The Building Blocks of Feed. How to Create a Balanced Feeding Plan
A well-balanced diet is the foundation for a horse's health, performance and well-being. It's not just about giving the right amount of feed, but about understanding what different feed components contribute and how they interact. But what does a diet actually consist of? And how do you know what's missing?
On this page we go through the basics of a horse's diet – from roughage to complementary feed and feed supplements – and explain the most common active ingredients you'll find in Eclipse Biofarmab's products.
This is what you will learn on the page
How is a feeding plan structured?
A feed ration is the total amount of feed given to the horse during a day. It should cover the horse's needs for:
• Energy
• Protein
• Fiber
• Vitamins
• Minerals
• Water
The feed ration is adapted to the horse's age, weight, work, environment and any needs - and is made up of three parts:
The three parts of the feeding plan
Understanding a horse's nutritional needs starts with understanding how a feed is structured. It mainly consists of three parts - where roughage is always the foundation.
Roughage - the most important building block
The horse is created to eat fiber-rich plant food for most of the day. Roughage is the most important feed. This includes hay, hay silage, silage, pasture, lucerne and straw. It provides fiber, energy and stimulates intestinal movements. A horse should eat at least 1.5 kg of dry matter roughage per 100 kg of body weight - preferably more.
Supplementary feed - when roughage is not enough
Sometimes roughage is not enough to cover all needs - especially in growing horses, hard-working individuals or pregnant mares. Then you may need to supplement with:
• Protein feed (e.g. soy, potato protein)
• Vegetable oils
• Mineral and vitamin feed
• Complete feed (pellets, muesli)
• Feed supplements – functional substances for specific needs
Feed supplements contain functional ingredients that can help support specific functions – for example joints, stomach, immune system or recovery. They are often given in smaller amounts, for shorter periods or for specific conditions.
Energy
Energy is the body's fuel and is needed for everything from movement to digestion, temperature regulation and recovery. The horse's energy needs are influenced by factors such as work level, body condition, age, environment and temperament.
Energy can come from several sources. The most important for the horse is fiber, but energy is also released from starch, sugar and fat.
- Fiber provides long-lasting energy and is broken down by microorganisms in the large intestine.
- Starch and sugar are absorbed in the small intestine and provide quick energy.
- Fat is a concentrated source of energy and is used to increase the energy density of the feed without increasing the starch content.
Energ content of starch and sugar is too high in the feed, and the passage through the small intestine is too fast, they can reach the large intestine and cause an imbalance in the intestinal flora. The energy content of feed is measured in megajoules (MJ), and each horse's needs should be adjusted based on roughage analysis and the individual's conditions.
Protein and amino acids – the body's building blocks
Protein is essential for building and maintaining body tissues – including muscles, enzymes, skin, fur and hooves. But it’s not just the quantity of protein that counts, but also the quality – that is, the balance between different amino acids.
Protein consists of amino acids, some of which are essential and must be supplied daily through feed. Examples of these are lysine and methionine. The amino acid tryptophan is particularly interesting because it is linked to the production of serotonin – a substance that affects calmness and well-being.
The absorption of amino acids can be affected by the horse’s age, the composition of the feed and gastrointestinal function. Older horses often have poorer absorption and may therefore need more readily available protein.
The need for protein varies depending on the individual and the area of use. It is particularly important for:
- Growth
- Pregnancy and lactation
- Muscle development
- Coat shedding
- Intensive work
Protein requirements are often stated as digestible crude protein (g/MJ). A normally performing horse needs an average of about 6 grams of digestible crude protein per MJ of energy.
Fat and fatty acids – concentrated energy
Fat is an important source of energy and contains more than twice as much energy per gram as carbohydrates. It is often used to increase the energy density of the feed - without increasing the amount of starch, which can be beneficial for sensitive horses.
The horse lacks a gallbladder, which means that it can only break down and absorb.
A rule of thumb is not to give more than about 1 dl of oil per feeding.
Fat is used, among other things, when:
- The horse needs more energy without increasing the amount of concentrate feed.
- You want to help a horse gain body condition.
- You want to support coat and skin health, fat often results in a shinier coat.
Fat is made up of fatty acids. The best known are omega-3 and omega-6, which are essential – meaning that the horse cannot produce them itself, but must obtain them through its feed.
Some fatty acids may also have functional properties, for example those linked to skin health, immune function and recovery.
Vitamins – small but vital
Vitamins are a group of nutrients that the horse's body needs in small amounts, but which are crucial for a number of important functions. They affect, among other things, metabolism, fertility, immune system, blood formation and nerve function.
Vitamins are divided into two main groups:
- Fat-soluble vitamins – A, D, E and K
- Water-soluble vitamins – B complex and vitamin C
Fat-soluble vitamins are stored in the horse's body and can accumulate, while water-soluble vitamins are not stored to the same extent and therefore need to be supplied more continuously.
Some vitamins, such as parts of the B vitamin family, are produced naturally by microorganisms in the large intestine. Others, such as vitamins A and E, must be supplied via the feed.
In the event of an imbalance in the digestive tract, stress, illness or a drastic change in feed, the production of certain vitamins can decrease - and the need to supply them increases.
Minerals - Building blocks for the horse’s body functions
Minerals are essential for a wide range of functions in the horse's body. They are needed for, among other things, skeletal structure, nerve signaling, muscle function, fluid balance and metabolism.
They are divided into two main groups:
- Macrominerals – e.g. calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, potassium, sodium and sulphur
- Microminerals (trace elements) – e.g. copper, selenium, iron, zinc, iodine, cobalt, manganese and molybdenum
The balance between different minerals is crucial for proper utilization in the horse’s body. In a feeding plan, both the amount of each mineral and the ratio between them are calculated. One example is the calcium–phosphorus ratio, which should range between 1:2 and 1:8 depending on the horse’s needs and stage of life.It is also important to consider the source of the minerals, as some forms are absorbed better than others. Organic minerals, known as chelated minerals, are bound to an amino acid and may therefore be absorbed more efficiently by the body compared with inorganic forms.
Water – the most important nutrient
Water is absolutely essential for the horse's survival and makes up about 60-70% of its body weight. It is needed for all the body's functions - from digestion and temperature regulation to the transport of nutrients.
A horse at rest should drink at least 25 liters of water per day, while a horse in hard work may need double that - or more. The need is also affected by weather, feed (e.g. hay vs. hay silage), body condition and general condition.
The water offered should last.
Many horses are sensitive to taste and smell, which can affect their willingness to drink - especially during transport or in new environments.
When traveling, it is therefore wise to bring your own water or get your horse used to drinking water with a mild flavor, such as sugar beet pulp water or water with apple cider vinegar.
During cold winter months, the risk of dehydration is especially high, which can increase the risk of constipation-related colic. Many horses drink more if the water is lukewarm or heated, and there are many practical solutions today to keep the water ice-free.
Antioxidants - Protection for the horse’s cells.
Antioxidants are a very large group of substances that protect the body from free radicals – unstable molecules that are formed when oxygen is broken down in the body’s natural processes. Free radicals can damage cells and tissues if they become too numerous.
For example, during stress, hard training, illness or recovery, the formation of free radicals increases, which in turn increases the need for antioxidants. The body can produce some antioxidants itself, but others must be supplied through the diet.
Examples of important antioxidants:
- Vitamin E – protects cell membranes and muscle function
- Vitamin C – water-soluble antioxidant that supports immune function
- Selenium – works in conjunction with vitamin E
- Plant-based substances – such as turmeric and rosehip
A feeding plan that provides sufficient antioxidants is especially important for horses in work, during periods of change, or under increased physical strain.
Active ingredients in supplements
Feed supplements are used to provide targeted support for specific needs – for example, during hard work, recovery, joint strain, stomach problems or stress. Many supplements contain functional ingredients that the horse's body can benefit from during certain periods.
The active ingredients can be found in pure form or as part of combination products. Here are some examples of common ingredients in Eclipse Biofarmab's products:
- MSM – organic sulfur that supports mobility and recovery
- Glucosamine – component of cartilage and synovial fluid
- Chondroitin sulfate – helps maintain the shock-absorbing properties of the joint
- Hyaluronic acid – supports lubrication in the joint
- Psyllium – binds sand and supports intestinal function
- Inulin – prebiotic fiber for a balanced intestinal flora
- Rosehip – natural source of vitamin C and galactolipids
- Turmeric – plant-based antioxidant
Most supplements are given in small amounts and for limited periods, depending on need. It is important to choose supplements with documented content and clear instructions for use.
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