How to Feed Horse Foals During the First Year

Foals are in their most important stage of development and growth in the first years of their lives. Because of this, the nutrition they receive is crucial. After nursing, young horses go through a stage of creep feeding, in which they start to eat food that is not milk; and weaning, in which they eat their own food and do not depend on their mother. Feeding during this period greatly affects future athletic performance and overall health.

Things You'll Need

  • Creep feeder
  • Concentrate
  • Grass, grass hay
  • Alfalfa hay
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Instructions

  1. Eight Weeks to Four Months

    • 1

      Provide "creep feed" to the foal when he reaches eight weeks old. The "creep feeder" should allow the foal, but not his mother, to access the food.

    • 2

      Ensure that the feed concentrate contains 14 to 16 percent protein, 0.5 to 0.6 percent phosphorous, 0.7 to 0.9 percent calcium, 50 to 90 parts per million (ppm) copper and 120 to 240 ppm zinc.

    • 3

      Feed the foal creep feed in a ratio of 1.1-2.2 lbs. of feed to each 220 lbs. of his weight, per day.

    Three Months to One Year

    • 4

      Offer concentrate to the foal at a rate of 1 to 1.5 percent of his body weight, after he is fully weaned from his mother, or when he is about three months old.

    • 5

      Make sure that your concentrate contains the same amount of protein as the first mix, but exactly 0.5 percent phosphorous, 0.8 percent calcium, 50 to 80 ppm copper and 100 to 200 ppm zinc.

    • 6

      Provide the weanling with free access to high-quality grass. If you don't have grass, substitute grass hay.

    • 7

      Provide alfalfa hay as a treat, but only up to 1/2 percent of the foal's body weight (2 lbs. of hay for a 400 lb. foal).

    • 8

      Consider supplements. Foals need high amounts of folic acid, iron and calcium to stay in good health. It is best to talk to your vet before adding supplements to your foal's diet, but these additions can be very beneficial. He will tell you whether you should use them and may have dosage advice outside of what is written on the package.