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What Do Horses Eat? Horses are herbivores that primarily eat grass, hay, and grains, with their diet designed to meet their nutritional needs for energy, growth, and overall health.
Ensuring a balanced diet is crucial for keeping horses healthy and happy, whether they live in pastures or stables.
The Basic Diet of Horses
Horses rely on a combination of forage (like grass and hay) and grains to get the necessary nutrients for their bodies. Their digestive system is designed to process high-fiber, low-energy foods, which makes roughage the foundation of their diet.
Forage: Grass and Hay
Forage should make up the majority of a horse’s diet, providing essential fiber that supports proper digestion.
- Grass: Horses naturally graze on grass, which is high in fiber and low in energy. Grass also provides necessary vitamins, minerals, and moisture to keep horses hydrated.
- Hay: When pasture grass is unavailable or insufficient, hay serves as the primary substitute. Hay should be clean and free from mold, dust, and contaminants. Common types include timothy, orchard grass, and alfalfa, each offering different nutritional benefits.
Grains and Concentrates
While forage is essential, some horses—particularly those with high energy needs—require additional grains or concentrates.
- Oats and barley: These are commonly fed grains that provide extra calories and energy. Oats are more easily digested than barley, making them popular for horses with higher energy demands, such as working or racing horses.
- Commercial feeds: These formulated feeds include a balanced mixture of grains, vitamins, and minerals tailored to a horse’s specific needs, such as growth, lactation, or performance.
Dr. Susan Garlinghouse, an equine nutritionist, notes, “A balanced diet is vital for every horse, but the specific needs will vary based on age, workload, and health condition. Horses should get most of their energy from fiber, with grains or concentrates used sparingly to meet extra energy demands.”
Water and Hydration
Water is just as important as food in a horse’s diet. Horses should have constant access to clean, fresh water to stay hydrated.
- Water needs: A horse can drink anywhere from 5 to 10 gallons of water a day, depending on the weather, workload, and diet. Hay-fed horses may drink more than those primarily eating fresh grass due to the lower moisture content in hay.
