What can horse eat and not eat?
As herbivores, the diet and health of horses are closely related. Having a deep understanding of the foods that horses can and cannot eat, familiarizing themselves with the unique structure of their digestive system and feeding points, is of great significance to horse owners
Selected delicacies for horses
(1) Delicious food that can be eaten
1. High quality forage: Alfalfa, ryegrass, sheepgrass, etc. are like delicious delicacies bestowed upon horses by nature. They are rich in nutrients such as protein and fiber, and are the most natural food for horses, which can keep their digestive system healthy. When storing, it is necessary to maintain dryness and ventilation to ensure the quality of the grass.
2. Hay: When winter arrives or there is a shortage of grass, hay becomes the best substitute. Oat grass, Timothy grass and other different types have their own characteristics, and can be carefully selected according to the specific situation of the horse
3. Grains and feed: Grains such as oats, barley, and corn are also good choices for Malaysians, but one should not be too greedy. Feeding in moderation can avoid digestive problems. There are a wide variety of commercial feed types that can be added in moderation to meet the different needs of horses, such as ponies, pregnant horses, sports horses, etc., on the basis of grass or hay to supplement their nutrition.
4. Fruits and vegetables: Apples, carrots, etc. can occasionally be used as small snacks or nutritional supplements for horses, but it is important to control the amount and not let them dominate.
（2） Absolutely untouchable food
1. Toxic plants: Poisonous celery, mandala, etc. are the "enemies" of horses. Once they are accidentally eaten by horses, the consequences can be unimaginable. Horse owners must keep their horses away from these poisonous plants.
2. Human food: Processed foods such as chocolate and candy are not friendly to horses at all and should not be fed to them.
3. Rotten food: Rotten grass, hay, grains, etc. must not enter the horse's feeding trough. By observing the color, smell, etc., one can determine whether the food has spoiled. If spoiled food is found, it should be discarded immediately.
4. Other taboo foods: onions, garlic, etc. should also not appear in horse recipes.
Unique digestive system
The digestive system of a horse is mainly composed of the stomach, small intestine, and large intestine. Horses have relatively small stomachs, which means they cannot eat a lot at once and slowly digest it like other animals. The small intestine is a crucial part for nutrient absorption, where proteins, fats, carbohydrates, and other nutrients are absorbed by the horse's body. The large intestine is responsible for further fermentation and digestion of fibrous foods, and is home to a large number of beneficial microorganisms that act as assistants, breaking down fiber into nutrients that horses can use. As a fermented animal in the hindgut, horses need to frequently consume fibrous foods and have a relatively slow digestion rate, which requires horse owners to take more careful care of their diet.
The Importance of Water and Daily Feeding Arrangements
（1） The water of life cannot be lacking. For Malays, it is as important as air to us. It participates in various physiological processes within the horse's body, such as digestion, metabolism, and temperature regulation. So it is essential to ensure that horses have sufficient and clean drinking water. Regularly change the water and clean the sink, so that the horse can drink clean water at any time.
（2） A reasonable feeding rhythm is suitable for horses to eat small meals multiple times. Generally speaking, feeding can be done two to three times a day. If the horse is kept in the stable, it is even more important to pay attention to regular feeding. The amount of each meal should be determined based on the weight, age, activity level, and health status of the horse. The horse should not be excessively hungry or full, in order to ensure the health of its digestive system.
Dietary adjustments for special circumstances
1. Old horse: An old horse is like an elder who needs special care. Digestive system function may decline, and teeth may also have problems. At this point, it is necessary to provide easily digestible food, increase the amount of hay and a small amount of grains, while not forgetting to supplement vitamins and minerals.
2. Pregnant mare: Pregnant mares bear the responsibility of nurturing new life and require more nutrition. Provide foods rich in protein, fiber, and minerals, but also pay attention to controlling the amount and avoiding excessive obesity. 3. Sports horses: 3. Sports horses are full of vitality and have high energy requirements. It can increase the proportion of grains and high-quality hay, while supplementing electrolytes and vitamins, allowing horses to quickly recover their strength after exercise.
The wisdom of feeding amount and the use of food additives
（1） Accurately adjusting the feeding amount based on the horse's weight, exercise level, and health condition is a discipline. Horses with high levels of work or exercise naturally require more food, while horses with low levels of rest or exercise require less food. Always pay attention to the physical condition of the horse. If the horse's weight increases or decreases, or if the amount of exercise changes, adjust the feeding amount in a timely manner.
（2） Proper use of food additives can become a nutritional aid for horses in certain situations. For example, supplements such as vitamins, minerals, and probiotics can meet the special nutritional needs of horses. But it is important to choose appropriate supplements and strictly follow the instructions to avoid the risks and side effects of excessive use.
Allergy issues and coping strategies
Some Marco can be allergic to specific foods, such as certain grains or additives. Allergic symptoms may include skin itching, diarrhea, difficulty breathing, etc. Once a horse is found to have an allergic reaction, it is important to quickly identify the allergen and take measures to prevent the horse from coming into contact again. You can consult a veterinarian, adjust your diet, and use anti allergic medication if necessary.
Basic nutritional needs
The basic nutritional needs of horses include protein, fiber, and minerals. Protein is an important component of horse body tissues, playing a crucial role in growth, repair, and maintenance of bodily functions. Fiber can promote intestinal peristalsis and ensure the normal functioning of the horse's digestive system. Minerals such as calcium, phosphorus, iron, etc. are also very important for the physiological functions of horses such as bones and blood. 8、 Food safety is crucial
1. Stay away from food contamination: Choose reliable suppliers, pay attention to food storage, handling methods, and expiration dates. When storing hay and grains, keep them dry and ventilated to prevent mold growth.
2. Beware of mold and spoilage: Learn to identify and handle moldy or spoiled food, and not let these foods threaten the health of horses. Once signs of mold, odor, or spoilage are found in the food, discard it immediately.
Common dietary issues and feeding techniques
Common dietary problems
1. Obesity issue: If horses overeat or lack exercise, they may gain weight. At this point, you can adjust your diet by reducing the intake of grains and high calorie foods, increasing the proportion of hay and fiber foods, and increasing the horse's exercise level.
2. Digestive issues: Marco may experience problems such as indigestion and gastrointestinal diseases. Solving digestive problems can provide easily digestible food, increase dietary fiber intake, avoid sudden changes in diet, and pay attention to dietary hygiene and safety.
Feeding tips
1. Feeding equipment: Automatic feeders and traditional feeding troughs each have their own advantages and disadvantages. Automatic feeders can conveniently control feeding amount and time, but require regular maintenance and cleaning. Traditional feeding troughs are simple and practical, but require manual addition of food.
2. Feeders and drinking bowls: Choose feeders and drinking bowls of appropriate size and material to allow the horse to comfortably eat and drink. At the same time, keep the feeding trough clean to avoid food residue and bacterial growth.
In short, understanding the foods that horses can and cannot eat, mastering the characteristics of their digestive system and feeding methods, and paying attention to food safety are crucial for maintaining the health of horses. Horse owners should closely monitor their horses' diet, choose appropriate foods, avoid feeding taboo foods, and regularly consult with veterinarians to ensure that their horses receive proper nutrition and care.
