horse Nutritionmammal

The horse’s natural food is grass. For stabled horses, the diet generally consists of hay and grain. The animal should not be fed immediately before or after work, to avoid digestive problems. Fresh water is important, especially when the horse is shedding its winter coat, but the animal should never be watered when it is overheated after working. Oats provide the greatest nutritional value and are given especially to foals. Older horses, whose teeth are worn down, or those with digestive troubles, can be provided with crushed oats. Chaff (minced straw) can be added to the oat ration of animals that eat greedily or do not chew the grain properly. Crushed barley is sometimes substituted in part for oats. Hay provides the bulk of the horse’s ration and may be of varying composition according to locale. Mash is bran mixed with water and with various invigorating additions or medications. It may be given to horses with digestive troubles or deficient eating habits. Corn (maize) is used as a fattening cereal, but it makes the horse sweat easily. Salt is needed by the horse at all times and especially when shedding. Bread, carrots, and sugar are tidbits often used to reward an animal by the rider or trainer. In times of poverty horses have adapted to all sorts of food—potatoes, beans, green leaves, and in Iceland even fish—but such foods are not generally taken if other fare is available. A number of commercial feed mixes are available to modern breeders and owners; these mixes contain minerals, vitamins, and other nutrients and are designed to provide a balanced diet when supplemented with hay.