Why Your Horse Shouldn't Have a Forage Only Diet

Welcome to Steve's Horse Show! In this episode, we'll be discussing the pros and cons of forage-only diets for horses, and why it may or may not be suitable for your horse's nutritional needs.
If you're a horse owner or interested in equine nutrition, this episode is a must-watch. We'll explore the benefits of forage-only diets, which are great for maintaining horses at maintenance levels or those with limited exercise requirements. Forage, such as hay or pasture, is an important source of fiber, and horses are natural grazers that thrive on a diet rich in forage.
However, for performance horses with higher energy demands, a forage-only diet may not provide enough calories and nutrients to support their athletic endeavors. Performance horses, such as those used for racing, eventing, or show jumping, require additional energy from sources like grains, fats, and proteins to fuel their performance, build and maintain muscle, and support overall health and stamina.
We'll discuss insights into the challenges and considerations of forage-only diets for performance horses. We'll also discuss the potential risks of relying solely on forage, such as inadequate calorie intake, decreased performance, and potential health issues.
As a responsible horse owner, it's essential to understand the unique nutritional requirements of your horse and provide a well-balanced diet tailored to their specific needs. Join us on Steve's Horse Show as we dive into this important topic and learn about the pros and cons of forage-only diets for horses.