Welcome to the world of equine nutrition.
The equine diet can seem like an overwhelming topic, confusing at best and fiercely controversial even among labelled professionals.
So in an attempt to make life somewhat simpler, you'll find a brief summary of recommended feeds taken from some of the top natural horse care practitioners around the globe.
The equine diet can seem like an overwhelming topic, confusing at best and fiercely controversial even among labelled professionals.
So in an attempt to make life somewhat simpler, you'll find a brief summary of recommended feeds taken from some of the top natural horse care practitioners around the globe.
The truth of the matter is that in most cases, horses are fed a wide variety of diets and continue to survive. Or even thrive! And so it appears that there is not a single "correct" way to feed your horse, but rather many paths that lead to good equine nutrition.
Horses are adaptable and they have to be in order to survive. If this was not the case you simply wouldn't find them in certain climates. And so horses do well on a variety of feeds, both the good and the questionable.
The equine feed industry is misleading at best, and people are starting to question whether these processed and denatured feeds have any nutritional value for the horse beyond the packaging. But marketing and corporate logos can be very convincing. In order to make these foods palatable for horses they are put through high temperatures (which kills natural nutrients), filled with synthetic alternatives, contain unnatural and gmo ingredients, are heavily molassed or sugared, and even contain animal protein. It is adulterated feed, tasty on the outside but internally destructive .
Natural horse care feeding recommendations are straightforward. Keep it simple, feed whole natural foods wherever possible, and provide the necessary roughage their digestive system requires. Although domesticated, they are still the same on the inside as any horse roaming free.
Always do your own research. Educate yourself. Never stop learning.
This can be a confusing and controversial topic. But once you understand the horses basic needs; what you feed, and what you don't feed, will become an matter of personal opinion.
What makes a diet natural?
Horse Friendly Grass
Mineral Salt Free Choice
Chia Seeds
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Free Choice Hay
Whole Oats
Vitamin & Minerals
Linseed
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Meadow Chaff
Lucerne 10% diet max
Coconut Copra
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Please remember to make any changes to your horses diet gradually, this allows them time to create the appropriate digestive enzymes required for proper digestion.
Before talking feed - lets talk stomach...
Its easier to feed responsibly if you know a little something about your horses stomach.
Its not much bigger than a rugby ball, so keep your feed sizes appropriate. Feeding more than the stomach can hold at any one time can lead to poor nutrient absorption, bloat, and gas buildup.
Small and frequent meals are not only more natural, they work in harmony with your horses digestive system. Although its not feasible for everyone, splitting the meal into 2-3 smaller portions throughout the day will provide a higher nutrient uptake.
Its easier to feed responsibly if you know a little something about your horses stomach.
Its not much bigger than a rugby ball, so keep your feed sizes appropriate. Feeding more than the stomach can hold at any one time can lead to poor nutrient absorption, bloat, and gas buildup.
Small and frequent meals are not only more natural, they work in harmony with your horses digestive system. Although its not feasible for everyone, splitting the meal into 2-3 smaller portions throughout the day will provide a higher nutrient uptake.
Dietary Essentials
Horses were made to eat grass. Research is showing that certain grasses are horse friendly, while others create undesirable conditions and poor health.
Grass should be high in fibre, low in sugar, slow growing, and in a mature state (tall).
Browntop, Yorkshire Fog, Cocksfoot and Timothy are all excellent choices.
See Calm Healthy Horses for further resources on this topic.
Grass should be high in fibre, low in sugar, slow growing, and in a mature state (tall).
Browntop, Yorkshire Fog, Cocksfoot and Timothy are all excellent choices.
See Calm Healthy Horses for further resources on this topic.
Hay provides the fiber and roughage the horses digestive tract requires. Source your hay from horse friendly grasses and locations whenever available.
Doing this will keep the hindgut flora of your horses digestive tract healthy.
For laminitic horses soak hay before feeding to further reduce sugar content.
Hay should ideally be available 24/7, and fed adlib through use of slow feeders.
Doing this will keep the hindgut flora of your horses digestive tract healthy.
For laminitic horses soak hay before feeding to further reduce sugar content.
Hay should ideally be available 24/7, and fed adlib through use of slow feeders.
Basic Diet Foundations
Meadow chaff makes for a perfect base to build your feed plan around. Free from molasses and with no additives or preservers, this is a very safe and effective filler.
Not to mention it is a natural source of fiber for your horses hind gut health.
We're very fortunate in New Zealand to have such an abundant feed source as this - in other parts of the world Chaff is hard to come by!
Just be sure to dampen down before feeding.
Not to mention it is a natural source of fiber for your horses hind gut health.
We're very fortunate in New Zealand to have such an abundant feed source as this - in other parts of the world Chaff is hard to come by!
Just be sure to dampen down before feeding.
Lucerne, although beneficial is often over fed (leading to health and hoof problems.)
Lucerne is a good source of natural protein and calories. Helpful with muscle building and weight gain (especially in older horses).
However, do not feed this to a laminitic horse.
Feed up to 10% of total food intake a day.
Lucerne is a good source of natural protein and calories. Helpful with muscle building and weight gain (especially in older horses).
However, do not feed this to a laminitic horse.
Feed up to 10% of total food intake a day.
Salt is essential for equine wellness and ideally should be available at all times.
Free choice Himalayan Mineral or Celtic Sea Salt in a ground (crushed) form will allow the horse to eat ad lib as required.
Horses have smooth tongues and cannot get enough salt off a lick, although licks do provide entertainment.
Making salt readily available or adding to feeds is an excellent place to start as without sufficient salt in the diet nutrients cannot be transported across the cell membrane and into the cells.
Salt also maintains proper fluid balance, corrects electrolyte imbalances, and restores normal nerve and muscle functions.
Can add directly to feed at 10gm per 100kg bodyweight.
Free choice Himalayan Mineral or Celtic Sea Salt in a ground (crushed) form will allow the horse to eat ad lib as required.
Horses have smooth tongues and cannot get enough salt off a lick, although licks do provide entertainment.
Making salt readily available or adding to feeds is an excellent place to start as without sufficient salt in the diet nutrients cannot be transported across the cell membrane and into the cells.
Salt also maintains proper fluid balance, corrects electrolyte imbalances, and restores normal nerve and muscle functions.
Can add directly to feed at 10gm per 100kg bodyweight.
Minerals and Vitamins should never be overlooked, although care should be chosen in selecting them. These provide the essential nutrients horses require for optimal health. It is best to avoid synthetic alternatives and invest in a quality organic chelated mineral. Although expensive they are worth the investment.
NZ Premium, Equine Royale or Elite Equine are three products that have quality ingredients that are designed for New Zealand conditions. We are particularly impressed with Elite Equine.
Toxin Binders are also available and are often built into product supplementation - just do be sure to check.
Unless the horse has the essential nutrients needed in his body you can waste a fortune on shoveling food into him in the hopes of him gaining weight/condition/health, we know we have been there!
NZ Premium, Equine Royale or Elite Equine are three products that have quality ingredients that are designed for New Zealand conditions. We are particularly impressed with Elite Equine.
Toxin Binders are also available and are often built into product supplementation - just do be sure to check.
Unless the horse has the essential nutrients needed in his body you can waste a fortune on shoveling food into him in the hopes of him gaining weight/condition/health, we know we have been there!
Conditioning Feeds
Although copra comes from a coconut and is not really considered a food horses would forage in the wild it is said to be a good source of amino acids, fiber, and oils.
Copra is especially helpful for horses that are in need of extra condition and weight gain.
The recommended brand is CoolStance Copra - as many other brands can contain a high percentage of moulds and come from contaminated suppliers.
Feed 1/2 cup to 4 cups (soaked weight)
Copra is especially helpful for horses that are in need of extra condition and weight gain.
The recommended brand is CoolStance Copra - as many other brands can contain a high percentage of moulds and come from contaminated suppliers.
Feed 1/2 cup to 4 cups (soaked weight)
Research indicates that oats are the only grain that does not produce hind gut acidosis.
Many barefoot practitioners heartily recommend and testify to the safety of feeding whole oats in small quantities.
Oats still contain starch however and some professionals disagree with this addition to the horses diet. Joe Camp is one example.
If possible use organic oats as this tends to be a heavily sprayed crop.
NZ Bio Grains sells organic stockfood oats.
Whole Oats are the preferred choice.
Feed 1/2 cup up to 3 cups depending on condition/workload.
Many barefoot practitioners heartily recommend and testify to the safety of feeding whole oats in small quantities.
Oats still contain starch however and some professionals disagree with this addition to the horses diet. Joe Camp is one example.
If possible use organic oats as this tends to be a heavily sprayed crop.
NZ Bio Grains sells organic stockfood oats.
Whole Oats are the preferred choice.
Feed 1/2 cup up to 3 cups depending on condition/workload.
For underweight horses, also see section below on Maxisoy Soy Beans
Essential Fatty Acids for Horses not on Grass (or those in need of extra condition)
Essential Fatty Acids (EFA) provide the Omega 3 oils that horses require to thrive. Ideally these should be sourced from an Organic provider as this will give the highest nutrient yield, however budget doesn't always allow this!
Chia seeds, although expensive are a hassle free and rich source of Omega 3. These can be added to the horses feed in a whole state (unground), by simply sprinkling a small amount into the feed.
Feed from 1/2 Tablespoon to around 3 Tablespoons.
Chia seeds, although expensive are a hassle free and rich source of Omega 3. These can be added to the horses feed in a whole state (unground), by simply sprinkling a small amount into the feed.
Feed from 1/2 Tablespoon to around 3 Tablespoons.
Flax seeds are an excellent alternative to chia, although they do require more preparation and care of storage.
Ideally, flax seed should be freshly ground prior to adding to feed, whatever excess is left over should be refrigerated to prevent the oils turning rancid.
Likewise, once opened flaxseed oils should be refrigerated.
These are a rich source of Omega 3 and fibre which helps give the coat a nice shine.
Feed from a tablespoon up to half a cup depending.
Ideally, flax seed should be freshly ground prior to adding to feed, whatever excess is left over should be refrigerated to prevent the oils turning rancid.
Likewise, once opened flaxseed oils should be refrigerated.
These are a rich source of Omega 3 and fibre which helps give the coat a nice shine.
Feed from a tablespoon up to half a cup depending.
Debateable Feeds
Whole extruded soybeans have been shown to really help horses in need of extra condition put weight on quickly.
However as in the case of humans, the use of soy is also questionable with animals. Traditionally with humans soy was fermented, however in the case of horses there is currently no research available that we know of. Soy tends to be a heavily sprayed crop, susceptible to contamination. We have no personal experience feeding soy, and personally choose not to feed it or so we have been unable to comment on the effects it could have on the horse as a whole.
Maxisoy and Equisoy are recommended molasses and additive free brands however for those who feel inclined to use this dietary product.
In the case of a very underweight horse, we feel that its worthwhile trying this product if nothing else is helping, or the horse needs to get some weight on quickly. But do try to limit long term exposure to this food source.
Feed 1/2 - 2 cupfuls per day (or see feed directions, especially for underweight horses) always soak.
However as in the case of humans, the use of soy is also questionable with animals. Traditionally with humans soy was fermented, however in the case of horses there is currently no research available that we know of. Soy tends to be a heavily sprayed crop, susceptible to contamination. We have no personal experience feeding soy, and personally choose not to feed it or so we have been unable to comment on the effects it could have on the horse as a whole.
Maxisoy and Equisoy are recommended molasses and additive free brands however for those who feel inclined to use this dietary product.
In the case of a very underweight horse, we feel that its worthwhile trying this product if nothing else is helping, or the horse needs to get some weight on quickly. But do try to limit long term exposure to this food source.
Feed 1/2 - 2 cupfuls per day (or see feed directions, especially for underweight horses) always soak.
Widely used and recommended by many equine nutritionists, However even among professionals it remains a highly controversial feed.
A waste byproduct of the sugar industry it is promoted as a nutritious feed.
American beets are predominantly sourced from GMO crops that have been heavily sprayed. The process to create this feed often requires the use of chemicals such as formaldehyde and hydrogen sulfide (these are worth investigating further yourself).
The use of beet products often shows itself up in the form of poor hoof health/tenderness. And is one such product that would never be found in nature/wild horse country.
Jaime Jackson totally opposes all beet products. You can find some interesting discussions/debates on his facebook pages.
Dunstans Betabeet is a Molasses Free and GMO Free product and does appear to be the best choice for those who insist on using beet pulps. Make sure beets are ALWAYS soaked before feeding.
A waste byproduct of the sugar industry it is promoted as a nutritious feed.
American beets are predominantly sourced from GMO crops that have been heavily sprayed. The process to create this feed often requires the use of chemicals such as formaldehyde and hydrogen sulfide (these are worth investigating further yourself).
The use of beet products often shows itself up in the form of poor hoof health/tenderness. And is one such product that would never be found in nature/wild horse country.
Jaime Jackson totally opposes all beet products. You can find some interesting discussions/debates on his facebook pages.
Dunstans Betabeet is a Molasses Free and GMO Free product and does appear to be the best choice for those who insist on using beet pulps. Make sure beets are ALWAYS soaked before feeding.
Feed to Avoid
A highly palatable feed additive, it is no wonder it is freely added to so many processed feeds.
Molasses is sugar in the body, passing straight from the horses feed into the blood system. From there sugars spike blood sugar and insulin levels (a trigger in laminitis) and leach minerals like calcium and magnesium from the body.
Sugars also trigger inflammation, causing pain and discomfort in the hoof and body.
Horses that are fed sugared feed are also more susceptible to biting insects.
Not to mention the fact that sugar weakens the immune system, leading to potential colds and allergies (all of this is the same for humans who eat sugar too!)
Molasses is sugar in the body, passing straight from the horses feed into the blood system. From there sugars spike blood sugar and insulin levels (a trigger in laminitis) and leach minerals like calcium and magnesium from the body.
Sugars also trigger inflammation, causing pain and discomfort in the hoof and body.
Horses that are fed sugared feed are also more susceptible to biting insects.
Not to mention the fact that sugar weakens the immune system, leading to potential colds and allergies (all of this is the same for humans who eat sugar too!)
NHC believes if food is processed you leave it alone!
These feeds are generally exposed to high temperatures, chemicals and extrusion. A process that removes much of the natural goodness.
Much are also sweetened to varying degrees and have synthetic minerals and rancid oils added to them.
Often owners also tend to add a variety of mixes to their horses bucket. However, this can cause nutritional imbalances as each of these products contains their own unique cocktail of supplements and additives.
These feeds can also create inflammation in the laminar of the hoof (especially in the case of those with already poor hoof health) leading to sensitivity and pain.
These feeds have also been linked with behavioral and many other health conditions.
These feeds are generally exposed to high temperatures, chemicals and extrusion. A process that removes much of the natural goodness.
Much are also sweetened to varying degrees and have synthetic minerals and rancid oils added to them.
Often owners also tend to add a variety of mixes to their horses bucket. However, this can cause nutritional imbalances as each of these products contains their own unique cocktail of supplements and additives.
These feeds can also create inflammation in the laminar of the hoof (especially in the case of those with already poor hoof health) leading to sensitivity and pain.
These feeds have also been linked with behavioral and many other health conditions.
What Some of the Big Names in Natural Horse Care Feed
1. Feed free-choice grass hay around the clock.
2. Feed a “condiment-sized” serving of alfalfa.
(Here in middle Tennessee their very natural pasture contains at least five different grasses plus weeds, brambles, trees, clover, dandelions, etc. etc. and they receive no alfalfa at all, except occasionally as a treat.)
3. The base feed is Forage in a bag (Chaff) Over which we top dress our supplements.
Legends Rice Bran: We use a small amount of cold-processed rice bran for any horse that needs to add a bit of weight.
Because rice bran is a good fat, like a cold pressed olive oil, it must be cold processed. If it is heat processed the molecules mutate and cause an abundance of free radicals “rusting” the veins inside.
4. We are now down to a single supplement: California Trace.
5. We feed Red Cal free choice Salt available at all times.
6. Diatomaceous Earth to prevent parasites: The amount varies from horse to horse. The least is 1/2 cup once per week. The most is 2 cups 7 times a week.
That’s pretty much it. Skeeter gets a bit of glucosamine and gelatin for his minimal arthritis. And a bit of thyroid medicine.
2. Feed a “condiment-sized” serving of alfalfa.
(Here in middle Tennessee their very natural pasture contains at least five different grasses plus weeds, brambles, trees, clover, dandelions, etc. etc. and they receive no alfalfa at all, except occasionally as a treat.)
3. The base feed is Forage in a bag (Chaff) Over which we top dress our supplements.
Legends Rice Bran: We use a small amount of cold-processed rice bran for any horse that needs to add a bit of weight.
Because rice bran is a good fat, like a cold pressed olive oil, it must be cold processed. If it is heat processed the molecules mutate and cause an abundance of free radicals “rusting” the veins inside.
4. We are now down to a single supplement: California Trace.
5. We feed Red Cal free choice Salt available at all times.
6. Diatomaceous Earth to prevent parasites: The amount varies from horse to horse. The least is 1/2 cup once per week. The most is 2 cups 7 times a week.
That’s pretty much it. Skeeter gets a bit of glucosamine and gelatin for his minimal arthritis. And a bit of thyroid medicine.
Horses should be fed a low grain, forage based diet, optimally with access to hay (slow feeders) or grass pasture 24/7
Try a whole feeds diet, products like copra, black sunflower seeds, chia seeds, flax seeds, small amounts of whole oats etc.
We feed:
Hay 24/7. If we had access to grass we would allow them to graze. Small amount of alfalfa hay daily.
One small bucket meal a day into grass pellet base includes 1 cup HES (soybean) pellets, and vitamin and minerals (dynamite brand) occasionally black oil sunflower and chia seeds and miracle clay.
Performance horses get 1- 2 cups whole oats.
Constant access to natural trace mineral salt
Selection fresh fruits and vegetables
Chlorine free well water
Quarterly within the seasons horses receive a different daily mash - a parasite cocktail with no vits/mins and instead herbal and clay anti parasite products.
Try a whole feeds diet, products like copra, black sunflower seeds, chia seeds, flax seeds, small amounts of whole oats etc.
We feed:
Hay 24/7. If we had access to grass we would allow them to graze. Small amount of alfalfa hay daily.
One small bucket meal a day into grass pellet base includes 1 cup HES (soybean) pellets, and vitamin and minerals (dynamite brand) occasionally black oil sunflower and chia seeds and miracle clay.
Performance horses get 1- 2 cups whole oats.
Constant access to natural trace mineral salt
Selection fresh fruits and vegetables
Chlorine free well water
Quarterly within the seasons horses receive a different daily mash - a parasite cocktail with no vits/mins and instead herbal and clay anti parasite products.
(taken from the AANHCP page)
We recommend feeding an abundance of various types of grass hays - provided in a 'free choice' or 'ad lib' manner.
The horses also get:
*Whole oats ~ half to one pound but one gets about 3 pounds per day
*Timothy hay pellets
*Flaxseed/linseed ~2 tablespoons
*Coolstance Copra approx 1/2 cup
*MSM
*Vitamin/mineral supplement.
They get the vitamin/mineral supplements 4-5 times per week.
*They always have free choice loose salt as well as both Redmond and Himalayan salt blocks.
Periodically, they get some Black Oil Sunflower Seeds (no more than a few times a month), a hand-full of Chia seed, some dried organic Dandelion Greens and a tiny amount of organic fruits and vegetables.
As well, they periodically have (food grade!) Diatomaceous Earth added to their oat mixture - replacing the minerals on those days - and they snack on all the plants / shrubs / brambles / bushes / trees / leaves / bark (etc.) that grow in their environment that are within reach.
And just as importantly, a constant supply of fresh water - filtered if necessary. And periodically, they get a splash of apple cider vinegar added to their troughs.
We recommend feeding an abundance of various types of grass hays - provided in a 'free choice' or 'ad lib' manner.
The horses also get:
*Whole oats ~ half to one pound but one gets about 3 pounds per day
*Timothy hay pellets
*Flaxseed/linseed ~2 tablespoons
*Coolstance Copra approx 1/2 cup
*MSM
*Vitamin/mineral supplement.
They get the vitamin/mineral supplements 4-5 times per week.
*They always have free choice loose salt as well as both Redmond and Himalayan salt blocks.
Periodically, they get some Black Oil Sunflower Seeds (no more than a few times a month), a hand-full of Chia seed, some dried organic Dandelion Greens and a tiny amount of organic fruits and vegetables.
As well, they periodically have (food grade!) Diatomaceous Earth added to their oat mixture - replacing the minerals on those days - and they snack on all the plants / shrubs / brambles / bushes / trees / leaves / bark (etc.) that grow in their environment that are within reach.
And just as importantly, a constant supply of fresh water - filtered if necessary. And periodically, they get a splash of apple cider vinegar added to their troughs.
These are our personal guidelines, we've tested them and seen them work over a growing number of years. These recommendations reduce inflammation in the body, decrease pain, promote joint health, and encourage a healthy hoof to develop. However, every horse owner should do their own research. This is simply intended to start you on your way to your own conclusions and personal discoveries. We encourage you to adopt our personal motto when it comes to research - never accept anything at face value alone.
Resources to continue your journey
Diet and Nutrition ~ Joe Camp, The Soul of a Horse
About Grasses ~ Jenny Patterson, Calm Healthy Horses
Diet Guidelines ~ James and Yvonne Welz
Quick Diet Overview ~ Dr Hiltrand Strasser
Diet Recommendations, from Paddock Paradise ~ Jaime Jackson
Diet and Nutrition ~ Joe Camp, The Soul of a Horse
About Grasses ~ Jenny Patterson, Calm Healthy Horses
Diet Guidelines ~ James and Yvonne Welz
Quick Diet Overview ~ Dr Hiltrand Strasser
Diet Recommendations, from Paddock Paradise ~ Jaime Jackson