Today, we are focusing on how much a horse should eat.Horses should not eat continuously, but determining the right amount of food and finding the right balance between enough and too much can be complicated, particularly for horses with insulin resistance or metabolic issues.Metabolic and Insulin-Resistant HorsesFeeding horses with metabolic issues and insulin-resistance the correct amount can often be the missing piece once their exercise and nutrition are optimized. Some horses can self-regulate easily, while others need careful management to avoid overeating.Feeding the Right Amount of HayA widely accepted guideline is to feed horses between 1.5% and 3% of their body weight in hay per day. That is not a hard and fast rule, however, as hard keepers and some thoroughbreds may require more, while easy keepers and metabolic horses may need less. The key is to adjust the quantity according to the individual needs of each horse.Finding the Right Balance Horses can usually cope with three to four hours without food, but extended gaps should be avoided, especially within a 12-hour window. Feeding them too much can increase weight gain and metabolic issues, while over restricting can slow their metabolic rate, raise their stress levels, compromise their immunity, delay healing, and increase the risk of ulcers. Factors That MatterThe needs of horses vary according to their breed, body condition, health status, and even past experiences with food scarcity or starvation. Herd dynamics can also influence intake, as dominant horses often consume more than their share, leaving others with less. Noticing which horse controls access to the hay and how it interacts with its herd mates can reveal any hidden imbalances in feeding.Managing Intake Slowing their eating tends to be more effective than feeding horses less. Using small-hole slow-feed nets, providing smaller portions often, and placing hay in different locations can help owners control their food intake. Owners should also encourage their horses to move by using track systems, ponying them, or taking short walks, as that supports their metabolism, increases satiety, and reduces the urge to graze constantly. The increased muscle mass will also increase the metabolic rate of a horse, helping to manage its weight more effectively.Special Considerations Horses with insulin resistance or other metabolic issues tend to become hungry more often, as blood sugar fluctuations affect their satiety hormones. Owners should provide those horses with a low-glycemic forage and high-quality nutrition. They should also ensure they exercise regularly, using track systems, ponying them, or taking short walks to support their metabolism, increase satiety, and reduce the urge to graze constantly. As their nutrition improves, those horses may even naturally reduce their eating to play and interact with other horses.Practical Feeding AdjustmentsWhen horses have free access to food, it can be challenging to know exactly how much they eat, so observing their behavior is often the best way to gauge their intake. It is also essential to consider pasture consumption, especially when the grass is abundant, to prevent calorie overload. Proper storage and presentation of hay will reduce waste, which sometimes means holding off on topping up until the horse has finished eating.Planning Strategically Horses train their humans to feed them on cue, so when owners become strategic about their feeding times, it helps to maintain a healthy balance between satisfaction and overfeeding.Links and resources:Connect with Elisha Edwards on her
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