Instructions
Consider the type of riding you do. If your horse is mainly used for light trail riding, a horse feed with a protein content of 10 to 12 percent should be sufficient for his needs. If you show your horse and sometimes engage in strenuous competitions, aim for a protein content of 14 to 16 percent. Horses who race or engage in endurance trail rides might need a feed with at least 18 percent.
Choose a feed formulation that is suitable for your horse's age as well. Horse feed manufacturers provide many different blends, each designed for horses at a particular stage of their lives. Senior horses need a feed that is easily digestible and high in fiber, while foals need a quality food that is suitable for weanlings. Pregnant and lactating mares need special nutrients to get their foals off to the best possible start.
Examine the feed and make sure it is palatable to your horse. The feed should feel heavy and substantial in your hands, and it should have a thick consistency. If the feed is very dry, your horse might not want to eat it. Many brands of horse feeds include molasses as a thickener and source of extra nutrient. Most horses love the taste of molasses, so that ingredient will make the feed more palatable as well.
How to Select a Good Horse Feed
No matter what type of horse you own or what your preferred style of riding, you need to care for your equine companion properly. Good nutrition is an essential part of that care, and choosing the right food for your horse is fundamental to his good health. In order to choose the right food for your horse, you need to consider a number of factors, including the type of riding you do and the age of your animal.