Did you know that different types of animals prefer specific approaches to feeding? Some are meal feeders, perfectly happy with getting one or two large meals per day. Others are continuous feeders, meaning they prefer to be able to eat smaller amounts more regularly. Horses are in the latter category, although some owners try to change that. Sadly, that can have a big impact on health and wellbeing. We want to have a closer look here, then you can talk to us if you want to order horse feed.

Nature

The best thing to do is think about horses in the wild or a few centuries ago when there were no concentrate feeds. They’d graze continuously over the course of a day, eating small amounts regularly. This is the best way to feed them today if possible.

The most important fact to keep in mind is meal feeding can have a huge negative impact on horse health. This is because of their gut.

There are three crucial factors here. Firstly, horses tend to have very small stomachs but a larger hindgut. Their bodies are designed to process food through the stomach quickly and then let it sit and ferment in the hindgut to provide energy. However, if you meal feed them with concentrate and small amounts of forage alongside it, it can cause water flux. Pulling a large amount of water into the large intestine rapidly can cause health problems, including dehydration and colitis.

The second factor is how a horse’s stomach produces acid. Unlike meal feeders that produce it when there is food present, a horse produces stomach acid continuously. A regular intake of forage is vital here for buffering it. If you don’t provide it because you’re using concentrate horse feed, horses can suffer ulcers.

Finally, a diet with concentrate and a small amount of forage can actually alter the microbiome in the intestines. It can lead to inflammation, resulting in serious problems. Crucially, it can cause leaky guy and result in weight loss, performance problems, and even laminitis.

A better choice

The best option if you want to maximise horse health is to go back to the traditional way of continuous feeding, focusing on provide quality forage. Concentrates should be a small part of the diet when they are absolutely necessary, such as for hard working horses that need more energy.

Ideally, make sure forage is available all throughout the day. That way horses can eat as they please over 14-16 hours. You’ll likely find them nibbling as they go. If you need some help to stop over-eaters, you can use slow feeders.

Ultimately, the goal should be to prioritise horse health. Don’t compromise it by focusing on what saves you the most time. Feeding big meals twice a day might be better for your schedule, but it can cause health problems and reduce the amount of nutrients horses get.

Talk to us about horse feed

JS Hubbuck Ltd has been helping clients to keep horses for a long time. We strive to offer a friendly service that gives you access to all the information you need. This includes nutrient content for feeds. We can provide advice too, including suggestions for different types of horse.

So, if you want to buy horse feed, please feel free to contact us. We’ll do all we can to help you ensure they are healthy.