How do I choose the right horse feed?
Start with forage — good-quality hay or pasture should make up the majority of most horses’ diets. From there, match a feed to the individual: an easy keeper or metabolic horse needs a low-starch, low-sugar option, a hard keeper or performance horse needs more calories, and growing or senior horses have their own requirements. Check the feeding directions and feed by weight, not by scoop, since a ration fed below its intended amount may leave nutritional gaps.
What is the difference between a complete feed and a regular grain?
A complete feed includes enough fiber to replace some or all of a horse’s forage, which is useful for horses that cannot chew hay well, such as some seniors. A regular concentrate or grain is meant to be fed alongside adequate hay or pasture. Reading whether a product is designed as a complete feed or a supplement to forage tells you how to build the rest of the diet around it.
How much should I feed my horse?
A widely used starting point is roughly 1.5 to 2.5 percent of body weight in total feed per day, mostly forage, adjusted for the horse’s workload, age, and body condition. Concentrates should follow the manufacturer’s recommended amounts for the horse’s weight and activity. Weighing your hay and feed and monitoring body condition over time is far more accurate than estimating by volume.
Are forage supplements like alfalfa pellets and flax worth feeding?
They can be. Alfalfa pellets and hay cubes are a convenient way to add forage, protein, and calories, especially when good hay is scarce. Flax and other omega sources support coat condition and provide healthy fats. As with any addition, introduce changes gradually and consider the whole diet so the ration stays balanced rather than just heavier.