Working horses in both developed and developing world contexts have nutritional needs that must be met to prevent the welfare harm of energy deficiency and musculoskeletal damage.
Working horses in many parts of the world are chronically under-nourished relative to their workload, creating a persistent welfare burden through energy deficiency, muscle wasting, and reduced capacity to withstand disease. In communities dependent on working equids for livelihoods, the economic constraints on providing adequate feed are real. Organisations including Brooke, SPANA, and The Donkey Sanctuary work with communities to improve working animal nutrition and health through education, veterinary support, and advocacy. Nutritional welfare improvements simultaneously improve animal welfare and community livelihoods through better work capacity and longevity.