How to Feed Baby Horses

Baby horses are designed to get the nutrition they need from the milk their mothers provide, but when those babies are weaned it is up to the humans in their lives to step up and continue to provide the best and most nutritious foods. There are a number of equine feeds on the market, and it is important to compare them carefully in order to get the best quality for the money.

Things You'll Need

  • Quality hay
  • Pasture access
  • Weanling feed
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Instructions

    • 1

      Make sure your foal is ready to be weaned. Most mares will begin to wean their foals by refusing to allow them to nurse. It is important for foal owners to keep an eye on the mare and foal to determine when it is time to wean. When weaning the foal be sure to provide a separate paddock for the foal, preferably in a spot where mom and foal can see one another but the foal cannot nurse.

    • 2

      Ensure that the foal has access to quality hay, a lush pasture or both. Keep in mind that a large part of any horse's diet -- including weanlings -- should come not from grain but from forages like grass and hay. Providing access to hay and grass will keep the foal healthy and reduce the risk of many dietary complications.

    • 3

      Make sure your foal has access to plenty of fresh, clean water. No matter what kind of feed you choose it is essential that the foal have access to fresh clean water 24 hours a day.

    • 4

      Visit your local feed store and look for a quality feed that is designed specifically for weanlings. Horses have different nutritional needs at different points in their lives, and it is up to horse owners to cater to those specific needs. By choosing a feed designed with the nutritional needs of the weanling in place you will be able to get your baby horse off to a great start.