High-Fiber Supplements for Horses

The term "fiber" refers to the chain of sugar molecules that combine to make up the cellulose and hemicellulose material found in the cell walls of plants. After water, fiber is the most important dietary element for horses. In addition to providing nutrients, fiber sources such as grass, chaff and hay satisfy horses' psychological need to chew. With unrestricted access to pasture, a horse can eat for approximately 16 to 18 hours a day.

  1. High-Fiber Diet Benefits

    • Horses experience less excitability when on a healthy fiber regimen.

      A suitable diet for a horse consists of limited starches, such as grains, and fiber options. A fiber-rich diet reduces the risk of certain illnesses that can impact a horse's well-being, including colic; laminitis, which is inflammation of sensitive layers of tissue inside horses' hooves; developmental orthopedic disease; insulin resistance, which is a precursor to diabetes; hyperactivity; tying up, which is a muscle problem that includes sweating, stiffness and a reluctance to move forward; and nutritional disorders. Fiber is digested relatively slowly when compared with carbohydrates; as a result, horses experience fewer energy spikes and less excitability.

    Supplementing a Fiber Diet

    • Hay is the main source of fiber for horses, but additional fiber choices can supplement hay consumption. Sugar beets, soybean hulls and citrus pulp are all high-fiber choices that can supplement a horse's daily intake of digestible fiber. Some horse feeds contain fiber; however, these types of products may contain high levels of lignin, a fiber basically indigestible by horses.

    Winter Feeding

    • A fiber-rich diet can help keep horses warm in winter.

      During the colder winter months, a horse's diet should consist mainly of fiber in the form of hay or grass. Fiber produces body warmth from the metabolism of the fat molecules derived from the cellulose. Small hay feeding should occur at regular intervals throughout the day; the bulk of the feeding should be provided at night.

    Adding More Fiber

    • Increased fiber intake can improve a horse's well-being.

      Too often, fiber is regarded as just a bulk filler in a horse's diet and deemed less important than proteins and grains. To ensure that your horse is eating enough fiber, even when hay and grass are not readily available, add fiber supplements to its daily diet. Overall fiber intake can be improved by including fiber supplements in the form of 4 lb. to 5 lb. of alfalfa cubes, combination alfalfa and timothy cubes.