Maintaining a proper diet is one of the most important ways to support your horse’s health, longevity, and athletic performance. Whether your horse is a competitive athlete, a working companion, or a cherished family friend, nutrition plays a central role in how they feel, function, and thrive. Every horse has unique dietary needs depending on age, activity level, breed, and any underlying health conditions.

The Building Blocks of a Balanced Diet

A horse’s diet should be built around forage, such as hay or pasture, which supports healthy digestion and provides essential fiber. Ideally, forage should make up at least 1.5 to 2 percent of your horse’s body weight daily. High-quality grass hay or legume hay can provide necessary calories, protein, and nutrients, but the quality should be evaluated regularly to avoid mold, dust, or nutrient imbalances.

Grains and concentrates may be added for horses with higher energy requirements, such as those in training or underweight. However, excessive grain can lead to issues like colic, laminitis, and insulin resistance. Always balance energy-dense feeds with adequate forage and consult your veterinarian before making changes to the feeding regimen.

Understanding Nutritional Supplements

Supplements can help fill nutritional gaps and support specific needs, but they should be used strategically. For example, joint supplements containing glucosamine and chondroitin may support performance horses, while hoof supplements with biotin and zinc benefit those with weak or brittle hooves. Electrolytes are also useful for horses that sweat heavily due to exercise or warm climates.

It’s important to evaluate whether your horse truly needs a supplement, as over-supplementation can do more harm than good. A veterinarian can perform a nutritional analysis and bloodwork if needed to determine deficiencies and recommend appropriate products.

Tailoring Nutrition to Life Stages and Workload

A horse’s nutritional needs change throughout life. Growing foals, pregnant or lactating mares, and senior horses each require specific adjustments to maintain their health. Performance horses may need more calories, protein, and minerals, while older horses may benefit from easy-to-chew feeds and digestive aids.

Monitoring body condition and adjusting feed based on changes in weight, muscle tone, coat quality, and energy levels can help you keep your horse in optimal health. Routine dental care, deworming, and veterinary checkups also support proper digestion and nutrient absorption.

Hydration and Feeding Practices

Access to fresh, clean water is essential at all times. Dehydration can lead to colic, kidney stress, and poor performance. Horses should be fed consistently and in a calm, safe environment. Spreading out meals and offering forage throughout the day supports natural grazing behavior and promotes gastrointestinal health.

Avoid sudden changes to your horse’s diet. Introduce new feeds slowly over 7 to 10 days to give their digestive system time to adjust and prevent disturbances like colic or diarrhea.

Support Your Horse’s Health and Performance

A thoughtful, well-balanced diet is one of the most powerful tools you have to keep your horse healthy, energetic, and happy. Every horse is different, and their nutritional needs can shift over time. We are here to help you build a feeding plan tailored to your horse’s unique lifestyle, age, and health status.

Schedule a nutritional consultation with South Willamette Veterinary Clinic and learn how we can support your horse’s health and performance through expert care and personalized recommendations. Visit our facility in Creswell, Oregon, or call (541) 895-5665 today.