You want to feed your horse a species-appropriate diet and are wondering what really counts. In our daily consultation and therapeutic work, we encounter many horses with a wide range of complaints, from digestive problems and metabolic disorders to reduced performance or chronic restlessness. Experience shows time and again that inappropriate feeding often plays a central role.

Horses are not machines that "work" with standardized feed quantities. Each animal has its own history, metabolism and individual needs. A species-appropriate diet is therefore not based on trends or blanket recommendations, but on the horse's natural requirements.

What does species-appropriate nutrition mean for horses?

Species-appropriate nutrition is based on the horse's original way of life and evolutionary history. As a steppe and flight animal, the horse is designed to consume small portions of raw fiber-rich food over many hours. Grass, herbs and plants rich in structure form the basis, not energy-rich concentrates or highly processed mixtures.

Species-appropriate feeding takes into account

• the natural digestion of the horse's stomach and digestive system

• the need for crude fiber, minerals and trace elements

• the individual state of health

• age, use, origin and living conditions

The aim is to relieve the organism and at the same time provide optimal care.

The basis: good quality roughage

Roughage is the foundation of all horse nutrition. High-quality hay and straw (low in dust), rich in structure and free from mold, should form the main component of the daily ration. It supports intestinal health, promotes balanced behavior and ensures stable digestion.

The quantity plays just as important a role as the quality. Horses need at least 1.5 to 2 kilograms of hay per 100 kilograms of body weight per day. Too little roughage can lead to stress, gastric acid-related stomach ulcers and metabolic problems. Too much or unsuitable hay, on the other hand, can promote obesity or incorrect fermentation. Here too, the right balance is crucial.

Concentrated feed - useful or overrated?

Concentrated feed is an integral part of the feed plan in many stables. In practice, however, many horses are given more energy than they actually need. This can put a strain on the metabolism and lead to illness in the long term.

Not every horse needs concentrated feed. Whether and in what form it makes sense depends largely on the horse's use, training status, energy requirements and individual constitution. In many cases, deficits can be compensated for more specifically and gently with high-quality minerals or natural supplements.

Targeted use of minerals and trace elements

A balanced supply of minerals is essential for health, performance and well-being. Deficiencies or imbalances often manifest themselves gradually, for example through a dull coat, brittle hooves, tension or a weakened immune system.

Instead of blanket supplements, we recommend an individual approach. A feed consultation or the evaluation of a hair analysis can identify deficits and compensate for them in a targeted manner. This way, your horse gets exactly what it needs, no more and no less.

Recognize and consider individual needs

A young horse has different requirements than a senior horse. A leisure horse has different needs to a sport horse. And a horse with previous illnesses needs different support than a healthy animal with no previous history.

Species-appropriate nutrition therefore always means individuality. Factors such as:

• Age

• breed

• posture

• Stress and exercise

• Origin and medical history

should be included in the diet. Only in this way can the diet have a truly supportive effect and not be unintentionally burdensome.

Natural support instead of masking symptoms

Many complaints cannot be "fed away", but can be positively supported by a suitable diet. Natural supplements can gently support the body without overburdening it. It is important to look at the cause and not just compensate for symptoms.

In our work, we attach great importance to taking a holistic view of the horse. Nutrition is a central component that is often underestimated - but it can make a decisive contribution to stabilization and maintaining health.

Conclusion: species-appropriate means needs-based

Species-appropriate nutrition is not a rigid concept, but a dynamic process. It develops with the horse, its living conditions and its state of health. If you are prepared to take a close look and make individual adjustments, you will create an important basis for a healthy, balanced horse's life.

Do you have questions about species-appropriate horse nutrition or would you like to have an individual feed plan drawn up? Would you like to know whether your horse is getting the best possible care? We will be happy to help you.

Frequently asked questions

What is species-appropriate nutrition for horses?

Species-appropriate nutrition for horses is based on the horse's natural way of life as a steppe animal. It involves feeding small portions of raw fiber-rich food throughout the day, mainly from grass, herbs and structure-rich roughage such as hay and straw. The aim is to relieve the digestive system and provide the organism with optimal nutrition.

Why is roughage so important for horses?

Roughage forms the basis of a healthy horse diet. It supports intestinal health, promotes the natural need to chew and ensures stable digestion. Horses need at least 1.5 to 2 kilograms of hay per 100 kilograms of body weight every day to avoid stomach ulcers and metabolic problems.

When is concentrated feed useful and when should it be avoided?

Concentrated feed is particularly useful for horses with higher energy requirements, such as sport horses. However, many horses often receive more energy than necessary, which can put a strain on their metabolism. The decision to feed concentrates should be made on an individual basis, depending on the horse's use, training status and state of health.

How important are minerals and trace elements in horse feed?

Minerals and trace elements are essential for a horse's health, performance and well-being. Deficiency symptoms can show up gradually and should be compensated for through individual advice or analysis in order to avoid oversupply or undersupply.

How can I adapt the feed to my horse's individual needs?

Feeding should always be tailored to the horse's age, breed, husbandry, workload, origin and state of health. An individualized approach makes it possible to adapt the feed plan optimally and thus support the horse's health and performance in the best possible way.