The Canadian Horse, like all equids, primarily consumes a diet rich in forage, supplemented with essential minerals and vitamins to ensure optimal health and performance. Their nutritional needs are typically met through a combination of good quality hay, free-choice salt, and a balanced mineral supplement.
Core Dietary Components
The cornerstone of a Canadian Horse's diet is forage, predominantly hay. This provides the necessary fiber for digestive health and a significant portion of their energy. To ensure all nutritional requirements are met, especially considering varying hay quality and individual horse needs, supplements are crucial.
A typical daily diet for a Canadian Horse often includes:
- Mid-Quality Hay: Provided free-choice, meaning the horse has constant access to it throughout the day. Hay with approximately 8% crude protein is considered suitable for maintaining their health.
- Salt: Essential for electrolyte balance and various bodily functions. This is typically offered at a rate of about 30 grams (or 2 tablespoons) per day.
- Balanced Mineral/Vitamin Pellets: These supplements are critical to fill any nutritional gaps left by hay alone. For instance, specific formulations provide a concentrated source of vitamins, trace minerals, and amino acids. A common daily amount might be around 200 grams (or 2 scoops) of such pellets.
Here's a breakdown of a sample daily feeding guide:
| Feed | Amount Per Day |
|---|---|
| Mid-Quality Hay | Free-choice |
| Salt | 30 g (2 tbsps) |
| Omneity® Pellets | 200 g (2 scoops) |
Nutritional Considerations for Canadian Horses
Beyond these core components, several factors influence a Canadian Horse's specific dietary needs:
- Forage Quality: The nutritional content of hay can vary significantly based on grass type, harvesting methods, and storage. Regular hay testing can help determine if additional supplementation is needed.
- Individual Needs: Factors such as age, activity level, reproductive status, and overall health dictate caloric and nutrient requirements. For example, a working horse will need more energy than a retired pasture companion.
- Water Access: Constant access to fresh, clean water is paramount for all horses, supporting digestion, nutrient absorption, and overall hydration.
- Balanced Supplementation: While hay provides bulk, it often lacks sufficient levels of critical trace minerals like copper, zinc, and selenium, as well as certain vitamins. High-quality supplements are designed to bridge these gaps.
Providing a diet centered on abundant forage, supplemented with the necessary minerals and vitamins, helps ensure the Canadian Horse remains healthy, energetic, and maintains its robust conformation.
