Simple feed for horses

 Simple feeds are components of the horse’s diet that are sold separately and then added to the main diet. 

Grain for the horse

Most often, a horse receives grain from simple feeds. The most popular grain for feeding horses is oats. This is a kind of “fuel” for the horse. Sometimes barley and corn are added to the diet – as a rule, to improve the condition of the horse. The main nutrient that horses get from cereals is starch. Oats have long been considered the main source of energy for the horse. This is the reason for its popularity today. Also, the popularity of oats is associated with its relative safety – when compared with other types of grain, it contains the minimum amount of starch and the maximum amount of fiber. Barley and corn are most often given to horses in the form of crushed grain or flakes. So the starch contained in them is easier to digest. 

Starch content in grains for horses

Bran for the horse

The bran is the outer shell of the wheat grain. As a rule, bran “participates” in the preparation of porridge for horses and is popular due to its high fiber content and low starch content. They are generally safe for the horse and inexpensive, besides, horses love them very much, so often top dressings are mixed into bran porridge, which otherwise the horse would not eat too willingly. In addition, bran is often given to weak and sick horses. But keep in mind that bran contains a lot of phosphorus, which must be balanced by the addition of calcium. Bran is not a very valuable product. They contain low quality protein, few minerals and vitamins. 

How to cook horse bran porridge

1. A handful of salt is added to 1 kg of bran.
2. Bran is poured with boiling water. Water should be completely absorbed, but at the same time, the porridge should remain not viscous, but crumbly.
3. Mix the porridge well and cover with a lid.
4. After the porridge has cooled slightly (after about 20 minutes) and becomes slightly warm, it can be given to the horse.

Sugar beet pulp for horses

Sugar beet pulp can be a delicious addition to a horse’s basic diet. Sugar beet pulp is a by-product of sugar production. It contains a large amount of soluble fiber (about 13%). And in terms of energy concentration, sugar beet pulp is not inferior to oats. In addition, it contains a large amount of calcium. Horses are very fond of sugar beet pulp – it tastes like spring grass. Note that dry sugar beet pulp absorbs 2 times more water than it weighs itself. Therefore, many people prefer to soak this product several hours before giving it to a horse. Sugar beet pulp is sometimes given to horses with low performance, as the fiber and sugar it contains are excellent energy providers. In summer, the soaked pulp begins to ferment, so it must be fed during the day. 

Flaxseed for the horse

Flaxseed contains quite a lot of protein and fat, so it is often used to improve the horse’s condition. In addition, linseed oil improves the quality of the horse’s coat, giving it a shine. Before giving the horse linseed, it is boiled to the consistency of a very thick soup.

How to boil flaxseed for a horse

1. 500 – 700 g of flaxseed is soaked overnight, then brewed with boiling water and left for 10 – 20 minutes. This will destroy the poisonous hydrocyanic acid.
2. Boil the broth over low heat until a gelatinous mass forms.
3. The resulting “jelly” can be mixed with bran porridge.

Nutritional value of simple horse feeds