Researchers found that feeding young racehorses the forage-only diet did not prohibit muscle glycogen storage, growth, or body condition scores, and it seemed to promote good nutrition-related health. | Photo: Courtesy Dr. Sara Ringmark

Horses in few disciplines require as much high-energy nutrition as racehorses. So it’s no surprise that, traditionally, a large part of a racehorse’s food ration is energy-dense concentrated feeds. But concentrates are hard on the equine stomach, contribute to gastric ulcers, and lack the bulk and fiber content that keep a horse’s gut healthy.

In an ideal world, horses—even racehorses—would thrive off forage alone. But given their intense training programs, could that ever be possible? Swedish researchers say yes, not only is it possible but it can also be beneficial.

The key is to ensure the hay, haylage, or grass has enough high-energy nutrient value to cover the horse’s needs, said Sara Ringmark, PhD, of the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences Department of Anatomy, Physiology, and Biochemistry, in Uppsala