Horse Nutrition Basics for Arabian Breeds
What your Arabian horse eats directly impacts its health and performance. A simplified guide to understanding its nutritional needs.
The Arabian Horse and Its Dietary Nature
The Arabian horse is an herbivore that evolved in a harsh desert environment, developing the ability to thrive on moderate but high-quality, nutrient-dense feed. This background makes it more sensitive than some other breeds to feed quality.
Core Components of a Horse's Diet
1. Roughage
Roughage — hay, straw, and fresh pasture — should form 1.5 to 2.5% of the horse's body weight daily. It is essential for digestive health and preventing colic and gastric ulcers.
2. Concentrate Feed
Given to active horses to replenish expended energy. Includes barley, oats, and bran. Do not overfeed — excess concentrate causes hoof and metabolic problems.
3. Nutritional Supplements
In certain conditions a horse may need:
- Salt: Always essential; provide a free-choice salt block
- Calcium and phosphorus: Essential for bone health
- Vitamin E and selenium: For muscle health
Ideal Daily Feeding Schedule
- Morning: Roughage (hay) + fresh water
- Midday: Pasture or additional roughage
- Two hours before training: Small portion of concentrate
- Evening: Generous roughage ration
Avoid Common Mistakes
- Never change feed type suddenly — any transition must be gradual over 7–10 days
- Do not give large amounts of grain in a single feeding
- Do not withhold water before exercise except for a very brief period immediately before departure