Which nutrient class is not native to the horse's diet and must be supplemented by adding oils or supplements?

Which nutrient class is not native to the horse's diet and must be supplemented by adding oils or supplements?

• A. Water
• B. Fats
• C. Carbs
• D. Minerals

Answer: (B)

Fats are the nutrient class that isn’t typically a major, native part of a horse’s forage-based diet and often needs to be added as oils or fat supplements to meet energy needs. Forage and grains provide carbohydrates, but the energy density from fat is much higher, so supplementing with oils helps horses get more calories without a huge increase in feed volume. This is especially useful for performance horses or those needing weight gain, and it also supplies essential fatty acids that the base diet may lack. Introduce fats gradually to avoid upsetting the gut and monitor the horse’s condition as you adjust. Water, carbohydrates from forage, and minerals are already part of the usual diet, so fats are the common area where deliberate supplementation is needed.

Fats are the nutrient class that isn’t typically a major, native part of a horse’s forage-based diet and often needs to be added as oils or fat supplements to meet energy needs. Forage and grains provide carbohydrates, but the energy density from fat is much higher, so supplementing with oils helps horses get more calories without a huge increase in feed volume. This is especially useful for performance horses or those needing weight gain, and it also supplies essential fatty acids that the base diet may lack. Introduce fats gradually to avoid upsetting the gut and monitor the horse’s condition as you adjust. Water, carbohydrates from forage, and minerals are already part of the usual diet, so fats are the common area where deliberate supplementation is needed.