Random Nutrition Question About Horses?

[gallop]

Proteins are formed from amino acids. Many of the amino acids are chemically formed (synthesized) within the horse's body, but some are called essential amino acids because they have to be obtained through food that is ingested. Horses differ from humans in some regards, but the basic amino acids that combine to form the protein structures of the body such as muscle are found in plant and animal sources. Legumes like soybeans contain the amino acids that are essential in human diets (we can't synthesize them) and that we get from animal meats, so it is important for vegetarians to include plant sources like legumes in their diets, since other plants don't contain these essential amino acids.
So, yes, plants contain proteins (amino acids) and horses are designed to utilize the amino acids supplied in the forages they eat, and they don't require animal proteins in their diets.

Add......here is some information on protein needs in horses that is from a well respected veterinary sight, so the information in it is accurate. As you'll see, many forages are poor sources of important limiting amino acids like lysine and methionine, so it pays to have some knowledge on this when designing your horse's feeding program.

http://www.thehorse.com/ViewArticle.aspx?ID=9707

 

[CeriEngland]

Yes, horses get nutritons from hay/grass/grain etc. NEVER give horses meat, it can make them seriously ill. If you go to farming stores, I'm sure they sell plenty of horse food. I'll tell you what I feed my horses. In the Summer and Spring they just graze out in the field. In winter && autumn Every three horses get two haynets at night and one in the day, and some of them (especially the thin breds like thoroughbreds and arabs) they get food in the morning and evening (cool mix, sugabeat & Alpha A) You may want to talk to someone or do some reasearch. It certainly helped me.

Goodluck!

 

[Katie]

I don't have horses so I don't know. Even though the whole reason I'm in school is so that I can one day own horses. Us humans need animal meat or some other protein source to gain muscle. Horses are herbivores so they don't get protein right? Let's assume they are wild and not domesticated horses because some people feed their horses other than pasture/hay/grain. How are horses so muscular when all they eat is plant material? Are there protein sources in the plants? I know soybeans are a source of proteins but soybeans don't typically grow in the wild.
OH.

MY.

GOD.

You're just as bad as a California Vally GIrl! Get off your high horse and answer the D-A-M-N Question as it was a legitimate question because I don't own horses therefore I don't know! Don't pretend this to be a stupid question when you may very well own horses, know all about nutrition requirements, physiology, and so on. People like you are annoying as heII because you think everyone should know everything you do! Get over your snooty A$$ "I know it all" attitude.
Oh, and I don't like to use Google as I don't believe everything I read on the internet. I just asked a simple question out of curiosity and I asked horse owners because I presumed they would know. Obviously you don't, otherwise you would have answered the question instead of acting like a non know it all
And thank you Ceri for a legitimate answer. I know they don't eat meat and never should. I used to work at the horse program at my university but I never thought to ask the question.

 

[FennecFox]

Oh.

My.

God.

This is almost as bad as a radio announcer I heard at one point saying "I guess horses don't need calories because all they eat is hay!".

Google. I suggest you use it.

 

[jaque]

I'm a vegetarian, and I don't eat meat and sometimes soy (Eating Soy is linked to "man boobs" and breast cancer) so not very often. I get my protein from other foods such as vegetables (broccoli and especially spinach) nuts, grains, eggs, etc.

Horses also get their proteins the same way. From leafy greens, and grains. In the wild they eat grass which has enough protein to sustain such large muscular animals. Domesticated usually get grains in addition to grass/ or hay (which also contains protein) which gives them extra amounts of protein to support healthy bone and muscular growth.

I think it's very smart of you to ask this question now, and not wait to get horses and then ask!