Feeding horses properly is one of the most important responsibilities of any horse owner, trainer, or caretaker. Nutrition directly affects a horse’s health, performance, longevity, and overall well-being. Horses have unique digestive systems and nutrient requirements that differ greatly from other livestock and companion animals. Feeding them correctly requires an understanding of equine biology, forage quality, feeding behavior, and management practices.
This guide explores every aspect of optimal horse feeding — from the basic principles of equine digestion to advanced feeding strategies for performance, breeding, and senior horses.
1. Understanding the Horse’s Digestive System
Horses are non-ruminant herbivores, meaning they rely on microbial fermentation to digest fiber, but this fermentation occurs in the hindgut — the cecum and large colon — rather than the stomach. Understanding this process is key to feeding horses correctly.
Small Stomach: The horse’s stomach is small, holding only 2–4 gallons. It empties quickly, which is why horses are designed to eat small amounts of forage throughout the day rather than large meals.
Small Intestine: Most starch, protein, fats, and soluble carbohydrates are digested here. If grain meals are too large, undigested starch can pass into the hindgut, upsetting its microbial balance.
Hindgut Fermentation: The cecum and colon house billions of microbes that ferment fiber into volatile fatty acids (VFAs), which provide a major energy source. Any abrupt change in feed can disrupt this microbial community, leading to colic or laminitis.
Takeaway: Feed small, frequent meals and make changes gradually to protect the digestive system.
2. The Role of Forage in the Horse’s Diet
Forage — hay, pasture, or haylage — should be the foundation of every horse’s diet. Horses evolved to graze continuously, consuming roughage that keeps their gut moving and teeth wearing naturally.
Minimum Forage Intake
A horse should consume 1.5–2.5% of its body weight in forage daily. For a 1,000-pound horse, this equals 15–25 pounds of hay or equivalent pasture dry matter per day.
Types of Forage
Grass Hay: Common varieties include timothy, orchardgrass, and bermudagrass. They are moderate in calories and protein, suitable for most horses.
Legume Hay: Alfalfa and clover are higher in protein, calcium, and calories — ideal for young, growing, lactating, or hard-working horses but may be too rich for easy keepers. Usually the amount of weight is reduced in these instances.
Pasture: High-quality pasture provides balanced nutrition and natural exercise but must be managed to avoid overgrazing or excessive sugar intake in laminitis-prone horses.
Forage Quality
Good-quality hay should be:
Green in color
Soft, leafy, and fragrant
Free of mold, dust, and weeds
Tested for nutrient content when possible
Rule of thumb: Forage should make up at least 70–100% of a horse’s total diet, depending on activity and metabolism.
3. Concentrates and Supplemental Feeds
While forage provides the base, some horses require additional calories or nutrients not available in hay alone — particularly performance horses, lactating mares, and growing foals.
Types of Concentrates
Grains: Oats, corn, and barley provide energy through starch but must be fed in moderation.
Commercial Feeds: Formulated feeds balance energy, protein, vitamins, and minerals. Options include sweet feeds (molasses-coated), pelleted feeds, and extruded feeds.
Complete Feeds: Contain both roughage and concentrate; useful for horses with dental problems or limited access to hay.
Feeding Guidelines
Introduce any grain or concentrate slowly over 7–10 days.
Divide into two or more meals daily to avoid overloading the small intestine.
Limit total grain intake to no more than 0.5% of body weight per feeding.
Choose feeds appropriate for the horse’s age, workload, and body condition.
4. Water: The Most Important Nutrient
Water is essential for digestion, thermoregulation, and metabolism. Horses should have constant access to clean, fresh water.
Water Requirements
Average daily intake varies by:
Maintenance horses: 5–10 gallons per day
Hot weather or heavy work: Up to 20+ gallons
Lactating mares: Even higher
Dehydration can cause impaction colic, poor performance, and decreased feed intake. Check automatic waterers regularly and ensure troughs remain clean.
5. Salt and Minerals
Horses require salt for electrolyte balance and nerve function. A free-choice salt block or loose salt should always be available.
Mineral Balance
Calcium and Phosphorus: Essential for bone health. The ideal Ca:P ratio is 1.5–2:1.
Trace Minerals: Copper, zinc, manganese, and selenium are vital in small amounts.
Commercial Supplements: Many forages are low in specific minerals, so a balanced mineral supplement or fortified feed may be needed.
If feeding a mix of hay and grain, review the feed tag and hay analysis to avoid deficiencies or excesses.
6. Feeding by Body Condition
A horse’s feeding plan should match its body condition, not just its workload. The Henneke Body Condition Score (BCS) system ranks horses on a scale from 1 (emaciated) to 9 (obese). The optimal range for most horses is 4–6.
Thin Horses
Increase calories gradually by:
Adding higher-quality hay or alfalfa
Including fat sources like vegetable oil or stabilized rice bran
Using senior or performance feeds
Overweight Horses
Reduce energy intake by:
Feeding mature, low-calorie grass hay
Limiting or eliminating grain
Using a slow feeder or grazing muzzle
Increasing turnout and exercise
Frequent monitoring helps adjust feed before weight issues become health problems.
7. Feeding According to Workload
The more a horse works, the more energy it expends. Feeding must match that activity level.
|
Work Level |
Description |
Energy Needs |
Feeding Focus |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Light |
Trail riding, light lessons |
Slightly above maintenance |
Forage with small concentrate |
|
Moderate |
Ranch work, daily exercise |
25–50% above maintenance |
Forage + grain or fat supplement |
|
Heavy |
Racing, endurance, eventing |
Up to double maintenance |
High-quality forage + balanced performance feed |
|
Idle |
Retired or resting horses |
Maintenance level |
Primarily forage; minimal grain |
Electrolytes may also be beneficial for horses in heavy training, especially in hot climates.
8. Feeding by Life Stage
Different life stages require different nutrient balances.
Foals and Weanlings
Need higher protein (16–18%) and calcium for growth.
Provide creep feed or a foal starter alongside good-quality hay.
Avoid overfeeding — excessive energy can cause developmental bone issues.
Broodmares
During early pregnancy, maintenance feeding usually suffices.
Late gestation and lactation require more calories, protein, calcium, and phosphorus.
High-quality forage and a mare-specific concentrate are ideal.
Senior Horses
May have worn teeth or reduced digestion efficiency.
Use easily chewed feeds (pelleted or soaked).
Choose feeds with added fat, beet pulp, or complete senior formulas.
9. Feeding Frequency and Routine
Horses thrive on routine. Sudden changes in feed type, amount, or timing can cause digestive upset.
Best Practices
Feed at the same times daily.
Divide concentrate feedings into multiple small meals.
Allow constant access to forage or at least 12 hours of roughage availability.
Avoid feeding immediately before or after strenuous exercise.
Store feed in airtight, rodent-proof containers to prevent spoilage.
Consistency keeps both the horse’s digestive tract and temperament balanced.
10. Special Feeding Considerations
Certain conditions or management situations require tailored feeding approaches.
Laminitis and Metabolic Syndrome
Feed low-NSC (non-structural carbohydrate) forage.
Avoid sweet feeds, molasses, and lush pasture.
Provide soaked hay if necessary to reduce sugars.
Colic Prevention
Maintain consistent feeding schedules.
Provide plenty of water.
Avoid sudden changes in diet.
Allow regular exercise and turnout.
Ulcers
Increase forage access to reduce stomach acid exposure.
Minimize grain and long fasting periods.
Use alfalfa for its natural buffering effect.
Allergies or Sensitivities
Eliminate common triggers (soy, corn, molasses).
Introduce new feeds one at a time.
Use single-ingredient supplements to identify issues.
11. Feeding Tools and Management
Efficient feed management can reduce waste, improve hygiene, and promote natural feeding behavior.
Hay Feeders and Nets
Slow feeders or hay nets extend eating time, mimicking grazing and preventing boredom or obesity.
Feed Storage
Keep hay dry and protected from sunlight.
Store grain in metal or heavy-duty plastic bins with tight lids.
Rotate stock regularly to prevent mold and nutrient loss.
Weighing Feed
Use a scale instead of scoops — volume can vary widely between feed types. Accurate measurement prevents under- or overfeeding.
12. Common Feeding Mistakes to Avoid
Even experienced horse owners can make feeding errors. Avoid these pitfalls:
Feeding too much grain: Can cause colic or laminitis.
Ignoring forage quality: Poor hay leads to deficiencies and digestive issues.
Rapid diet changes: Disrupts gut microbes.
Uneven feeding schedules: Increases stress and ulcer risk.
Neglecting salt or water: Causes dehydration and reduced performance.
Over-supplementing: Too many vitamins or minerals can be harmful.
Underestimating calories in pasture: Leads to unwanted weight gain.
Smart feeding is about balance and observation, not just quantity.
13. Monitoring and Adjusting the Diet
No feeding plan should remain static. Monitor your horse regularly and adjust as needed.
Key Indicators of Proper Feeding
Steady body weight and condition
Shiny coat and healthy hooves
Normal manure consistency
Energetic but calm demeanor
Regular appetite and water intake
When problems arise — poor performance, dull coat, or digestive issues — review the entire feeding program, from hay quality to feeding frequency.
14. Seasonal Feeding Strategies
Winter Feeding
Increase hay slightly to meet energy demands for warmth.
Ensure unfrozen water is always available.
Add salt to encourage drinking.
Check body condition regularly; weight loss is harder to notice under thick coats.
Summer Feeding
Prevent dehydration by providing shade and cool water.
Avoid feeding large grain meals before exercise.
Supplement electrolytes for heavy work or excessive sweating.
Spring and Fall Transitions
Introduce lush pasture gradually to prevent laminitis.
Adjust hay and grain intake according to grazing conditions.
15. Working with a Nutrition Professional
While many horse owners
manage feeding independently, consulting an equine
nutritionist or veterinarian
can optimize results — especially for horses with health conditions
or high performance demands.
A professional can:
Analyze hay and grain nutrient content
Design balanced rations
Identify mineral imbalances or deficiencies
Monitor weight and metabolic health
Routine evaluation ensures your feeding strategy remains aligned with your horse’s evolving needs.
16. Sustainable and Cost-Effective Feeding
Optimal feeding doesn’t have to be expensive. Focus on efficiency and waste reduction.
Tips:
Buy hay in bulk during harvest season to secure better prices and quality.
Use slow feeders to minimize hay waste.
Ration concentrates carefully — overfeeding adds cost without benefit.
Compost manure and old feed to recycle nutrients responsibly.
Sustainability supports both your budget and the environment.
17. Example Daily Feeding Plans
Below are general examples for various horse types (based on a 1,000-pound horse). Always adjust for individual metabolism and forage quality.
Maintenance Horse (Idle or Light Work)
18–22 lbs grass hay daily
Access to salt and water
Optional vitamin/mineral supplement
Moderate Work Horse (Trail, Ranch Work)
15 lbs grass hay
4–6 lbs commercial performance feed (split into 2 meals)
Salt and water free-choice
High Performance Horse
12 lbs alfalfa/grass hay mix
6–8 lbs high-fat, high-energy feed
1–2 cups vegetable oil or rice bran
Electrolytes and salt block
Senior Horse
10 lbs soaked hay pellets or complete senior feed
4–5 lbs alfalfa hay or cubes
Joint and digestive support supplements as needed
Fresh water and loose salt
These plans are starting points — observation and regular adjustment are essential.
18. Conclusion
Optimal feeding of horses is both an art and a science. It blends knowledge of equine physiology, forage management, and individual observation. There’s no one-size-fits-all approach — each horse’s nutritional needs depend on its age, workload, health, and metabolism.
The key principles to remember are:
Forage first — it should form the bulk of the diet.
Feed small, frequent meals and maintain consistency.
Provide clean water and salt at all times.
Make changes gradually to protect digestive health.
Monitor condition and adjust accordingly.
Feeding horses optimally promotes health, enhances performance, and strengthens the bond between horse and caretaker. A well-fed horse is not just healthier — it’s happier, more energetic, and better equipped to thrive in any discipline or environment.