Basic Nutrients

Protein

What we call "protein" is really a chain of amino acids. There are 20 different types of amino acids that can link together to form protein. The different amino acids link together like building blocks to form different proteins with different combinations.

Some of the amino acids must be provided in food while the body makes others. Protein is digested in the stomach and small intestine. It is used to make new muscle and cells and is sometimes used as an energy source.

Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates are made up of sugars, starches, and fibers. The stomach and small intestine break down starches and sugars into glucose, which is made into energy in the cells. Fibers, such as cellulose, are broken down in the cecum and large intestine by microbes to help produce more energy.

Fat

Fat comes in two forms. One is saturated, which means it is solid at room temperature, and the other is unsaturated, which means it is liquid at room temperature. An example of a saturated fat is butter. An example of an unsaturated fat is corn oil. Fat is used to store energy for future use, for building new cells, and for some vitamin absorption. Fat, when used as an energy source, provides more energy than the same amount of carbohydrates or protein.

Water

Water makes up 70 percent of the horse's body. Water is involved in the majority of the processes in the horse's body. Water plays an important role in temperature regulation, hearing, sight, and nerve impulses.