Horse Feed
Feeding is the foundation of a horse's health, and every horse is an individual.
Feeding is the foundation of a horse's health, and every horse is an individual. A good diet starts with plenty of good-quality forage and is built up from there according to workload, age, condition and temperament.
We aim to make feeding simpler with clear information. For tailored advice, a qualified equine nutritionist or your vet can help you build the right diet and most feed companies offer a free nutrition helpline.
Forage first
Forage, grass, hay or haylage, should make up the majority of every horse's diet. Many good-doers need little more than forage and a balancer, while horses in hard work or poor condition may need additional hard feed.
Feed for the work and the horse
Match energy intake to workload and condition: too much hard feed for the work done can lead to weight gain and excitable behaviour, while too little may leave a hard-working horse lacking condition. Adjust gradually and monitor body condition.
Change diets slowly
The horse's digestive system is sensitive to sudden change. Introduce any new feed gradually over a week or two to reduce the risk of digestive upset.
Horse Feed: your questions answered
A feed balancer is a concentrated source of vitamins, minerals and quality protein fed in small amounts. It tops up the nutrients that forage alone may lack, without adding the calories of a full hard feed, useful for good-doers.
It depends on bodyweight, workload, age and condition. Follow the feed manufacturer's guidelines for your horse's weight and work, monitor condition, and seek advice from a nutritionist or vet if you are unsure.