What are 3 things horses eat?

Quick Peek:

Hey there, horse lovers! Did you know that horses are natural grazers and should primarily eat hay and grass? Yep, it’s true! A fibre-based diet is essential for horses to keep their digestive system healthy and prevent issues like colic. Grass is the best option, but hay and haylage are great alternatives. And for those with dental or respiratory issues, there are hay replacement options like chaff, beet pulp, and hay cubes. So let’s keep our equine friends happy and healthy by giving them the diet they deserve!

Horses are natural grazers, and their diet should reflect that

As a horse enthusiast with 20 years of experience in horse riding, I can attest to the importance of providing horses with a proper diet. Horses are naturally grazers, which means that they eat little and often throughout the day. Their natural diet consists mainly of grass, which has high roughage content. It’s crucial to mimic their natural feeding pattern as closely as possible by providing them with a predominantly fibre-based diet.

The importance of a fibre-based diet

Horses should be provided with a predominantly fibre-based diet, either grass, hay, haylage or a hay replacement. Fibre is essential for horses as it helps maintain a healthy digestive system. A diet high in fibre promotes healthy gut bacteria, which helps break down food and absorb nutrients. It also helps regulate the horse’s digestive system, preventing digestive issues such as colic.

What are the three things horses eat?

Horses primarily eat hay, grass, and grains. However, their diet should consist mainly of hay and grass, with grains being a supplement. Grains are high in starch, which can cause digestive issues if fed in excess. Therefore, it’s crucial to feed grains in moderation and ensure that the horse’s diet is predominantly fibre-based.

Why grass is essential for horses

Grass is the most natural and healthy food for horses. It provides them with the necessary nutrients, including protein, fibre, and minerals. Grass also contains essential vitamins such as vitamin E and beta-carotene, which are essential for a horse’s health. Additionally, grass has a high water content, which helps keep horses hydrated.

The benefits of hay and haylage

Hay and haylage are excellent alternatives to grass, especially during the winter months when grass is scarce. They provide horses with the necessary fibre, and they are easy to store and transport. Hay and haylage also come in different varieties, allowing horse owners to choose the best option for their horse’s needs.

Hay replacement options

Hay replacement options such as chaff, beet pulp, and hay cubes are also available. These options are suitable for horses with dental issues or those who struggle to eat hay. They are also useful for horses with respiratory issues, as they produce less dust than hay.

In conclusion

Providing horses with a predominantly fibre-based diet is crucial for their health and wellbeing. Mimicking their natural feeding pattern as closely as possible by providing them with grass, hay, haylage, or a hay replacement is essential. As horse owners, it’s our responsibility to ensure that our horses receive a balanced and healthy diet to promote a long and healthy life.