Pasze objętościowe
Forage is the foundation of feeding every horse. It supplies the fibre that is essential for the gut to work properly and for a healthy microflora in the digestive tract. This group includes, above all, hay, haylage, fresh pasture, lucerne and unmolassed sugar beet pulp. What they have in common is a high fibre content and a lower energy concentration than concentrates.
As a herbivore, the horse is adapted to taking in small amounts of food for most of the day. That is why constant access to good-quality hay is crucial for its health. Enough fibre supports gut motility, reduces the risk of colic and gastric ulcers, and also steadies the energy level. Chewing itself has a calming effect and reduces the risk of stereotypical behaviour. Even the best concentrate will not make up for shortfalls that come from poor-quality forage, so forage quality should always be the priority.
Pasze treściwe
Concentrates are a concentrated source of energy and nutrients in a smaller volume. They are used when forage alone does not meet the horse’s requirements, for example in sport horses, growing horses or in-foal mares. This group includes oats, barley, maize, cereal mixes and ready-made feeds in the form of muesli or pellets.
Their job is to supply readily available energy, a greater amount of protein and properly balanced vitamins and minerals. In modern mixes, starch is increasingly limited in favour of fibrous ingredients and added fat, which allows energy to be released more steadily. This is particularly important in horses that are excitable or tend towards metabolic problems. Too much concentrate, especially if it is rich in starch, can lead to digestive upset, excessive excitability and, in extreme cases, even laminitis. That is why the amount should always be matched to the level of work.
To sum up, a correct diet for a horse should be based above all on good-quality forage. That is what builds the foundation of a properly working digestive tract and provides a stable source of energy. Concentrates are a valuable addition, but they should be used consciously and in amounts matched to the individual horse. The right proportions between fibre and concentrated energy are the key to your horse’s health!