Did you know that a horse's dietary needs change with the seasons? If you've been feeding your horse the same-old same-old through spring, summer, fall, and winter, you could put them at risk of colic, weight issues, and nutritional deficiencies. Here's how to adjust your horse's diet for seasonal changes so they can stay healthy and happy.

Spring diet adjustments

As the weather warms, pastures fill with lush, new grass. While this grass is tasty, it's also high in sugars. A slow transition from winter hay to fresh pasture helps prevent digestive upset. You can limit your horse's pasture time at first, then gradually increase it over a couple of weeks. This allows their digestive system to adapt.

Summer diet adjustments

Summer heat can be tough on horses. Access to fresh, clean water is absolutely necessary. You should also provide a salt block, which helps replenish electrolytes they lose through sweat.

And does your horse work hard in the summer? This can include activities like intense training, frequent competitions, or long trail rides. If yes, you'll also want to provide them with extra calories in the form of high-quality forage or specialized feeds. In summer, they can burn through energy reserves quickly, so if you want them to perform at their best, you’ll need to keep them well-fed.

Fall diet adjustments

As grasses start to fade, your horse's diet will need another adjustment. Slowly reintroduce hay to prepare them for the winter months. A gradual change helps their digestive system get used to the shift back to a forage-based diet. You can start by offering hay before they go out to the pasture.

Winter diet adjustments

To maintain proper equine nutrition in winter, you'll want to feed your horse a high-quality forage to keep them warm and maintain their weight. A horse's body uses more energy to stay warm when it's cold. Extra hay provides the necessary calories and helps with internal heat production through digestion. Also, check that their water source doesn't freeze over.

A hearty, healthy diet year-round

Just like how humans eat warmer, heartier meals in winter and lighter foods in summer, horses need their diet adjusted for seasonal changes, too! By feeding them a diet appropriate for each season, you can prevent issues like digestive problems and keep them feeling their best.