Let’s talk about feeding management guidelines for your horses. Feeding horses correctly often appears complicated, but following a few key principles ensures your horse’s nutrient requirements are met without increasing the risk of digestive disturbances.
Feed horses according to lifestyle. Horses require different nutrients based on their activity level. You must ensure each horse receives a diet that meets its specific needs. Purina® Horse Feeds are designed to meet the nutritional needs of various classes of horses, from pleasure horses to performance athletes.
Here are essential tips for proper management:
- Measure feed by weight, not volume: A coffee can of oats weighs less than a coffee can of corn. Any time a horse owner changes feed, he or she must weigh the can of feed to make sure the horse gets fed the same amount.
- Do not overfeed grain: The horse has a very small stomach in relation to its total size. Feeding too much grain can cause colic. A general rule of thumb is to feed no more than .5% of the horse’s body weight in grain per meal.
- Avoid sudden changes: Consistency reduces the chance of upset. Changes in types of feed should be made gradually (4-7 days for small changes).
- Feed adequate roughage: Horses require at least 1-1.5% of their body weight per day of roughage. This prevents boredom and digestive issues.
By following these guidelines and maintaining routine veterinary care, you can keep your horse healthy and happy. Don’t forget to visit Steinhauser’s for all your equine needs!
By Katie Young Ph.D., Consulting Equine Nutritionist, Purina Mills, LLC