Horses, like all living creatures, require a variety of nutrients to support their overall health and well-being. As responsible horse owners, it is essential to understand the nutritional requirements as to ensure their health and wellbeing. According to the American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP), horses need a daily intake of six primary nutrients:
-Water
-Carbohydrates
-Proteins
-Fats
-Vitamins
-Minerals
Proper balance of these six primary nutrients is essential for maintaining the health of a horse's bones, muscles, organs, and overall body functions. Furthermore, understanding the specific nutritional requirements of horses at different life stages is crucial for ensuring that they receive the proper balance of nutrients in their diet throughout the duration of their life. The exact amounts of each nutrient that a horse needs vary depending on factors such as age, weight, activity level, reproductive status and specific health needs/concerns. In this article, we will discuss general dietary requirements as well as how to avoid giving too much of certain nutrients, which is incredibly common for horses who may be on several supplements.
It may seem like a no-brainer, but water is the most crucial nutrient for horses, as they require between 5-12 gallons per day, depending on factors such as activity level, climate, and diet. Carbohydrates, primarily in the form of forage, provide horses with energy for daily activities and are essential for maintaining proper digestive function. Proteins are necessary for muscle growth and repair, and horses require a minimum of 0.8-1.0 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight per day. Healthy fats are another important energy source for horses, as they provide a concentrated source of calories and help maintain healthy skin and coat.
Vitamins and minerals are vital for overall health and performance in horses. The National Research Council (NRC) has established daily recommended intakes of various vitamins and minerals for horses at different life stages. For example, growing foals and pregnant or lactating mares have higher requirements for certain nutrients compared to mature horses in maintenance. It is essential for horse owners to be aware of these differences and adjust their horse's diet accordingly. Below is a standard feeding suggestion for a grown average size horse who is not in work.
Grown horse 1,200lb horse - maintenance:
Protein (amino acids): 8% of feed
Mcal (megacalories): 16.7 total per day
Calcium: 20 grams per day
Phosphorus: 14 grams per day
Vitamin D: 3300 IU per day
Vitamin E: 1000 IU per day
Of course, horses in different stages of development, age or work will need different nutritional needs than suggested above. It is always recommended to work with an equine nutritionist to tailor a diet to your horses specific needs relative to their lifestyle and region they live in (different parts of the country can experience different nutrient deficits given where hay is grown/harvested).
Many horse owners get caught up in supplying a menagerie of supplements, with the best intentions. However, feeding many supplements increases the likelihood that you may over supplementing without knowing it. If you already feed your horse multiple supplements, a great place to start to see what may be considered “overkill” is to simply flip the supplements over and start reading labels. The guaranteed analysis on a feed label provides information on the minimum or maximum percentage of various nutrients in the feed. By comparing the guaranteed analysis to the horse's nutritional requirements, owners can determine if the feed meets their horse's needs or if additional supplements are necessary. After reading the labels, you may very well find that you are doubling up on nutrients. While vitamin supplements can be beneficial in certain situations, excessive use can actually lead to nutrient imbalances and potentially harm the horse's health.
Here’s why…
Over supplementing vitamins in horses can lead to a vitamin deficiency due to a phenomenon known as nutrient antagonism. When horses are given excessive amounts of certain vitamins, such as vitamin A or vitamin E, it can interfere with the absorption and utilization of other essential vitamins and minerals. This can ultimately result in a deficiency of these nutrients, even if they are being provided in adequate amounts in the horse's diet. In addition, over supplementation can disrupt the delicate balance of nutrients in the horse's body, leading to imbalances and potential health issues. It is important for horse owners to carefully monitor their horse's diet and consult with a veterinarian or equine nutritionist to ensure they are getting the appropriate levels of vitamins and minerals.
Selenium: commonly over supplemented.
One vitamin that is often found in many equine supplements is selenium. While selenium is an essential mineral that horses need in small amounts, it is also very easy to overdose on. An excess of selenium can lead to a condition called selenium toxicity, which can have serious consequences for your horse.
Selenium toxicity can cause symptoms such as hair loss, hoof abnormalities, weight loss, and even death in severe cases. It can also lead to muscle stiffness and weakness, difficulty breathing, and neurological issues. In extreme cases, selenium toxicity can cause irreversible damage to your horse's organs and tissues. To avoid selenium toxicity, it is important to carefully read the labels on any supplements you are providing your horse.By being cautious and mindful of the vitamins and minerals you are supplementing your horse with, you can help ensure their health and well-being for years to come.
In conclusion, understanding the nutritional requirements of horses is essential for their health and wellbeing. By providing horses with the proper balance of essential nutrients and avoiding over-supplementation, owners can ensure their equine companions thrive and perform at their best. However, even if one does not have a large knowledge base about equine nutrition, they can still flip their supplement labels over and easily see where they may be giving too much or too little. By educating themselves on how to read nutrition labels and adjust their horse's diet accordingly, owners can take proactive steps towards promoting their horse's health and longevity.
Title:Nutritional Requirements of Horses and Other Equids - Nutritional Requirements of Horses and Other Equids
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Website title:Tennessee Equine Hospital
URL:https://www.tnequinehospital.com/services/equine/horse-nutrition Date accessed:September 1, 2024
Title:The Basics of Equine Nutrition | Equine Science Center
Website title:Rutgers Equine Science Center
URL:https://esc.rutgers.edu/fact_sheet/the-basics-of-equine-nutrition/ Date accessed:September 1, 2024
Title:Nutrition: The Key to Unlocking Your Horse's Health | AAEP
Website title:American Association of Equine Practitioners
URL:https://old.aaep.org/horsehealth/nutrition-key-unlocking-your-horses-health Date accessed:September 1, 2024 Author:Lydia Gray
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