General Rules for the Percentage of Food to Feed Your Horse

The equine digestive system is very intricate and sensitive. Even though horses have survived for years in the wild, they require a much more scientific diet when they are domesticated and taken away from their grassy roots. Using forage, grain and supplements, equine owners can fulfill their horses' needs whether the animals are trail horses or three-day event competitors.

  1. Hay

    • The amount of hay a horse needs depends on many factors. A horse will need more hay if it is young or old, in strenuous exercise, or in a breeding program. In general, alfalfa and clover hays are the richest types, having higher protein and calcium levels than grass varieties. An adult horse that is not on pasture will consume 1 percent to 2 percent of its body weight in hay daily, according to a Utah State University report. Ideally, horses that consume both grain and forages should consume at least 50 percent of their daily calories with forages. Easy-keepers and horses in light work can gain all of their nutrients from quality forage, and do not need grain to be healthy.

    Grass

    • Pastures lush with grass can provide ample amounts of forage for horses to maintain healthy weights. A horse has to consume a higher amount of grass than hay to gain the necessary nutrients through a forage diet. Because hay is baled and dry, it is much denser, providing 90 percent dry matter. Grass has a much higher moisture level, generally 20 to 30 percent dry matter with 70 to 80 percent moisture. When your horse is feeding on forage, be sure it always has an ample amount of water available to keep its digestion clear and efficient.

    Grain

    • The many types of grain available on the market offer different percentages of proteins, fats and carbohydrates to meet the needs of each horse. Just as with forage, a horse’s body type and workload will determine how much grain is necessary to maintain a healthy weight. Corn provides more calories than oats, and each mixed feed contains a different ratio of corn to oats. Purina Mills, which makes horse feed, says a general rule is to feed no more than 5 lbs. of grain per meal for a 1000-lb. horse, or .5 percent of the horse’s body weight. It is safer to keep grain to a minimum because overfeeding can cause colic or laminitis.

    Supplements

    • A horse that has a hard time maintaining a healthy weight may need a food supplement to consume the necessary number of calories. Because too much grain can cause colic and laminitis, a supplement high in calories can fulfill a horse's dietary needs. Different weight supplements offer calories that come from protein or fat, which will enhance the horse's overall diet. The type of grain and forage each horse is receiving will determine which weight supplement is the best option.