What Do Horses Eat in the Wild and on Farms?

Horses are pretty happy with pasture grass. Richard Juilliart / Shutterstock

An adult horse should typically eat about 1.5 to 2 percent of its body weight in food each day. This means a 1,000-pound (454-kilogram) horse may eat 15 to 20 pounds (6.8 to 9 kilograms) of hay and grass daily.

Knowing how to answer "What do horses eat?" is essential for any horse owner, as their horses' diet directly influences their energy, temperament and overall well-being. Too much grain or high-sugar feeds can cause digestive problems, so balance is key.

The Basics of a Horse's Natural Diet

A horse’s natural diet consists mostly of forage. Horses eat grass and hay as their primary food sources, which provide the fiber they need to maintain a healthy gut.

Most horse owners ensure their horses have access to high-quality pasture grass or grass hay to mimic what wild horses eat in nature. A stabled horse that doesn’t have access to fresh grass and hay must be provided with other options, like horse feed.

Commercial horse feed is designed to provide extra calories, protein and vitamins that horses may not get from hay alone.

Some horse owners provide healthy treats like carrots, apples and even the occasional sugar cube as a reward. (Too much sugar is bad for horses, though!)

Unlike humans, who eat large meals at specific times, horses graze continuously to support their digestion. Since their digestive system is sensitive, sudden changes in diet can lead to serious health problems.

Do Horses Eat Meat?

Horses are herbivores, meaning they are naturally designed to eat plants. But every now and then, stories pop up about meat being fed to horses.

Some domesticated horses have been known to nibble on unusual things, like a hot dog or other nontraditional snacks. However, animal science tells us that their digestive system isn’t built to process meat efficiently, so it’s best to stick to a plant-based diet.

Diets of Stabled Horses vs. Wild Horses

hand of a young woman feeding a horse standing in a field — The average horse enjoys the occasional treat, such as an apple or carrot. aire images / Getty Images

A stabled horse used for work needs a well-balanced diet that includes hay, feed and possibly supplements. Horse trainers often tailor a horse’s diet based on activity level, ensuring that racehorses, workhorses and leisure horses all get the nutrients they need.

In contrast, wild horses eat whatever forage they can find in their environment, which varies based on the season and region.

We created this article in conjunction with AI technology, then made sure it was fact-checked and edited by a HowStuffWorks editor.