How Much Do You Feed an 8-Month Female Horse?

By the time your female foal is 8 months old she will have been weaned from her mother, and will rely on pasture and hard feed for all her nutrients. Over-feeding and under-feeding at this age have serious consequences. Her growth rate is likely to be compromised, resulting in related conditions, such as osteochondritis, contracted tendons and general poor health. She has particular nutritional needs that must be addressed but the exact amount fed will depend on her individual body weight.

  1. Protein

    • Protein is essential for growth and development, particularly at this age. A total of 16 percent of her total diet needs to be fed as protein. The amino acid lysine commonly is lacking so ensure the foal is fed suitable sources, such as green growing pasture, quality hay, alfalfa and soy bean.

    Carbohydrate and Fat

    • Foals, like all young animals, are naturally active and require energy feed in the form of carbohydrate and fat. They can digest similar foods as an adult eats, but in much smaller portions. Use the equation 2 percent of their body weight per day to calculate the amount and choose a product manufactured for foals.

    Minerals and Vitamins

    • Calcium gives strength to the skeleton and is fed in a ration of 2:1 with phosphorus. The young foal's diet must contain roughly 1% calcium and 0.5% phosphorus to aid healthy bone growth.