Horse feeds has come a long way to get to where we are today. From back when horses grazed on common land, heaths and forests to the extensive range of feeds that are available to us now, the market has expanded to offer specialised diet options and fortified feed to help horses get the nutrition they need to flourish. Just as we feel best when we eat healthily, ensuring you choose the best modern diet for your horse will keep them in great shape at every stage of their life.
Horse Feed over the Decades
As far back as the 19th century, horses were fed off a simple diet of grains, such as oats, and boiled and steamed vegetables including potatoes, turnips and carrots depending on what was available locally.
As we reached the 1900s, oats, maize, barley and linseed were commonly used as horse feed. Oats were a particularly popular choice and a staple part of horses’ diets but as time went on, corn began to make an appearance as a popular feed and the use of soy grew as a main protein source.
During the 1930s, the first cod liver oil was produced for horses and is still used by many horse owners nowadays as a source of omega 3 essential fatty acids which produce a glossy, healthy coat.
Fast-forward to the 50s and we see the first launch of pony nuts. These contain a blend of cereal grain and cereal by-products from the milling industry that are relatively high fibre and low starch compared to the grain itself. In more recent years, pony nuts are often fortified with vitamins and minerals to provide a balanced diet in one horse feed.
The 1970s saw the introduction of chopped fibre feeds. Bringing a whole multitude of benefits, fibre feeds are still popular to this day due to their hydrating factors and benefits to the digestive system whilst satisfying the horses need to chew.
Throughout the 80s and 90s, the horse feed market continued to grow and saw the introduction of more advanced product offerings. With carefully designed feed fortified with vitamins, minerals and protein becoming available, options arose for horses needing a little extra support. The special requirements of younger and older horses were catered for and the needs of horses in training or travelling regularly saw the introduction of products like electrolytes – the salts lost in sweat. As research increased on the best ways to feed horses, the design of feeds and supplements became more specialised.
Horse Feed in the Present Day
Over more recent years, the advanced technology and extensive research available has allowed the horse feed market to grow hugely. With horse feed available for all kinds of medical concerns, age groups and to suit lifestyles of all kinds, the options for horse owners are extensive.
We are spoilt for choice when it comes to the amount of advanced horse feed available to us on the market. With many equine professionals having formulated products to bring a multitude of benefits to our horse’s lifestyle, tailored nutrition plans can be formed and developed to meet the individual requirements of your horse. This can make it hard to choose the right feed for your horse which is why you should contact an equine nutritionist for help and guidance.