Horse Food: A Beginner's Guide
Posted on: 21 October 2021
If you are thinking about purchasing a horse, you may be wondering what you will need to feed it. This article explores different types of horse food such as hay, grain, vegetables, and supplements such as salt blocks. Read on to find out more.
Hay
Hay is a fundamental part of any horses diet. Hay is a grass-like plant that is harvested from the field and then dried to be stored for later use as horse feed. Hay can be used as a sole source of food, as a supplement to another feed or as the main staple of the horse's diet. Hay is an important source of nutrients including calcium, phosphorus and vitamin D and A, which are vital for proper bone development. Hay is also a fantastic source of fibre.
Grain
Grains are a staple in most horses diets, especially in the winter. Horses require a substantial amount of carbohydrates during the colder months to keep their body warm. Grains can come from a variety of sources such as oats, corn and wheat. It's always helpful to know what type of grain your horse will be eating before you purchase it at the feed store because some feeds work better for certain types of horses than others depending on their needs and abilities. Check the back of the package to see what is in your horse's grain. Some feeds may be marketed as grain-free, but if they contain grains, you should be sure to check with their veterinarian to make sure your horse will get all the nutrition they need.
Vegetables
Vegetables can be eaten by horses when they are mixed with other horse feed such as hay or grain. Vegetables add additional fibre and additional nutrients such as iron and B vitamins to your horse's diet. Carrots and potatoes can be mixed with chopped greens to make a tasty and nutritious addition to your horse's dinner.
Salt blocks
Horses often lose large amounts of this essential mineral as they sweat. For this reason, it is important that you have a salt block available which they can lick from time to time, especially in the warmer months of the year. You should avoid placing the salt block with other feed as this could result in the horse receiving too much salt. It is better to place it near the feeder within easy reach.
If you would like further advice and information, you should contact a horse food supplier. They will be happy to discuss the range of food products and supplements they can provide to you to keep your horse healthy.
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