Horse Nutrition
Understanding the basics of equine nutrition helps you feed your horse well and spot when something needs to change.
Understanding the basics of equine nutrition helps you feed your horse well and spot when something needs to change. The principles are simple: forage first, feed little and often, provide constant access to clean water, and match the diet to the individual.
This section explains the fundamentals and points you towards expert help. For a tailored feeding plan, speak to a qualified equine nutritionist or your vet.
The golden rules
Feed plenty of forage, little and often, to mimic the horse's natural grazing. Make changes gradually, keep to a routine, and always provide clean, fresh water. These long-established principles underpin healthy feeding.
Condition scoring
Learning to body condition score helps you judge whether your horse is the right weight, rather than relying on appearance alone. Regular scoring lets you adjust the diet before small changes become problems.
When to get expert help
For horses with specific needs, those in hard work, poor-doers, veterans, or those with a diagnosed condition, a qualified nutritionist or vet can design a diet suited to the individual. Never make major dietary changes for a sick horse without veterinary advice.
Horse Nutrition: your questions answered
Horses are designed to eat little and often, so forage should ideally be available for most of the day. Hard feed, where needed, is best split into smaller feeds rather than one large meal.
Horses on limited or forage-only diets may not receive a full balance of vitamins and minerals. A balancer or broad-spectrum supplement can help; a nutritionist can advise whether your horse needs one.