• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
I Heart Horses
  • Care
  • News
  • Fun
  • Heartwarming
  • Videos
  • Rescue
  • Horse Fun
  • Tips For Riders
  • Fun Facts
  • Stories
  • Contact Us
menu icon
go to homepage
  • Care
  • News
  • Fun
  • Heartwarming
  • Videos
  • Rescue
  • Horse Fun
  • Tips For Riders
  • Fun Facts
  • Stories
  • Contact Us
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    • YouTube
  • search icon
    Homepage link
    • Care
    • News
    • Fun
    • Heartwarming
    • Videos
    • Rescue
    • Horse Fun
    • Tips For Riders
    • Fun Facts
    • Stories
    • Contact Us
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    • YouTube
  • ×

    Home » Horse Behavior

    Why Do Some Horses Eat Dirt?

    Modified: Jul 21, 2020 by Dani Buckley · This post may contain affiliate links ·

    Have you ever seen your horse consume dirt out in the field and wonder what the heck? You are not sure whether to be worried and call the veterinarian or go about your business. Eating dirt is called Geophagia, and it can be a good and bad thing for horses. Here are some reasons why some horses may eat dirt.

    To help keep teeth smooth

    The particles in dirt can help file sharp points on the horse’s teeth. Horse’s that are kept in stalls may need their teeth floated more often than horses housed in a pasture because they do not have dirt to chew on.

    why do horses eat dirt?

    To help with digestion

    The gastrointestinal system is home to many microbes that help break down the fiber in forage for digestion. Dirt also contains these microbes as well as the roots of plants. If horses are having a hard time digesting their food, they will eat dirt for help. Comparable to us adding a probiotic to our diets.

    For a bellyache

    A horse with a stomachache from viruses, toxins, or too much sugar will forage for clay especially. Clay will absorb the bad substances in the gut and will later exit the body in manure. Like using activated charcoal in humans and dogs.

    Noticing when a horse eats dirt after certain feeds may help indicate what is upsetting their stomachs.

    Need for Minerals

    If some horses are missing minerals in their diets such as iron, they may eat dirt. Horses that are housed in a stall full time may have a mineral deficiency and are likely to eat dirt when they are turned out to pasture.

    Adding a mineral block in the pasture and stall can help supply horses with the minerals they need.

    Out of hunger or thirst

    Horses that have nothing else to eat in a pasture will eat dirt. They will also eat dirt if they are thirsty or dehydrated because of the water and salt found in the dirt. This can be an extremely dangerous thing if a horse consumes too much dirt it can lead to impaction in the intestinal tract and colic.

    Ensure the horse has plenty of hay or grass to eat and always having access to clean, freshwater is vital to their health. Dehydration and colic are both dangerous and serious, possibly leading to death if not treated.

    Boredom

    Horses that are bored will eat dirt to keep their mind busy. Horses are naturally supposed to spend most of their days foraging for food, keeping their mind and stomach full. A horse housed alone with nothing to do will be likely to turn to dirt for the company.

    Horses are natural herd animals and having a horse housed with another horse can help elevate the boredom as well as keeping a consistent exercise program.

    If your horse is eating dirt, they may be trying to tell you something and most have a simple solution. Have you ever seen your horse eat dirt?

    Have you ever wondered why it is that horses will chew wood? Find out the answer here on iHeartHorses.com.

    Horse Courses by Elaine Heney

    • Listening to the Horse - The Documentary by Elaine Heney & Grey Pony Films
    • Shoulder In & Out Training for better balance, bend & topline development with your horse
    • Over 110+ Polework Exercises & Challenges to Download
    • Dancing at Liberty & Creating Connection with Your Horse (11 lessons) - Grey Pony Films
     

    Why Do Some Horses Eat Dirt-01

     

    More Horse Behavior

    • 5 Safety Tips For Horse Owners When Working With Your Horse
    • White horse by fence with for sale sign
      5 Horse Shopping Red Flags to Watch For When Buying a New Horse
    • What to Do If Your Horse Bites You and How to Stop It
    • Kids petting a horses nose
      5 Best Ways to Teach Kids Healthy Fear of Horses

    Sharing is caring!

    1.6K shares
    • Share1.5K
    • Tweet

    Primary Sidebar

    Search

    Recent Posts

    • 17 Gorgeous Equestrian Outfit Ideas for Women
    • 15 Fantastic Pictures of Horse's Jumping to Make You Smile
    • Pros and Cons of Braiding Your Horse's Mane or Tail
    • 10 Things to Do with Your Horse That Aren't Riding
    • 30 Stunning Pictures of White Horses You Must See

    Categories

    Follow Us

    • Facebook
    • Pinterest
    • Instagram
    • YouTube

    iHeartHorses.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.

    Copyright © 2023 · iHeartHorses Inc.

    1.6K shares
    • 1.5K

    Terms and Conditions - Privacy Policy