What Horses Eat 🌾
Horses are herbivores, which means they only eat plants! Let's learn about their favorite foods and how to keep them healthy and happy.
Amazing Fact!
A horse's stomach is surprisingly small - only about the size of a football! That's why they need to eat small amounts throughout the day instead of big meals.
Main Foods Horses Eat Every Day
Hay
Dried grass that horses love! It's their main food and keeps their tummies happy.
Daily Amount: 15-20 pounds per day
Benefits:
- ✓Provides fiber
- ✓Keeps digestive system healthy
- ✓Satisfies chewing needs
Types:
Grass
Fresh grass from pastures is a horse's favorite natural food!
Daily Amount: Can graze 17+ hours a day
Benefits:
- ✓Natural vitamins
- ✓Fresh and tasty
- ✓Good exercise while grazing
Types:
Grains
Energy food for active horses - like cereal for humans!
Daily Amount: 2-10 pounds per day (depending on activity)
Benefits:
- ✓Extra energy
- ✓Helps working horses
- ✓Good for weight gain
Types:
Fresh Water
The most important thing! Horses need lots of clean, fresh water every day.
Daily Amount: 5-10 gallons per day
Benefits:
- ✓Stays hydrated
- ✓Helps digestion
- ✓Regulates body temperature
Types:
Special Treats Horses Love! 🎉
Just like you enjoy special treats, horses love them too! But remember - treats should only be given in small amounts.
Apples
Cut into pieces to prevent choking
Carrots
Horses love these crunchy treats!
Peppermints
Many horses love the minty taste
Watermelon
A refreshing summer treat
Bananas
Some horses even eat the peel!
Sugar cubes
Only occasionally - too much sugar isn't good
⚠️ Never Feed These to Horses!
Some foods that are safe for humans can be very dangerous for horses. Always check before giving new foods!
Chocolate
Toxic to horses - can make them very sick
Avocado
All parts are poisonous to horses
Tomatoes
Part of the nightshade family - toxic!
Potatoes
Can cause colic and other problems
Bread
Can cause blockages in their digestive system
Meat
Horses are herbivores - they only eat plants!
A Horse's Daily Eating Schedule 🕐
Morning (6-8 AM)
First hay feeding and fresh water check
Mid-Morning (10 AM)
Grazing time in the pasture
Afternoon (2-3 PM)
Second hay feeding, grain for working horses
Evening (6-7 PM)
Final hay feeding for the night
Top Tips for Feeding Horses 📝
✅ Do's
- •Always provide fresh, clean water
- •Feed little and often throughout the day
- •Make diet changes slowly over 7-10 days
- •Check hay for mold before feeding
❌ Don'ts
- •Never feed moldy or dusty hay
- •Don't make sudden diet changes
- •Avoid feeding right before exercise
- •Don't overfeed grains or treats