As a horse owner, you might have heard tales in the stables about some horses eating meat. This topic has sparked much curiosity and wondering among many. Is there any truth to these stories, or are they just wives’ tales?
Some people claim that in the wild, horses might occasionally eat meat. Before you decide to cook a steak for your horsey friend, let’s explore the facts and the merit of this idea. A recent video showing a horse eating a baby chick went viral online, adding fuel to the discussion.
Understanding a horse’s diet and preference involves looking at their behavioural omnivory. This guide will provide an overview of these topics to help you understand if feeding meat to your horse is advisable.
Can Horses Eat Meat? Comprehensive Guide
So lets get to point and divide it into the two types Wild Horses & Domestic horses and their capability or need of eating meat !
Uncommon Situations in the Wild
Horses are herbivores by nature, meaning their diet primarily consists of plant matter like grass and hay. However, there are situations where horses have been observed eating meat. In the wild, some horses might eat small animals, birds, rodents, or carcasses to survive if plant matter is scarce.
This behavior is uncommon and usually happens out of necessity. They might consume meat when they’re in a new territory and struggling to find their usual food sources.
Domestic Horses and Meat Consumption
There’s also the risk of panic if they encounter unfamiliar meaty items in their enclosure. Additionally, there’s a concern that a wound or dead animal in their space could attract other predators, causing more panic and stress.
Health Effects of Horses Consuming Meat
Dental Concerns
Their teeth are not made to rip and tear meat, making it hard for them to chew. This can result in broken teeth, dental cracks, and painful chewing. Trips to the human dentist for fixing such issues can be very expensive, certainly not cheap.
Risk of Parasites and Health Problems
Feeding horses raw meat increases the risk of contracting parasites, causing more unnecessary health problems. Horses are not equipped to handle the health hazards associated with a carnivorous diet. Ensuring horses stick to their natural diet of plant-based foods is essential for their overall well-being.
Nutritional Deficiencies Due to Meat in Horses
Eating meat disrupts a horse’s natural diet. Horses need a balance of vitamins and minerals for proper body functioning. Consuming meat means missing out on these delicate nutrients, leading to sickly horses with low energy. The imbalance in their diet can make it difficult for them to stay healthy.
Exploring the Equine Diet: What Do Horses Eat?
- Horses diet mainly includes plant matter. They need a lot of fibre, which they get from forage like grasses and hay. These are the foundation of a horse’s diet and are essential for maintaining a healthy digestive system.
- To keep a horse’s gut function strong, a diet rich in forage is necessary, leading to a happier and healthier horse.
- Concentrates can be added to their meals for additional nutrients and energy. These supplementary feeds often include oats, corn, and barley. The appropriate amount should be given based on the horse’s activity level, age, and overall nutritional needs. A high-quality diet with a good balance of nutrients is crucial for their well-being.
- Fruits are excellent treats that horses love, including carrots, oranges, peanuts, mango, beets, apples, pineapple, coconut, bananas, lemons, berries, and sweet potatoes. Offering a variety of food items helps keep horses in their best health.
- When dealing with wild horses, approaching them with fruits from the front can ease tension and help establish a friendly attitude, making them feel safe and reducing unfamiliarity.
Inside the Horse’s Digestive System
The Digestive Process
While some horses might be prepared to eat meat and even seem to enjoy it, there is no evidence it should be part of their diet. They might steal a bit of a hot dog, but this should not be encouraged as it can cause harm. It’s always better to be safe than sorry.
Feeding horses meat is not a healthy option and can lead to upset stomach and other health complications. Horses digest meat differently from omnivores and carnivores, making it hard for their digestive tract to handle it. Therefore, it’s best to keep their diet plant-based.
Anatomy of the Digestive System
Horses typically don’t have canine teeth since they don’t need them. Their mouth is full of flat teeth designed to grind and chew food, not tear into a leg of lamb. After food passes through the oesophagus, it moves into the stomach, which is surprisingly small for such large animals, holding only two to four gallons.
Regions of the Stomach
The horse’s stomach has two distinct regions: the glandular and non-glandular regions. The non-glandular region lines the stomach to protect it from acid, while the glandular region is responsible for breaking down food using natural digestive enzymes. These enzymes are made to break down plant-based material, not meat, making them less effective if horses eat meat.
In the small intestine, most nutrients from the horse’s food are absorbed. Since meat offers little to no absorbable nutrients, it can cause digestive upset over time. The cecum, which is the start of the large intestine, breaks down fibre and carbohydrates for energy. However, this system isn’t designed for the high protein content in meat, which can make your horse feel unwell.
Deadly Equines: Do Horses Prey on Small Animals?
“Deadly Equines, The Shocking True Story of Meat-Eating & Murderous Horses” was published in 2011 by author CuChullaine O’Reilly. The book claims that horses can be vicious meat eaters and recounts the story of Bucephalus and Alexander. Bucephalus was allegedly fed raw meat and was the offspring of meat-eating mares.
This might sound weird, but in Iceland, horses are routinely fed dried fish in the winter for extra protein. During Scott’s expedition to the Antarctic, the ponies were given fish meal with their rations. Beef gelatin and bone meal are also included in products to improve hoof growth. In Tibet, horses are fed a mix of grain and blood.
Many equestrians have seen horses stealing sandwiches or burgers. Some have even witnessed horses killing small animals. This behavior is usually to expel pesky intruders and can be playful. Should we worry about our horses’ diets? Certainly not.
While many animals are territorial, horses are generally friendly. They might accidentally kill a chicken or rabbit due to their huge strengths and playful nature. Horses are not natural meat eaters, and their diet should focus on forage and grains.
FAQs
Is it OK for horses to eat meat?
No, horses are herbivores, and their digestive systems are not designed to process meat. Feeding them meat can cause serious health problems.
Can horses eat chicken?
Horses should not eat chicken or any other meat. Their diet should be based on forage and grains to ensure they stay healthy.
Why is horse meat forbidden?
In many cultures, eating horse meat is taboo due to the strong bond between humans and horses. Additionally, some countries have laws against it for ethical and health reasons.
Is it a sin to eat horse meat?
Whether eating horse meat is considered a sin depends on cultural and religious beliefs. In some cultures, it’s taboo, while in others, it may be acceptable.
Conclusion
While the idea of horses eating meat may sound shocking, historical anecdotes and unusual dietary practices reveal that it’s not entirely unfounded. However, horses are primarily herbivores, and their digestive systems are best suited for a plant-based diet. Feeding horses meat can lead to serious health issues and nutritional imbalances.
So, even if your horse occasionally nibbles on unconventional treats, it’s crucial to ensure their diet remains focused on forage and grains for their overall well-being.
