🐎 HORSE NUTRITION

What to pay attention to for health, performance & longevity

Proper horse nutrition is the foundation of a healthy, balanced and productive life.
A well-fed horse has better physical condition, fewer health problems, calmer behavior and greater endurance.

Nutrition is not only about what a horse eats — it is a balance of quality, quantity, frequency and nutritional balance.

🌾 1. The foundation of nutrition – Roughage

Roughage should make up 70–80% of a horse’s daily diet.

Includes:
• hay
• natural grass
• alfalfa

What to look for:

✔ Good quality (no mold, dust, or moisture)
✔ Fresh smell and natural color
✔ Continuous access to feed
✔ Proper quantity based on weight, age and activity

The horse’s digestive system is designed for continuous grazing.
Long periods without feed create intestinal stress and increase the risk of colic.

🌽 2. Concentrated feeds

Includes:
• grains
• prepared mixes
• pellets

Used only as supplements, not as the main diet.

Caution:

❌ No overfeeding
❌ No sudden changes
❌ No same portions for every horse

Amounts must be adjusted based on:
• workload
• age
• weight
• health
• physical condition

💧 3. Water – the most underestimated factor

Horses need clean, fresh water 24/7.

📌 Intake:
• 20–50 liters per day
• more in hot weather
• more during intense exercise

Lack of water can cause:
• dehydration
• constipation
• colic
• digestive problems

🧂 4. Salts, minerals & vitamins

Essential for:
• muscle function
• bone health
• hooves
• coat
• immune system

Recommended:
• salt blocks
• mineral blocks
• targeted supplements

🌿 5. Feed supplements

Supplements are not a trend — they are a tool when used correctly.

Used for:
• digestive support
• gut health
• sand clearance
• joints
• recovery
• energy
• immune support

⚠️ Do not use many together without purpose or guidance.

❌ What to avoid

• Sudden feed changes
• Poor quality hay
• Mold and dust
• Excessive grain feeding
• Long fasting periods
• Human food

🚨 Signs of poor nutrition

• Colic
• Diarrhea
• Bloating
• Nervous behavior
• Poor performance
• Dull coat
• Weight loss
• Hoof problems

🟢 Golden rule of nutrition

A horse is a grazing herbivore, not a “grain machine”.

Nutrition should imitate as closely as possible the natural feeding behavior in the wild.

🐎 Conclusion

Proper nutrition is not a luxury — it is care, prevention and an investment in health.

A properly fed horse:
✔ lives longer
✔ performs better
✔ has fewer health problems
✔ is calmer
✔ has a better quality of life

📍 For responsible nutrition, quality supplements and proper guidance, trust professionals.

✨ Learn more at happyhorse.gr