General Guidelines: Nutrition for Optimal Horse Health
While supplements are important, good horse health begins with a balanced diet. According to Carey A. Williams, Ph.D, Extension Specialist in Equine Management at Rutgers University, horses require six main classes of nutrients to survive: water, fats, carbohydrates, protein, vitamins and minerals.
Water is the most important nutrient for horses. They should always have a readily available supply of clean water to drink. Horses will normally consume about 2 quarts of water for every pound of hay eaten, but during hot weather or after hard work, they may drink three or four times the normal amount.
The densest source of energy is fat (almost three times more than carbohydrates or proteins). If your horse is pregnant, in late gestation or early lactation she may need increased energy, and fat can be added to a feed to increase the energy density of the diet. In addition, extremely active horses with low body fat scores may also benefit from added fat in the diet.
Carbohydrates are the main energy source used in most feeds, and the principle building block of carbohydrates is glucose. Soluble carbohydrates such as starches and sugars are readily broken down to glucose in the small intestine and absorbed. Insoluble carbohydrates such as fiber (cellulose) bypass enzymatic digestion and must be fermented by microbes in the large intestine to release their energy sources, the volatile fatty acids.
Protein is used in muscle development during growth or exercise, and the main building blocks of protein are amino acids. Soybean meal and alfalfa are good sources of protein that can be easily added to the diet. Most adult horses only require 8 to 10% protein in the ration; however, higher protein is important for lactating mares and young growing foals.
Signs of protein deficiency include a rough or coarse hair coat, weight loss, and reduced growth, milk production, and performance. Excess protein can result in increased water intake and urination, and increased sweat losses during exercise, which in turn leads to dehydration and electrolyte imbalances.
Dr. Williams also points out that your horse requires trace minerals for maintaining body structure, fluid balance in cells (electrolytes), nerve conduction, and muscle contraction. Only small amounts of minerals such as calcium, phosphorus, sodium, potassium, chloride, magnesium and sulfur are needed daily.
NOTE: Consult your veterinarian or nutritionist for additional information on the best diet for your horse. Also, different products vary in the amounts of vitamins and minerals. Please see our product labels for more information.
