Icelandic Horse — Food & Nutrition Products

The Icelandic Horse evolved over a thousand years in one of the harshest climates on earth, and that heritage shapes every aspect of its nutritional profile. These horses are remarkably efficient at converting forage into energy, which means they typically require less concentrated feed than larger warmblood or thoroughbred breeds. Overfeeding is one of the most common mistakes owners make, often leading to obesity-related conditions that can severely impact the horse's quality of life.

Because the Icelandic Horse is a five-gaited breed known for the tölt and flying pace, its musculoskeletal system needs consistent support through balanced mineral and vitamin intake. Calcium, phosphorus, and magnesium are especially important for maintaining the strong, dense bone structure that supports those unique gaits. A proper calcium-to-phosphorus ratio—generally around two to one—should be a baseline consideration when evaluating any feed product.

Seasonal variation plays a major role in Icelandic Horse nutrition. In colder months, caloric demands increase significantly as the horse expends energy to maintain body temperature, even with its naturally thick double coat. During summer, particularly if the horse has access to lush pasture, caloric intake often needs to be restricted to prevent excessive weight gain. Owners should plan their feeding programs around these seasonal shifts rather than relying on a single year-round regimen.

Protein requirements for the Icelandic Horse are moderate compared to performance breeds, generally falling in the range of ten to twelve percent for adult horses in light to moderate work. Growing foals, pregnant or lactating mares, and horses in heavy training will require higher protein levels. The key is matching protein content to the horse's actual workload and life stage rather than defaulting to high-protein feeds designed for larger, more metabolically demanding breeds.

When selecting feed for an Icelandic Horse, the ingredient list and guaranteed analysis panel should be the first things you examine. Look for feeds where forage-based ingredients appear at the top of the list, as these align most closely with the breed's digestive physiology. Avoid products that rely heavily on corn, molasses, or other high-sugar fillers, which can trigger metabolic issues in a breed already prone to easy weight gain.

Fiber content is a critical metric. The Icelandic Horse's digestive system is optimized for processing high-fiber, low-energy forage, so any concentrate feed should complement that foundation rather than replace it. A minimum crude fiber content of fifteen percent in supplemental feeds is a reasonable benchmark, though the bulk of daily fiber should always come from hay or pasture.

Pay attention to the non-structural carbohydrate content, often listed as NSC on feed labels. For Icelandic Horses, particularly those with any history of metabolic sensitivity, an NSC value below twelve percent is generally recommended. Some feeds are specifically formulated as low-NSC or metabolic-safe options, and these tend to be the best fit for the breed. If NSC is not listed on the label, you can often find the information on the manufacturer's website or by contacting their nutrition helpline.

Vitamin and mineral fortification matters, especially if your horse's forage has not been tested. Look for feeds that include chelated or organic trace minerals, as these are more bioavailable than their inorganic counterparts. Selenium, zinc, copper, and vitamin E are frequently deficient in hay-only diets, and a well-formulated concentrate or ration balancer should address these gaps without adding unnecessary calories.

Forage should constitute the foundation of every Icelandic Horse's diet, typically accounting for seventy to one hundred percent of total daily intake by weight. For most adult Icelandic Horses, a daily hay ration of approximately 1.5 to 2 percent of body weight is appropriate, though this figure can shift depending on the horse's condition, workload, and access to pasture. Grass hays such as timothy, orchard grass, and brome are generally the best choices, offering moderate calorie content with high fiber.

Alfalfa and other legume hays are significantly higher in protein and calories than grass hays and should be used sparingly, if at all, for adult Icelandic Horses in light work. Legume hays can be appropriate in small quantities for hard-working horses, growing youngsters, or lactating mares, but they should never form the bulk of the forage ration for this breed. A common approach is to blend a small amount of alfalfa with grass hay to boost palatability and protein without dramatically increasing caloric density.

Hay quality varies enormously between cuttings, regions, and growing seasons, so having your hay tested through a forage analysis laboratory is one of the most valuable investments you can make. A basic analysis will reveal protein, fiber, sugar, starch, and mineral content, allowing you to tailor your supplementation program with precision. Without testing, you are essentially guessing at a major component of your horse's diet.

For Icelandic Horses with metabolic concerns, soaking hay in cold water for thirty to sixty minutes before feeding can reduce the sugar content by up to thirty percent. This is a simple but effective management strategy that allows you to continue feeding locally available hay even if its sugar levels are higher than ideal. Drain the water thoroughly after soaking, as the leached sugars make the runoff unsuitable for consumption.

Many Icelandic Horses in light to moderate work do not require traditional grain-based concentrates at all. Their efficient metabolisms can often meet energy demands through quality forage alone, supplemented by a ration balancer to fill micronutrient gaps. Ration balancers are low-calorie, nutrient-dense pellets designed to deliver vitamins and minerals without the excess energy of a full concentrate feed, making them an ideal choice for easy keepers.

When additional calories are needed—during winter, heavy training, or for hard-keeping individuals—look for concentrates based on digestible fibers and fats rather than starches and sugars. Beet pulp, soy hulls, and rice bran are examples of ingredients that provide energy through fermentable fiber and fat, which are metabolized more steadily than grain-based starches. This approach supports sustained energy without the blood sugar spikes that can contribute to metabolic dysfunction.

Pelleted feeds offer more consistent nutrition per serving than textured or sweet feeds, as each pellet contains a uniform blend of ingredients. Textured feeds allow horses to sort through and selectively eat preferred components, which can lead to imbalanced nutrient intake over time. For Icelandic Horses, the consistency of a pelleted product is generally preferable.

Feeding rates for concentrates should be determined by the horse's actual body condition, not by breed averages or label suggestions designed for larger horses. Use a body condition scoring system regularly—ideally every two weeks—to track changes and adjust feed amounts accordingly. Even small adjustments of a quarter pound per day can make a meaningful difference in a breed this metabolically efficient.

Treats are a valuable training and bonding tool, but for the Icelandic Horse, they need to be selected with metabolic health in mind. High-sugar treats like conventional horse cookies and candy-style products can add up quickly, especially if you are generous with rewards during training sessions. Look for low-sugar treat options, or use small pieces of carrot, celery, or other low-glycemic vegetables as alternatives.

Joint supplements are worth considering for Icelandic Horses in regular work, particularly those performing the tölt and pace, which place distinctive biomechanical demands on the limbs and joints. Glucosamine, chondroitin, and hyaluronic acid are the most commonly used active ingredients in equine joint formulas. Research support varies, but many owners report noticeable improvements in comfort and movement quality, especially in older horses.

Omega-3 fatty acid supplements, typically derived from flaxseed or fish oil, can support coat quality, joint health, and overall inflammatory balance. The Icelandic Horse's naturally luxurious mane and tail respond well to adequate omega-3 intake, and the anti-inflammatory properties can benefit horses dealing with seasonal allergies or mild joint stiffness. Ground flaxseed is an economical option, though it should be freshly ground or stabilized to prevent rancidity.

Salt is the one supplement that virtually every horse needs daily, and the Icelandic Horse is no exception. A plain white salt block or loose salt should be available at all times, with additional electrolyte supplementation during hot weather or heavy exercise. Avoid mineral blocks marketed as a complete supplement, as horses cannot consume enough of them to meet their trace mineral needs, and the added flavoring often contains unnecessary sugar.

Certain foods pose serious health risks to Icelandic Horses and should be strictly excluded from their diet. Lawn clippings are among the most dangerous, as they ferment rapidly in the gut and can cause fatal colic or laminitis within hours. Even small amounts of freshly cut grass clippings dumped over a fence line by well-meaning neighbors have led to emergency veterinary situations.

High-starch grains like corn and barley should be minimized or avoided entirely for most Icelandic Horses. The breed's metabolic efficiency makes them particularly susceptible to the insulin spikes triggered by starch-heavy feeds, and chronic overconsumption of these grains is a well-documented pathway to laminitis. If grain must be fed, it should be processed through steam-flaking or micronizing to improve digestibility and reduce the glycemic impact.

Fruits high in sugar, such as apples and watermelon, should be offered only in very small quantities as occasional treats. While a single apple slice is unlikely to cause harm, a daily apple habit can contribute meaningfully to a horse's total sugar intake over time. This is especially relevant for Icelandic Horses with diagnosed or suspected metabolic syndrome, where every gram of sugar matters.

Moldy or dusty hay is never acceptable, regardless of breed, but the Icelandic Horse's dense winter coat and naturally robust appearance can sometimes mask the early respiratory symptoms caused by inhaling mold spores. Heaves, or recurrent airway obstruction, is a progressive condition that begins with subtle signs and worsens over time. Investing in clean, dust-free forage pays significant dividends in long-term respiratory health.

The equine digestive system is designed for near-continuous grazing, and the Icelandic Horse is no exception. Ideally, forage should be available for the majority of the day, with gaps between meals never exceeding four to five hours. Extended fasting periods allow stomach acid to accumulate in the upper portion of the stomach, which lacks the protective mucus lining of the lower region, creating conditions for gastric ulcers to develop.

Slow-feed hay nets are one of the most effective tools for managing forage consumption in Icelandic Horses. By forcing the horse to pull hay through small openings, these nets dramatically extend eating time, mimicking natural grazing behavior and reducing the risk of both ulcers and boredom-related vices. A net with one-and-a-half to two-inch openings provides a good balance between access and restriction for most horses.

If concentrates are part of the feeding program, divide the daily ration into at least two meals, with three being preferable. Smaller, more frequent meals reduce the glycemic load per feeding and allow for more efficient nutrient absorption in the small intestine. Always feed forage before concentrates to ensure the hindgut fermentation process is already active when the concentrate arrives.

Water access is a frequently overlooked component of feeding management. An adult Icelandic Horse can drink eight to twelve gallons per day under normal conditions, and significantly more in hot weather or during heavy work. Automatic waterers should be checked daily for proper function, and buckets or troughs should be scrubbed regularly to prevent algae growth. In winter, a heated water source is essential, as horses will reduce their water intake when faced with near-freezing water temperatures, increasing the risk of impaction colic.