Feeding horses is not just a matter of tossing hay or grain into a bucket. Proper nutrition is essential for maintaining a horse’s health, performance, and well-being. Unfortunately, many horse owners, especially new ones, often make feeding mistakes that can lead to digestive issues, behavioral problems, or even serious conditions such as colic and laminitis. Understanding these common errors can help you make better choices when it comes to horse feed and horse food.

Overfeeding Grain and Underfeeding Forage

One of the most frequent feeding mistakes is relying too heavily on grain-based feeds while neglecting forage. Horses are natural grazers with digestive systems designed to process high-fiber diets. Forage such as hay or pasture should be the foundation of every horse's diet, not grain.

Grains can be useful for horses with higher energy needs, such as those in heavy work or lactating mares, but they should not be the primary source of calories for most horses. Overfeeding grain increases the risk of colic, ulcers, and laminitis. Forage should account for at least 1.5% to 2% of a horse’s body weight per day.

To avoid this mistake, evaluate the quality and quantity of forage available. Only supplement with grain-based horse feed when truly necessary, and always introduce it slowly to prevent digestive upset.

Feeding All Horses the Same Diet

Another common mistake is feeding all horses the same type and amount of food, regardless of their age, workload, or health status. Horses have different nutritional requirements at different stages of life and activity levels. A one-size-fits-all approach rarely works.

For example, senior horses may struggle to chew rough hay and require soft, easily digestible horse food. Performance horses may need extra energy, protein, and electrolytes, while ponies or easy keepers might require a low-calorie diet to prevent obesity.

Avoid this mistake by tailoring the diet to each individual horse. Monitor body condition regularly, and adjust rations as needed. There are specialized horse feed products on the market designed for everything from weight gain to metabolic issues. Choosing the right product can make a significant difference in your horse’s health.

Making Sudden Changes in Diet

Horses need consistency in their feeding schedule and diet. A sudden change in horse feed or hay can disrupt the balance of bacteria in the horse's digestive tract, leading to colic or other digestive problems.

Whether you are switching feed brands, changing hay types, or increasing feed quantities, any adjustment should be done gradually. Introduce the new feed over 7 to 10 days by slowly increasing its portion while decreasing the old one. This allows the digestive system to adapt without stress or imbalance.

Establishing a regular feeding schedule is just as important. Horses do best when fed at the same times each day, as irregular feeding can contribute to stress and behavioral issues.

Neglecting Water and Salt Intake

Proper hydration is critical to digestion, nutrient absorption, and overall health. Yet, many horse owners overlook the importance of providing fresh, clean water at all times. Dehydration can lead to impaction colic and poor performance.

Likewise, salt is an essential part of a horse's diet. It encourages water consumption and supports electrolyte balance. Horses should always have access to plain salt blocks or loose salt, especially in hot climates or during periods of heavy work.

Don’t assume your horse is getting enough just from feed. Even high-quality horse food may not provide sufficient salt or water, particularly in dry seasons.

Conclusion

Feeding mistakes are common, but most are easily avoidable with knowledge and attention. By focusing on forage, customizing diets for each horse, making slow transitions, and ensuring adequate water and salt intake, you can provide balanced nutrition that supports your horse’s long-term health.

Choosing the right horse feed UAE and understanding how different types of horse food affect your animal can prevent many of the common issues faced by horse owners. A thoughtful feeding program is one of the most valuable investments you can make in your horse’s well-being.