Arabian Horse Nutrition: Feeding Essentials for Stable Managers

The Arabian horse is one of the oldest breeds in the world, and caring for it is part of Gulf heritage and identity. With private stables and equestrian centres spreading, correct feeding management has become one of the most important skills for owners and trainers. This article brings the basic rules together with practical numbers.

Why is feeding a horse different?

A horse’s digestive system is built to eat small amounts of forage throughout the day. Its stomach is relatively small, and much of digestion happens in the large intestine through microbial fermentation. Common feeding mistakes, such as large grain meals or sudden diet changes, can therefore cause serious digestive problems such as colic.

Rule one: forage first

Forage, such as grass hay and alfalfa, is the foundation of the diet. University of Minnesota Extension guidance recommends that a mature horse eat at least 1% of its body weight in forage daily, and ideally 1.5 to 2.5%. About 2.5% is close to the most a horse will eat voluntarily.

Quality matters as much as quantity. Dusty or mouldy hay can cause respiratory and digestive problems, and storing it in a dry, shaded place is important in the hot Gulf climate.

Rule two: unlimited water

Water is the most important nutrient and must always be clean and available. A horse of about 450 kg usually drinks 38 to 45 litres a day, rising to between 45 and 60 litres with work in the heat. A sweating horse can lose 7 to 15 litres of fluid per hour.

In a Gulf summer in particular:

• Clean water troughs at least weekly.
• Keep water from heating up in the sun; horses drink less when water is hot.
• Watch for signs of dehydration after training and transport.

Rule three: grain in measured amounts

Grain is a concentrated energy source needed by horses in hard work or those whose forage is not enough. But too much in one meal exceeds what the stomach and small intestine can handle, so undigested starch reaches the large intestine and upsets its balance.

The practical rule is to keep grain to 0.3 to 0.4% of body weight per meal. If the horse needs more, split it into more meals. Fat can partly replace grain as an energy source, but total dietary fat should not exceed 20%.

Rule four: salt and minerals

Salt should always be available so the horse can take what it needs. The calcium-to-phosphorus balance matters for bone health: the minimum ratio is 1:1 and the ideal is 2:1. This depends on the feed; alfalfa is rich in calcium compared with grain.

Rule five: change gradually

Any change in feed type or source should be gradual. The recommended method is to replace 20 to 25% of the diet every other day, completing the change over a week or more.

How do you measure feeding success?

Use the scale and your eyes. Body condition scoring on a 1 to 9 scale is a simple tool used by breeders and veterinarians, and the ideal range for most horses is 4 to 6. Score monthly and adjust the diet based on the score and the horse’s workload.

Conclusion

Feeding the Arabian horse rests on five rules: good forage first, unlimited water, measured grain, balanced salt and minerals, and gradual changes. With these rules in place, the veterinarian remains the reference for every special case.