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The primary sources of energy in horse diets are fiber, carbohydrates and fats. How much energy a Thoroughbred will require will depend on their workload and individual metabolism. Dietary energy considerations include: Forage. High-quality forage is the foundation of any horse’s diet.
Racehorses typically consume large amounts of high-energy feeds to support their intense exercise regime. Transitioning to a forage-based diet suitable for your OTTB’s new lifestyle is important, but must be done gradually to avoid weight loss or digestive upset. Many OTTBs retire with injuries or health conditions that may require attention.
Get the knowledge you need to successfully help your off-the-track thoroughbred adjust through proper feeding techniques and a balanced diet
Here's our guide to feeding your thoroughbred for peak performance. Thoroughbred racehorses require an adequate and balanced diet, providing the energy and full range of essential nutrients to meet the high demands imposed by training and racing.
Both stress that forage made up of grass and/or hay should be the foundation for any horse’s diet, but particularly for Thoroughbreds. Horses need to consume a minimum of 1.5-2% of their body weight in forage daily. So, a 1,000-pound horse needs at least 15 pounds of high-quality grass or hay.
Thoroughbreds have a reputation of being difficult and expensive to feed. I regularly see people asking for advice on feeding their thoroughbred and there is so much fantastic advice out there both from thoroughbred owners and feed companies.
The most effective way to meet a horse’s electrolyte needs is by providing a balanced diet of high-quality hay and concentrate that contain all required minerals, ensuring they are fed in amounts that meet the horse’s energy requirements.
The nutritional components that make up a horse’s diet can be grouped into five categories: protein, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins and minerals.
Below we have outlined a thoroughbred feeding guide to assist with managing nutrition related issues. Alfalfa is an effective buffer to acidity in the gut – alfalfa is abundant in calcium and studies have shown it buffers acidity more effectively than grass based forages making it one of the best horse feed options for thoroughbreds.
Horses can digest up to 15% fat in their total diet, but will need time to allow their microflora and physiology to adjust before optimum efficiency of digestion is achieved. Horses with too much fat in their diet may have oily looking stools and may even develop fatty liver (hyperlipaemia), which can produce symptoms quite similar to colic.