- 1). Feed your Belgian horse hay and/or grass. The equine digestive tract evolved to digest grass. According to Melyni Worth's book "Storey's Guide to Feeding Horses," regardless of breed, the average horse needs 1.5 to 2.0 pounds of dry hay or grass per 100 pounds of body weight.
- 2). Provide more hay for your Belgian if you use it for heavy work like pulling a load. Like any other animal engaged in heavy labor, a Belgian will need significantly more caloric intake when working. A horse should receive at least 70 percent of its total daily nutritive intake from forage feeds like hay or grass, unless specific health needs suggest otherwise.
- 3). Feed regular grass hay unless your horse works. If you use your Belgian for anything more intense than as a "pasture ornament," you may need to provide a grass/alfalfa mix. Alfalfa has a higher protein content than plain grass hay. A hard-working horse will need the additional protein to rebuild muscle and maintain his health.
- 4). Feed oats if you insist on feeding your Belgian grain. The high protein content of oats, about 13 percent according to Ashley Griffin at the University of Kentucky extension service, makes oats a safer grain to feed to horses than others. Because the equine digestive tract was designed for fiber-rich grain, your Belgian will remain healthier than on the same amount by weight of "heavier" grains like corn.
- 5). Consider grains other than oats to feed your horse if his physical condition warrants it, according to your veterinarian. Corn, barley, milo and related grains may provide additional nutrient requirements that oats do not.
- 6). Ensure that sure your horse has all the adequate, fresh, clean water that it can drink. According to Melyni Worth's book, "water is the most essential nutrient of all." Dehydration can result in serious, even life-threatening disorders ranging from colic to kidney collapse.
- 7). Calculate your horse's total nutrient requirements, based on weight. Most horses, regardless of breed, will consume a total of 2 to 2.5 pounds of dry weight matter per 100 pounds of body weight.
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