Stables need to keep plenty supplies of horse feed. However, the type of feed used and the portions horses require are governed by the weight of the horse.

Stables need to keep plenty supplies of horse feed. However, the type of feed used and the portions horses require are governed by the weight of the horse. Its bodyweight determines the amount of food the animal has. Horses, like people, require particular diets designed to suit them. The animal’s weight and fat score is taken into account, as well as its workload, temperament and age. Animal feed companies aim to help owners feed their horses as healthily and naturally as possible and some even tailor their feed to help with specific feeding or health problems the horse might have. Animal feed companies are required to meet national standards and therefore many aim to surpass those and be vigilant of their impact on the environment. Indeed having a reputation for being a good seller of nutritional, ethically sourced animal feed is beneficial to all concerned.

Equine diatary needs and the horse’s biology are important to take into account. Horses only have one stomach, like humans. Nevertheless, unlike humans, their bodies also have to digest plant fiber, mostly the chemical cellulose that we can’t digest, that comes from hay and grass. So therefore, fermentation inside the horses stomach and digestive system in order to break down and digest the cellulose. Similar to grazing cattle, when left out at pasture, horses prefer to eat very small amounts of food steadily throughout the day. However, this is not always practical what with humans taking care of horses in stables, and horses tend to be fed more concentrated amounts about twice a day.