{"id":36534,"date":"2022-03-09T13:41:16","date_gmt":"2022-03-09T18:41:16","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/yourhorsefarm.flywheelsites.com\/?p=36534"},"modified":"2023-03-02T15:45:58","modified_gmt":"2023-03-02T20:45:58","slug":"natural-protein-sources-for-horses","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/yourhorsefarm.com\/natural-protein-sources-for-horses\/","title":{"rendered":"Natural Protein Sources for Horses"},"content":{"rendered":"

Protein is an important component in the diet of all horses, helping to build healthy skeletal muscles, internal organs, bones, skin, hair, hooves, and more. But how do you know if your horse is getting enough protein? And what is the best way to supplement it, if needed?\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

To begin, it\u2019s important to know your horse\u2019s needs by weight, life stage, and level of work. For example, a mature 1,100 lb. horse at maintenance, in early pregnancy, or doing light work requires about 1.4 lbs (0.6 kg) of protein a day. However, a mature horse of the same weight in moderate to heavy work needs about 2 15 lb. of protein a day. You can determine your horse\u2019s protein needs by using the <\/span>NRC\u2019s website on nutrient requirements for horses<\/span><\/a>.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The good news is that many horses already get plenty of protein from grass or hay. For example, if hay provides 40 grams of protein per pound (an average amount for grass hay) and you\u2019re feeding 2% of your horse\u2019s body weight per day, then he is getting 800 grams of protein from hay alone, which would be more than enough for that 1,100 lb horse at maintenance.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

However, with lower quality hay, lack of good pasture, or if your horse is in hard work, the protein content may not meet your horse\u2019s needs. In cases such as these, protein will need to be supplemented.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Likewise, growing horses, pregnant\/lactating mares, and horses recovering from an illness or injury will also have higher protein requirements that grass hay alone may not cover. Of course, you can buy commercial feeds that are high in protein, but they can be expensive and they may also be high in unwanted starch.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Fortunately, there are some natural protein sources\u00a0that you can opt for as well. Here are a few:<\/span><\/p>\n