May
23
Written by:
Surgi-Care Center for Horses
5/23/2011 3:39 PM
Horses have different nutritional requirements depending on their stage of life
and activity level. A pleasure horse requires less energy per day than a lactating
mare, a growing yearling, or a performance horse.
Calories per day for 1000 lb horse:
- mare early lactation ® 30, 400
- breeding stallion ® 20, 000
- pleasure horse ® 16, 000
- very active performance horse ® 32, 000
Hay:
In general, the amount of mixed grass hay a horse is fed in pounds is
approximately 2% of a horse’s body weight in pounds. Therefore, a 1000lb horse
would require 20 lb of mixed grass hay per day. Two main types of hay are
available, grass and legume hay. Hay available for horses is often a combination
of both. Grass hay, such as timothy, provides more fiber and less energy and
protein than legume hay. This is the hay of choice for average adult horses.
Legume hay, such as clover or alfalfa, is higher in protein, energy, calcium, and
vitamin A than grass hay. This hay is better for lactating mares, athletic horses,
and growing horses. Alfalfa is higher in protein and minerals then grass hay,
therefore horse owners should be aware that their horse might drink and urinate
more frequently.
Grain:
Grains can be used to supplement the horse’s diet with additional energy,
protein, vitamins, and minerals. The amount of grain an average horse is fed can
be up to 0.80.9
lb of grain / 100 lbs body weight daily. However, in order to
avoid gastrointestinal problems, avoid feeding more than 0.5 lb of grain/ 100 lbs
body weight per feeding. Depending on the horse’s nutritional requirements, this
amount of grain can be fed 2 to 3 times a day. It is better to increase the number
of feedings instead of increasing the amount per feeding. If a horse is fed too
much, serious complication may arise, such as colic or stomach rupture, because
horses cannot vomit if they overeat.
Water:
Water intake is a very important component of equine nutrition. An average
1000lb horse can drink up to 10 gallons of water per day. However, depending
on weather, body temperature, how active the horse is, and how much water is in
their feed, this amount can vary greatly. Free choice, fresh, clean water should
be available for your horse at all times to ensure hydration.
Contact your veterinarian for additional information or for tips on finding a feeding
regime specifically for your horse. Any changes in feed should be made gradually
over a period of 1 to 2 weeks.
Contact
Surgi-Care Center for Horses at 813-643-7177 or
email lkuebelbeck@surgi-carecenter.com with
any questions regarding this topic.