Horses are very large animals that have different dietary requirements than other animals. There are certain requirements that need to be maintained in order to promote proper horse nutrition. Horse health can be maintained if proper nutrition is met.
Horses have certain dietary requirements that need to be met in order to maintain horse health and a long life expectancy. Proper horse nutrition can easily be followed by including four key nutrient groups in their diets. The dietary requirements needed in a horse’s diet are proteins, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals. Certain factors, such as pregnancy, age, and medical conditions can change the nutrition requirements for some horses.
Proteins
In order to maintain proper horse nutrition, a horse needs to have at least 7.2 percent of crude protein in their daily diet. This number can change depending on certain factors. For example, a working horse requires more protein. The amount can vary from 8.8 percent to 10.3 percent, depending on the type of work a horse does. Yearlings also require more crude protein as they age. Between the ages of 12 to 18 months, a yearling will need about 11.3 to 10.8 percent of crude protein.
Carbohydrates
Average full grown horses only need 1 percent of digestible energy in their diet. The percentage number of digestible energy decreases as the horse ages. A foal needs 1.3 percent of digestible energy to maintain proper horse health.
Vitamins and Minerals
Vitamins and minerals are an essential component in a horse’s diet. Horses need vitamin A in their diets to remain healthy. A full grown horse needs an average of 750 IU/lb of vitamin A for their dietary needs. Phosphorus should make up .15 percent of a full grown horses diet. Calcium is an essential nutrient for a horse. Full grown horses need .21 percent of calcium in their daily diets.
Along with these requirements, horses need roughage in their diets as well. Full grown horses need 100 percent roughage. There are charts to help categorize the requirements needed in a horse’s diet. The requirements for a horse's diet changes even when they are lactating, used for racing, riding, or are working horses. Certain periods through out a horse's life, their dietary requirements will change slightly. Many of the nutrients they need can be found in hay and grains. Some of the nutrients may need to come from other sources.
References:
“Horse Nutrition” 2009 www.HorseRiders.org
“Horse Nutrition” www.myhorseuniversity.com