Which practice is recommended for submitting a horse to a balanced diet?

Feeding a horse frequent small meals is recommended for achieving a balanced diet. Horses are natural grazers and their digestive systems are designed to process small amounts of food throughout the day. By providing multiple meals, you can help maintain stable blood sugar levels, prevent digestive issues such as colic, and promote optimal nutrient absorption. This feeding strategy mimics their natural behavior and helps in managing their energy levels more effectively.

In contrast, feeding only once a day can lead to digestive complications and stress, while an exclusively high protein diet may result in health problems, as horses require a balance of nutrients including carbohydrates, fats, vitamins, and minerals. Limiting water intake is detrimental to a horse's health as it can lead to dehydration and digestive issues. Therefore, providing frequent small meals aligns best with the horse's natural feeding instinct and nutritional needs.