Horses primarily eat forage, which includes pasture grass and hay or haylage. This forms the bulk of their diet and provides essential nutrients such as fiber, vitamins, and minerals needed for their health
. They are herbivores and have a digestive system adapted to digesting plant fiber through microbial fermentation in their cecum. In addition to forage, horses may be fed concentrates like grains (oats, corn, barley) to meet extra energy needs, especially for horses with higher workloads or specific nutritional requirements. Oats are the most common grain because they are more digestible and palatable for horses
. However, grains should be fed carefully to avoid digestive problems. Horses also benefit from supplements and treats such as fruits and vegetables-common treats include apples, carrots, bananas, and melons-but these should be given in moderation to avoid behavioral or health issues
. Finally, horses require constant access to clean fresh water and often salt blocks to encourage hydration and maintain electrolyte balance
. In summary, a typical horse diet consists mainly of:
- Pasture grass and hay (forage)
- Grains and concentrates as needed
- Occasional fruits and vegetables as treats
- Constant access to water and salt
This diet supports their unique digestive system and overall health
