Feeding your horse isn’t just about tossing them a flake of hay and calling it a day. Just like us, horses need a balanced diet to stay happy, healthy, and performing at their best. Let’s break down the 7 key elements of horse nutrition—in a way that’s easy to digest (just like a well-balanced meal!).
1. Water – The Lifeline of Health
You can survive without food for a while, but without water? Not so much! Horses are the same. A horse needs at least 20-55 litres of fresh water daily to keep digestion running smoothly, prevent colic, and stay hydrated. In extreme heat or heavy work, that number skyrockets—so always make sure they have unlimited access to clean water.
2. Protein – The Building Blocks of Muscle
Muscle, hooves, skin, and even enzymes depend on protein. But not all protein is created equal! Horses need essential amino acids, which come from quality feed sources like alfalfa, soybeans, and high-protein feeds. Growing horses, broodmares, and performance horses especially need good protein levels to stay strong and healthy.
3. Vitamins – The Unsung Heroes
Your horse doesn’t need a multivitamin every morning like you do, but they still require key vitamins to function.
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Vitamin A for eyesight and immune health.
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Vitamin D (from sunlight) for strong bones.
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Vitamin E for muscle health.
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B Vitamins (especially biotin) for hoof and coat quality. A balanced diet often provides enough, but some horses—especially those on limited pasture—may need supplementation.
4. Minerals – Small but Mighty
Minerals help everything from bone strength to nerve function. The key players? Calcium and phosphorus (for bones), sodium and chloride (electrolyte balance), and selenium and zinc (for immunity and muscle health). A quality mineral block or ration balancer can ensure your horse isn’t missing out.
5. Fibre – The Gut’s Best Friend
Unlike humans, horses are hindgut fermenters, meaning their digestive system is designed for constant fibre intake. Forage like hay, ans grass keeps their gut microbes happy, reduces the risk of ulcers, and ensures slow energy release. If there’s one rule in horse nutrition, it’s this: forage first, always.
6. Carbohydrates – The Energy Source
Carbs get a bad rap, but they’re a key fuel source for horses. Simple carbs (like grains) provide quick energy—great for racehorses but risky for easy keepers. Complex carbs (like hay and beet pulp) offer slow-burning energy. If your horse doesn’t need extra sugar or starch, stick to forage-based feeds to avoid weight gain and metabolic issues.
7. Fats – The Endurance Booster
Fat is a fantastic slow-release energy source for horses needing stamina, weight gain, or a shinier coat. Sources like vegetable oils, rice bran, and flaxseed provide essential fatty acids, reduce inflammation, and support overall health. Plus, they offer energy whilst being "non-heating".
Feeding Smart: Balance is Key
No single element works alone—nutrition is about balance. Understanding these 7 key elements helps you make better feeding choices for your horse’s health, performance, and longevity. The team at EquiPacs are here to help with any questions you may have about your horse’s diet. We also offer a range of high-quality supplements designed to fill dietary gaps and provide targeted support where needed. Whether your horse needs an extra boost for performance, digestion, or overall well-being, we have solutions tailored to their needs.
Got questions about equine nutrition? Reach out to us—we’re happy to help you make the best choices for your horse!