when it comes to the nutrition of this animal and must be given in smaller quantities. Additionally, they can be provided in the right quantities through natural feedstuff, microbial production in the horse’s GT tract, and endogenous production.

But sometimes, it is necessary to give horses supplement vitamins in order to maintain their health. If you notice that that’s the case with your horse, on their website you can browse all options that are at your disposal when it comes to this. Sadly, a lot of these animals have a tendency to be deficient in vitamins, hence, it’s always advisable that vitamins be supplemented to them.

Anything Else That Can Be Done?

Grain Should Be Kept At A Minimum 

The arrangement of the GI tract showcases how much these animals must have a balanced diet. Namely, if you feed them with too much grain, it will lead to a lot of gas in the hindgut due to the fact that the starches that are in the grain break down in the foregut.

Additionally, once they go through the hindgut, the microbes that are “residing” there take in the rest of the carbs and start producing gas as a byproduct. Keep in mind that excessive gas will make your horse feel extremely uncomfortable, plus it may even cause colic.

Therefore, if you want to prevent this, then you should feed it a balance of grains, as well as fibrous hay to encourage motility and at the same time, avoid these previously mentioned issues.

Increase Protein-Based On Activity Level And Lifestyle Of The Horse

Proteins are crucial for the muscle development of the horse, and overall growth. Now, a majority of horse owners usually utilize soybean meal, as well as alfalfa as major protein sources.

When it comes to alfalfa, you must be very careful of the type you are choosing. Second and third-cutting alfalfa can get up to approximately twenty-five to thirty percent protein, which isn’t good for your horse.

Remember, that a majority of adult horses need around up to ten percent protein. This rule doesn’t apply to young foals and lactating mares, due to the fact that they need larger amounts of protein.

Oftentimes, you will come across protein measured in crude protein, instead of digestible protein on horse feed.

Just like with any other living being, the same situation is with horses when it comes to nutrition, meaning that it is the cornerstone of their health. That’s why we’ve added these tips to help you always maintain it.