Natural and Holistic Approaches to Equine Nutrition

Natural and holistic approaches to equine nutrition have always been around, however in recent years, these feeding practices are gaining tremendous momentum. Many horse owners want to return to feeding principles that honour the horse's evolutionary design while incorporating modern nutritional science. So, instead of feeding processed feeds and supplements, the natural approach incorporates whole foods and herbal remedies to provide the horse with a nutritionally balanced diet. 

Understanding Holistic Equine Nutrition

Holistic equine nutrition views the horse as a complete system where every aspect of health is interconnected. Rather than simply addressing isolated nutritional deficiencies, this approach considers the horse's digestive health, immune function, mental well-being, and overall vitality as part of one integrated whole. The philosophy recognises that optimal nutrition goes beyond meeting basic requirements—it's about providing nutrients in their most bioavailable, natural forms while supporting the body's innate healing mechanisms.

This approach aligns perfectly with the horse's evolutionary biology. Wild horses thrived for millions of years on diverse plant matter, seasonal variations in nutrition, and natural movement patterns. Modern holistic nutrition seeks to recreate these conditions as closely as possible within our domesticated management systems.

The Foundation: Forage-First Philosophy

The cornerstone of any holistic feeding program is high-quality forage. Horses evolved as continuous grazers, with their entire digestive system designed to process fibrous plant material throughout the day. A forage-first approach means that grass and hay should constitute the majority of your horse's diet, typically 1.5 to 3% of their body weight daily.

When selecting forage, consider not just the nutritional analysis but the growing conditions. Hay grown in minerally-rich soils provides superior nutrition compared to conventionally grown alternatives. Many holistic practitioners advocate for having hay tested not just for protein and sugar content, but also for mineral profiles and potential contaminants.

Pasture diversity also plays an important role in natural nutrition. Wild horses had access to dozens, sometimes hundreds, of different plant species, each contributing unique nutrients, phytochemicals, and medicinal properties. While we can't replicate this diversity completely, incorporating herbs and diverse plant species into pastures—or providing them as supplements—can significantly enhance your horse's nutritional profile. For example, many pastures contain kikuyu grass or sub-tropical grasses. Other grasses can also be sown into the pasture to provide more diversity such as clover, rhodes or timothy as well as other fodder crops such as Tagasaste.

Mineral Balance: The Natural Way

Mineral deficiencies are incredibly common in modern horses, often stemming from depleted soils and imbalanced commercial feeds. Holistic nutrition addresses this through natural mineral sources that provide nutrients in their most bioavailable forms.

Sea-based minerals, particularly kelp, have become increasingly popular in holistic circles. These marine plants naturally concentrate minerals from seawater, providing a full spectrum of trace elements in ratios that promote optimal absorption. Unlike isolated mineral supplements, kelp provides minerals alongside natural cofactors that enhance their utilization by the body. However, if feeding kelp, horse owners need to be aware of the amount of iodine being fed to the horse, as iodine toxicity can result. 

Himalayan salt and other natural salt sources offer essential electrolytes without the anti-caking agents and chemical additives found in many commercial salt blocks. Free-choice access to natural salt allows horses to self-regulate their sodium intake according to their individual needs.

Clay-based supplements represent another natural approach to mineral supplementation. Bentonite clay and diatomaceous earth not only provide minerals but also support digestive health by binding toxins and promoting gut integrity.

Many horse owners also provide a mineral block, which contains essential vitamins and minerals. These blocks are fed out to horses, and horses can choose if and when they require the vitamins and minerals. 

Herbal Medicine in Equine Nutrition

Herbs have been used in animal care for thousands of years, and modern research is validating many traditional applications. In holistic equine nutrition, herbs serve both nutritional and therapeutic roles, providing concentrated sources of vitamins, minerals, and bioactive compounds.

Adaptogenic herbs like ashwagandha and rhodiola help horses cope with stress while supporting overall vitality. These plants contain compounds that help regulate the body's stress response systems, potentially benefiting horses in high-stress environments or those prone to anxiety-related behaviors.

Digestive herbs are also important in holistic feeding programs. Chamomile, fennel, and ginger support gut health naturally, while slippery elm and marshmallow root provide soothing mucilages that protect the digestive tract. These gentle herbs can be particularly beneficial for horses prone to ulcers or digestive upset.

Nettle stands out as a nutritional powerhouse, providing high levels of iron, calcium, and vitamins in highly absorbable forms. Many holistic practitioners consider nettle essential for horses recovering from illness or those needing general nutritional support.

Rose hips offer natural vitamin C along with bioflavonoids that enhance immune function. Unlike synthetic vitamin C, rose hips provide the full complex of compounds that work synergistically to support health.

Pre and Probiotics

The importance of gut health in overall equine wellness cannot be overstated, and pre and probiotics represent a natural way to support beneficial bacteria. Beet pulp, lupin hulls, soybean hulls are all classified as prebiotics, as they feed the good gut bacteria, creating a healthy gut microbiome.

Apple cider vinegar, when used appropriately, can also support digestive health and provide beneficial acids that promote proper gut pH. Raw, unfiltered versions contain beneficial bacteria and enzymes that support digestion.

Other probiotics include Yea-saaca, a yeast culture based on Saccharomyces cerevisiae strain 1026 and Bio-Mos, which may assist with the digestion of fibre within the gut.

Feeding Whole Food

Rather than relying on isolated nutrients, holistic nutrition emphasizes whole foods that provide nutrients in their natural context. Instead of feeding processed or commercial feeding, this practice relies on feeding lupins, oats, barley, faba beans and maize to horses in their whole food forms. Many of these feeds however would either need to be soaked, cooked or micronized to ensure palatability and to help with their digestibility. 

Fresh, seasonal additions to the diet can also provide variety and specific nutrients. Carrots offer natural beta-carotene, apples provide pectin and natural sugars, and seasonal vegetables can add diversity to the nutritional profile, such as sweet potatoes. However, these additions should always be appropriate for horses with metabolic conditions.

Cold-pressed oils from sources like linseed, chia, or hemp provide essential fatty acids in their natural ratios. These oils support skin and coat health, immune function, and anti-inflammatory processes throughout the body. Linseed, chia and hemp can also be fed in their whole forms. 

Seasonal Feeding Practices

Holistic nutrition recognises that nutritional needs vary with seasons, just as they would in nature. Spring may call for gentle detoxification support with herbs like dandelion and cleavers. Summer might emphasize cooling foods and electrolyte balance. Autumn represents a time for building reserves with nutrient-dense foods, while winter may require additional calories and warming herbs.

This seasonal approach also considers the natural cycles of the horse's body, supporting their innate rhythms rather than fighting against them.

Avoiding Processed and Artificial Ingredients

A fundamental principle of holistic nutrition is minimising exposure to artificial additives, preservatives, and highly processed ingredients. This means carefully reading feed labels and avoiding products with long lists of chemical additives, artificial colors, or synthetic preservatives.

Many commercial feeds contain ingredients that may trigger sensitivities or inflammation in sensitive horses. Holistic feeding emphasizes simple, recognisable ingredients that support rather than stress the body's systems.

Individual Assessment and Customisation

Perhaps most importantly, holistic nutrition recognises that each horse is unique. Factors like genetics, metabolic status, workload, age, and overall health all influence nutritional needs. Regular assessment of body condition, energy levels, coat quality, and overall demeanor helps guide nutritional decisions.

Working with practitioners trained in holistic equine nutrition can provide valuable insights into your horse's individual needs. These professionals can help develop feeding programs that address specific health concerns while supporting overall vitality.

Implementation and Monitoring

Transitioning to a holistic feeding approach should be done gradually, allowing the horse's digestive system to adapt. Start by improving forage quality and adding simple, natural supplements before making more significant changes.

Regular monitoring becomes important when implementing holistic approaches. Keep detailed records of what you're feeding and any changes in your horse's condition, behavior, or performance. This information helps refine the program over time and ensures that changes are truly beneficial.

Remember that any significant dietary changes should be made in consultation with qualified professionals who understand both traditional nutrition principles and your horse's individual needs. The goal is not to reject all modern advances, but rather to thoughtfully integrate the best of both worlds for optimal equine health and wellness.