Clydesdale Horse Diet: Best Feed & Health Considerations

Key Takeaways

• Clydesdales require 40–50 pounds of quality hay daily as the foundation of their diet, with forage making up the bulk of their nutritional intake.
• These draft horses are "easy keepers" prone to obesity and metabolic disorders, requiring careful management of starch and sugar intake.
• Fat supplements and fiber-based concentrates like beet pulp provide safer energy sources than grain for most Clydesdales.
• Adequate hydration is critical as Clydesdales need up to 30 gallons of fresh water daily to support metabolic processes and prevent complications.
• Proper feeding management tailored to your Clydesdale's individual needs, activity level, and health status ensures long-term vitality and prevents common draft horse health issues.

The Clydesdale's Unique Nutritional Needs

If you're the proud owner of a Clydesdale horse, you already know these gentle giants are something special. With their impressive stature often tipping the scales at 2,000 pounds or more, they have unique dietary requirements that differ significantly from lighter horse breeds.

The key to keeping your Clydesdale healthy lies in understanding that bigger doesn't always mean more. While these draft horses need substantial feed, their metabolism makes them surprisingly efficient at maintaining weight. This means feeding requires a thoughtful approach that balances energy needs with their tendency to gain weight easily.

As herbivores, horses have digestive systems designed for almost constant grazing. Their gut health depends on steady high-fiber forage intake, which keeps everything moving smoothly and prevents both physical and behavioral problems. For a Clydesdale, this means making quality hay the cornerstone of their diet.

The Foundation: Forage First

When carefully managed, pasture access is beneficial for your horse’s physical well being.

Your Clydesdale's diet should revolve around lots of forage. An average mature Clydesdale needs approximately 40 to 50 pounds of hay daily. Grass hay varieties like timothy, orchard grass, and Bermuda grass are excellent choices, providing necessary fiber without excessive calories or sugar.

If your Clydesdale has metabolic concerns like insulin resistance or Cushing's disease, keep non-structural carbohydrates (NSC) below 10%. This means choosing hay carefully and potentially soaking it to reduce sugar content.

Pasture access is wonderful for mental and physical well-being but needs careful management. Lush spring grass can be surprisingly high in sugar, leading to weight gain and potential laminitis. Use grazing muzzles during peak growing seasons or limit turnout time to early morning or evening when sugar levels are lower.

Slow feeders extend eating time, mimicking natural grazing while preventing rapid hay consumption. This supports better digestion and prevents boredom-related behaviors.

Safe Energy Sources

Unlike performance horses that might thrive on grain-heavy diets, most Clydesdales don't need large amounts of starch-rich concentrates. Traditional grains like oats and corn can trigger insulin spikes and exacerbate metabolic conditions in these easy-keeper horses. Keeping starch intake low helps prevent issues like insulin resistance and supports overall metabolic health.

• Beet pulp is a fantastic fiber-based option that provides digestible energy without starch overload. Always soak it thoroughly before feeding. Most Clydesdales do well with 2–3 pounds of soaked beet pulp daily.
• Wheat bran can be added in small amounts (1–2 pounds) to provide additional fiber and calories, particularly useful during colder months.
• Fat supplements are perhaps the most underutilized tool in Clydesdale feeding. Fats provide more than twice the energy per pound compared to carbohydrates without affecting insulin levels. Omega-3 rich options like flaxseed oil or fish oil support joint health, reduce inflammation, and promote coat quality. A typical dose of 2 ounces (60 ml) daily makes a significant difference.

Essential Vitamins & Minerals

Even the best hay doesn't provide everything your Clydesdale needs. Quality vitamin and mineral supplementation fills nutritional gaps, supporting hoof health, immune function, and overall vitality. 

Look for supplements with organic trace minerals, complete B-vitamin fortification, balanced calcium and phosphorus, and adequate vitamin E and selenium for muscle health. Don't forget salt! Free-choice loose salt or a salt block should always be available. Salt encourages water consumption, which is critical for your Clydesdale's health.

The Water Factor

Water is crucial to the metabolic operations of your clydesdale, ensure it gets enough of it.

Your Clydesdale can drink up to 30 gallons daily—and that's necessary, not excessive. Water supports every metabolic process, aids digestion, regulates body temperature, and helps prevent serious conditions like impaction colic and tying up.

In winter, ensure water isn't frozen. Heated buckets or tank heaters are worth the investment, as horses drink less when water is too cold, leading to dehydration.

Managing the "Easy Keeper" Challenge

Clydesdales are incredibly efficient at converting feed into body weight. This "easy keeper" trait was advantageous when these horses worked long hours pulling heavy loads, but for today's relatively leisurely Clydesdales, it requires careful management.

Obesity in horses significantly increases laminitis risk, a devastating hoof condition that can be life-threatening. Regular body condition scoring helps you monitor weight objectively. Your Clydesdale should score around 5–6 on a 9-point scale—ribs should be felt with light pressure but not prominently visible.

If your Clydesdale has insulin resistance or Cushing's disease (PPID), dietary management becomes critical. These horses need very low sugar and starch diets with tested low-NSC hay, strictly limited grazing, and no grain. Work closely with your veterinarian to create an appropriate plan.

Tailoring the Diet to Your Horse's Life

Working Clydesdales burning significant calories need increased energy intake. These horses may require grain feedings twice daily alongside multiple hay meals, with water offered every two hours during intense work.

Breeding mares and growing foals need higher nutrient density, though care must be taken to avoid excessive growth rates that can cause developmental orthopedic problems.

Senior Clydesdales may need special consideration. Dental issues can make chewing difficult, necessitating soaked hay cubes or senior feeds.

Creating a Balanced Feeding Plan

Here's a typical daily maintenance diet for a mature, moderately active Clydesdale weighing around 2,000 pounds:

• Mature grass hay: Free choice (approximately 40–50 lbs)
• Beet pulp: 2–3 lbs (soaked)
• Wheat bran: 1–2 lbs
• Omega-3 oil supplement: 2 oz (60 ml)
• Vitamin and mineral supplement: As directed
• Loose salt: Free choice
• Fresh water: Constant access (up to 30 gallons)

This plan emphasizes forage while providing supplemental energy through fat and fiber rather than starch. Individual horses may need adjustments based on metabolism, workload, and health status.

Practical Feeding Management Tips

Success with your Clydesdale's diet requires consistent, thoughtful management. Feed multiple small meals rather than one or two large ones to mimic natural grazing patterns. Monitor body condition every two weeks to catch changes early and make small adjustments before problems develop.

Keep detailed records of what you're feeding, amounts, and any condition or behavior changes. This information is invaluable when working with your veterinarian or nutritionist. Schedule regular dental care, as poor dentition affects forage chewing and nutrient absorption. Work with equine professionals to create feeding plans for your horse's specific needs.

Keeping Your Clydesdale Thriving for Years to Come

Every Clydesdale is unique, and proper feeding management helps these majestic horses thrive.

Proper nutrition is one of the greatest gifts you can give your Clydesdale. By prioritizing quality forage, controlling starch intake, providing appropriate supplementation, and managing weight carefully, you set the foundation for a long, healthy, and active life.

The majestic Clydesdale's size and strength come with responsibility. These gentle giants depend on us to understand their unique nutritional needs and provide appropriate care. With thoughtful feeding management, regular monitoring, and willingness to adjust as needed, your Clydesdale can thrive whether working on the farm, participating in shows, or enjoying retirement.

Keep in mind that every horse is an individual, and what works for one Clydesdale might need adjustment for another. Stay observant, be consistent with feeding routines, and seek expert guidance when questions arise. Your commitment to proper nutrition will pay dividends in your horse's health, longevity, and quality of life for years to come.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How much hay should I feed my Clydesdale daily?

A mature Clydesdale typically needs 40–50 pounds of hay per day, depending on hay quality, body condition, and activity level. Easy keepers may need slightly less to prevent obesity, while working horses might need more. Monitor body condition score regularly and adjust accordingly. Using a scale or hay net helps ensure consistent amounts.

Can I feed my Clydesdale regular grain like other horses?

Clydesdales generally should not receive large amounts of traditional grains like oats and corn. As easy keepers, they're prone to obesity and metabolic issues when fed high-starch diets. Excess grain can trigger insulin spikes, increasing laminitis risk. Instead, use low-starch energy sources like beet pulp, wheat bran, and fat supplements. If your Clydesdale is in heavy work and truly needs grain, choose low-starch feeds formulated for metabolic horses and feed small amounts across multiple meals.

How do I prevent my Clydesdale from becoming overweight?

Control pasture access during lush seasons using grazing muzzles or limited turnout. Feed tested low-NSC hay and avoid high-calorie concentrates unless working heavily. Check body condition score every two weeks, use slow feeders to extend eating time, and ensure adequate exercise. If weight gain occurs despite management, consult your veterinarian to rule out metabolic conditions.

What are signs my Clydesdale's diet isn't meeting their needs?

Watch for unexplained weight changes, dull coat, poor hoof quality, low energy, muscle wasting, digestive upset, or behavioral changes. For metabolic issues, watch for increased drinking and urination, fat deposits along the crest or tailhead, and recurring laminitis. Any of these signs warrant veterinary consultation and blood work to identify underlying conditions.

Should I give my Clydesdale vitamin and mineral supplements?

Yes, most Clydesdales benefit from supplementation since hay alone rarely provides complete nutrition. Look for supplements with organic trace minerals, complete B-vitamins, balanced calcium and phosphorus, and adequate vitamin E and selenium. Always provide free-choice salt to encourage water intake. Consult your veterinarian before adding multiple supplements to avoid imbalances.