What Do Mares Eat?

A mare is a female horse, generally three years old or older. Mares that are not used for breeding should be fed according to their work level, just like male horses. However, pregnant mares and mares that are nursing foals have special dietary needs that must be met. Feeding mares food that provides the necessary nutrition is essential to maintaining her health and the health of her offspring.

  1. Mares Without Foals

    • Mares that do not have foals should be fed like any other horse. Her nutritional needs will be determined by the amount of work that she does. Quality pasture is a basic requirement, and depending on how much energy she expends in a day, she might need small portions of grains. Quality hay can be given if pasture is limited or barren. Mares, especially ones that will be used for breeding, should be prevented from becoming fat. Unhealthy body conditions will make it more difficult for the mare to conceive.

    Pregnant Mares

    • When a mare is pregnant, she is the only source of nutrition for the growing unborn foal. During the first stage of pregnancy, the mare should be fed according to her work level. Quality pasture, alfalfa or legume hay and a very small amount of grain is sufficient. Her caloric and nutritional needs do not begin to drastically change until the second trimester. At this point, the mare will need more calories, protein and vitamins and minerals in her diet to ensure the proper development of the fetus. During the final trimester, the mare needs more sources of energy and protein as well as plenty of calcium and phosphorus. Specially formulated concentrated grains for pregnant mares, along with appropriate hays, will provide the nutrition the mare needs. Supplement mixes are also available and should be fed according to the manufacturer's instructions.

    Nursing Mares

    • A newborn foal relies solely on the mare for nutrition until it is two months old. Therefore, mares that nurse need even more energy provided by their diets than pregnant mares. Protein, vitamin and mineral intake should be increased by as much as 25 percent. She will continue to need calcium and phosphorus. The mare should receive 3 percent of her body weight in feed and the calories provided should be enough to maintain her stores of fat. If she does not receive enough calories, her own body reserves will be broken down in order to provide enough nutrition to the foal. Continue to provide a concentrated grain and one that is formulated for nursing mares. The mare should also have access to pasture or grass hays and alfalfa.

    Feeding Mares After Weaning

    • The foal can be weaned from the mare when it is four to five months old. Its digestive tract will have developed enough to handle and process grasses and grains and it no longer relies on the mare for nutrition. A mare's caloric intake should gradually be reduced. Grain should be slowly taken out of the diet to encourage the mare to stop producing milk. After weaning, the mare should not have grain for three days to a week. Concentrated feeds may be added back to the diet after this period, and mares who are already in foal again should not be denied grain for more than a week. Always provide quality pasture or good hay.