Wild Mustangs' Diet

Wild mustangs are the descendants of domesticated horses that escaped into the wild or were released by their owners. The result was a mixed breed of wild horses that is hardy and tough.

  1. Main Diet

    • The main diet of wild mustangs consists of grass. Wild mustangs are most widespread in the American West and Southwest, where prairie grasses are their main source of food.

    Water

    • Wild mustangs seek out water from streams, lakes and other natural bodies of water. They drink water about twice daily, though they can go without water for a week if necessary. Wild mustangs have developed the skills to break open frozen water sources with their hooves and rocks.

    Amount of Food

    • Wild mustangs consume five to six pounds of plant matter daily on average, though that can change with the availability of food.

    Minerals

    • Like domesticated horses, wild mustangs need mineral supplementation in their diet to make up for what is not nutritionally found in grass. Wild mustangs will seek out mineral deposits during their grazing time to find those nutrients.

    Scarcity

    • Wild mustangs will eat many things unsuitable for domesticated horses during times of scarcity. They can consume prickly pears for moisture and will eat almost any vegetation if necessary.