How to Feed Foals After Weaning

After spending their whole lives relying on their mother's milk for sustinance, young foals can have a difficult time making the transition to adult food. When foals are weaned, the burden of supporting another life is lifted from the mare and there is often a return of a healthy, robust look to the mother. For the foal, there can be some difficult times ahead as the baby's system adjusts to the change. Proper feeding is key during this young age, when the small body is still developing and in need of a balanced diet to grow.

Things You'll Need

  • Weanling formula grain
  • Alfalfa hay
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Instructions

    • 1

      Begin creep feeding well before the weaning process begins. Solid food can be offered at about two weeks of age, although the foal will only be testing it at this point. Creep feeders are smaller feeding structures that allow the foals access to the food while keeping the mares out of it. A high-protein feed should be offered, with major ingredients like oats, corn and soybean. Change food daily; by the time the foal is weaned, it should be consuming between 1 and 3 lbs. of feed per day. Creep feeding encourages the young horse to develop adult feeding habits in addition to completing nutritional needs, and encourages the idea that they can look for food somewhere besides their mother.

    • 2

      Select a grain. There are a variety of weanling formulas available, as the nutritional needs of a growing foal differ considerably from an adult horse. Look for a meal that contains soybean or canola, as this will have a high protein content. High-energy foods should also be present in the grain mix, including oats, barley, corn or sorghum.

    • 3

      Determine how much grain the foal needs to eat. The formula for doing this is simple, and based on the foal's weight. Most of the foal's height and about half of their adult weight is gained in their first year of life, and most are weaned between 4 and 6 months of age. During this time, plan on feeding between 1 1/2 and 2 lbs. of weanling grain feed per 100 pounds of body weight per day.

    • 4

      Select a type of hay. Only high-quality hay should be fed, as this will contain more of the key nutrients needed for growth. Legume forage, alfalfa hay or grass hay is acceptable. Do not allow the foal constant access to the hay, but instead measure out an appropriate portion based on the weight ratio: similar to the formula for determining grain, between 1/2 and 1 lb. of hay per 100 pounds of body weight should be consumed daily. If legume or alfalfa hay is used, the foal will get much of her needed energy from this. Grain usage can be reduced by half if these types of forage are offered.

    • 5

      Offer a constant source of fresh water. Salt is also an important mineral needed to promote healthy growth.

    • 6

      Set up a routine. Weaning is a stressful time for the foal when the bond between mother and foal is broken, so familiarity will help settle the foal. Repeat the feeding routine every day, and make adjustments to the amounts as necessary. A typical foal should be consuming between 2 and 3 percent of its body weight in feed every day and gaining several pounds a day.