Horses evolved as trickle feeders and are designed to be constantly eating small amounts of high-fibre forage (grass or hay) over a 24 hour period, in order to properly maintain their blood sugar and insulin levels, and maximize nutrient absorption. Feeding and management practices should reflect this evolution and encourage the horse to eat less, but more frequently and move continually in the search of food.

A crucial part of the digestion process begins with the chewing action of the teeth which activates saliva production. In order to efficiently utilize the nutrients available in their forage, horses need to spend time chewing their hay/grass. This creates a powerful enzyme called amylase, which is essential to the pre-digestion of carbohydrates and starches. I strongly encourage you to do some research on equine “slow feeders” and come up with ways to extend your horses’ chew time. It may very well allow your horse to better absorb the nutrients available in its forage, and save you money on expensive supplements!

For optimum health, horses should be eating with their heads at ground level. In this correct anatomical angle, the horse’s teeth and jaw are properly aligned to:

• efficiently masticate and lubricate food before swallowing
• wear the teeth at a natural angle
• help avoid choke by keeping the esophagus at the proper angle
• allow for continual drainage of the nasal passages

This head down grazing position also allows for the stay apparatus (a locking system of ligaments, joints and such) to keep the horse upright without requiring much muscle tension - an important evolutionary energy saving strategy for a species that spends the majority of it’s time on its feet!

Don’t forget that horses also require free-choice access to salt and often may also need some sort of mineral supplementation, if the quality of hay provided is not adequate in proper vitamin/mineral levels or ratios. There are many ways to assist your horse in obtaining as much nutrients from its food as possible. Aside from offering a safe array of forage variety in the form of hay or grass, adding further alternative sources of nutrients in the from of herbs, fresh vegetables, fruit tree branches, etc. can provide an excellent way for horses to obtain additional vitamins from a variety of sources. Common sense and research must prevail of course: while horses on a healthy diet will generally choose what they need and avoid what is not good for them, ensure that your offerings are not coming from a known list of toxic plants! Do your research, or call us for assistance.