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As a horse owner, one of your top priorities is ensuring your horse has a healthy, balanced diet. But with so many options and conflicting advice online, it can be hard to know what’s best for your equine friend. Whether you’re new to horse care or looking to refine their feeding routine, understanding what horses eat—and what they should avoid—is essential for their health and happiness.
🩺 Vet Insight
Horses are herbivores with a digestive system designed for grazing. In the wild, they spend up to 16 hours a day eating small amounts of forage. This natural feeding behavior is something we aim to replicate in domesticated horses to keep their gut healthy and prevent issues like colic or ulcers.
The cornerstone of a horse’s diet is forage, such as grass and hay. Forage provides the fiber that horses need for proper digestion. In addition to forage, horses may require supplemental grains, concentrates, or vitamins, depending on their age, workload, and overall health. However, these should always be given in moderation and tailored to their specific needs.
Water is another critical part of a horse’s diet. On average, horses drink 5–10 gallons of water per day, but this amount can increase depending on factors like weather, activity level, and whether they’re eating dry forage like hay.
⚠️ Ingredients to Avoid
While horses can eat a variety of foods, there are some that are toxic or potentially harmful to their health. Here are some common items that you should avoid feeding your horse:
- Grass clippings: These can ferment quickly, leading to colic or laminitis.
- Avocado: Contains persin, which is toxic to horses.
- Chocolate: Contains theobromine, which is harmful to horses.
- Onions and garlic: Can cause anemia in horses.
- Tomatoes and potatoes: Both belong to the nightshade family and are toxic to horses.
- Human junk food: Foods like chips, candy, or processed snacks can disrupt a horse’s digestion.
According to the ASPCA, many fruits and vegetables are safe for horses in small quantities, but some, like avocado and tomatoes, should always be avoided (source).
✅ Safer Alternatives
If you’re looking to give your horse an occasional treat, there are plenty of safe, horse-friendly options. Always introduce new foods gradually and in small amounts to avoid upsetting their digestive system.
- Carrots: A classic and safe treat for horses.
- Apples: Remove the core and seeds before feeding.
- Peppermint candies: In small amounts, sugar-free varieties are fine.
- Bananas: A great source of potassium and easy to mash into feed.
- Watermelon: Remove the rind and seeds for a refreshing treat.
In addition to treats, consider using high-quality commercial feeds that are specially formulated for your horse’s needs. Consult your vet to determine the right feed and portion sizes based on your horse’s weight, activity level, and health conditions.
💡 Final Advice
Feeding your horse doesn’t have to be complicated, but it does require attention to detail. Stick to a diet primarily based on forage, provide clean water at all times, and limit treats to occasional, healthy options. Avoid feeding harmful foods and always consult your vet before making major changes to your horse’s diet.
Keep in mind that every horse is unique. Factors like breed, age, and workload can all influence their dietary needs. Regular check-ins with a veterinarian or equine nutritionist can help ensure your horse is getting everything they need to thrive.
FAQs
Q: How much hay should I feed my horse?
A: Horses generally need 1.5–2% of their body weight in forage daily. For a 1,000-pound horse, this equals 15–20 pounds of hay per day. Always adjust based on their activity level and body condition.
Q: Can horses eat fruit every day?
A: Fruit should be given as an occasional treat, not a daily staple. Too much fruit can upset their stomach or contribute to weight gain. Stick to small portions of safe fruits like apples or bananas.
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