Nutrition Information for a Horse
Although grass and hay remain the staples of an equine diet, research has determined the optimum nutrients for all ages and types of horses from newborns to seniors.
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Nutrition for Foals
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Foals require balanced feeds for optimum growth. A foal will soon outstrip the nutrients in its dam's milk, making supplemental feeding necessary for optimal growth without developmental problems. Foals should receive a ration that contains at least 16 percent protein with a ratio of 0.8 percent calcium to 0.6 percent phosphorous.
Adult Horses
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Adult horses need feed appropriate to their activity level. Adult horses will consume 1.5 to 3 percent of their body weight in feed each day depending on their level of work. A feed consisting of 10 to 14 percent protein is adequate for most adult horses.
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Broodmares
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Lactating mares Lactating mares will require a feed of 16 percent protein and will consume 2 to 3 percent of their body weight each day. Pregnant mares without foals have the same needs as other adult horses during the first eight months of their pregnancy.
Senior Horses
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Older horses often require specialized complete feeds to provide the necessary nutrients. The protein percentage will usually be at least 14 percent.
Special Feeds
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Owners will find a variety of feeds for horses with special needs, such as those prone to founder or respiratory problems.
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References
Resources
- Photo Credit horses # 2 image by Kevin Chesson from Fotolia.com foal image by Melissa Schalke from Fotolia.com riding horses image by Photoeyes from Fotolia.com bay mare and foal image by Stepanov from Fotolia.com
