If you’ve ever noticed your horse eating soil, you might have wondered why they’re doing it. Turns out, there are a few reasons why horses eat dirt. Here’s a closer look at why your Shire horse might be munching on dirt.
Is it normal for horses to eat dirt?
Horses are naturally curious animals, and many horses decide to taste the dirt every now en. The good news is that, in small doses, it’s actually for them! Dirt can provide essential minerals that your horse may be lacking. That being said, you should still keep an eye on how much dirt your horse is eating.
Too much can lead to nutritional deficiencies caused by the uneven intake of vital vitamins and minerals. If your horse’s diet isn’t balanced or if they seem affected by excess dirt-eating, make sure to talk with a veterinarian about recommended changes to their regular food regimen.
What minerals are horses lacking when they eat dirt?
Horses are often seen eating dirt, which is called geophagia, and it may look like they just have strange cravings. However, eating dirt serves a purpose in the horse’s diet. When horses eat dirt, they are filling any gaps in their nutrition that their hay or pasture may be missing.
Dirt typically contains trace minerals that horses need but don’t necessarily get from the regular feed. Those minerals can include iron, phosphorus, magnesium, and zinc – all of which are important for a healthy horse. So if your horse has been nibbling on some soil lately, chances are they’re just doing what comes naturally to stay properly nourished!
Can my horse get sick from eating dirt?
It’s a common assumption that horses will eat just about anything, but dirt certainly isn’t a food source that you should be encouraging. Though partially true, horses can get sick from eating certain kinds of soil, depending on where the dirt came from. The length of time your horse spends foraging on the ground and consuming these other foods may increase its chances of ingesting something unhealthy that could make it ill.
Since horses need minerals like salt which can sometimes be found in trace amounts in soil, they might not be able to resist the temptation to snack on some of it; however, it is best to minimize this behavior to protect the health and wellness of your animal companion.
Can dirt cause colic in horses?
It is widely accepted among horse owners that dirt can be the cause of colic in horses. Horses are prone to ingesting dirt when they are out grazing, and this can lead to a variety of intestinal issues that give rise to colic symptoms in the animal. Dirt ingested by horses can cause blockages in their intestines, leading to inflammation and inflammation means pain for your horse.
As such, it pays for horse owners to be aware of possible causes of colic in their animals, to ensure their safety and well-being. So, if you think your horse might have consumed some dirt while grazing, or if you want to provide some extra protection against dirt-induced colic, make sure you check with your veterinarian.
Final Reflections: Why Is My Shire Horse Eating Soil?
While soil eating may seem concerning, in the case of horses like Shires, it’s a healthy and natural practice. A diet rich in grass, hay, and other forage is optimal for equines all over the world.
To keep your horse thriving and healthy, regular check-ups with a vet are essential; although it’s been thousands of years that horses have been seen to dabble in the soil eating, it’s always best to ensure the behavior is healthy.
And if even at its utmost healthiest, it may be an indication that while they are getting essential mineral needs met with their balanced diet, they still yearn for something more—additional minerals to help enrich their lives.
At any rate, every horse has different needs and preferences when it comes to food so taking part in regular veterinary check-ups can help give you peace of mind when it comes to your furry friend. With that being said—happy trials!
