What is the primary dietary source for horses?

Horses are herbivores, meaning their primary dietary source is plant-based food. This includes a variety of feedstuffs such as grasses, hay, and legumes, which provide essential nutrients. Plant-based diets are critical for their digestive health, as horses have evolved to graze continuously on fibrous plants in the wild. The high fiber content in plant materials aids in maintaining proper digestive function and overall health.

Grains also play a role in a horse’s diet, typically as a supplemental source of energy, but they should not constitute the primary source of nutrition. Fruits and meat are not suitable as a primary dietary source for horses, as their digestive systems are not equipped to handle meat, and fruit is generally provided only as an occasional treat rather than a staple.