How to Feed Your Horse the Right Amount of Protein in Its Feed

Balanced nutrition is essential for a healthy horse. Finding the ideal balance of protein and other nutrients in your horse's feed may sometimes be challenging. This is particularly true when your horse's needs change as he ages or modifies his activity level. There are some general guidelines to follow to feed your horse the proper amount of protein, however no two horses are alike. Consult with a vet for individually-tailored advice.

Things You'll Need

  • Soybean meal
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Instructions

    • 1

      Feed your horse a balanced diet with soybean meal providing the protein. Soybean meal is rich in lysine, according to Horses and Horse Information. Lysine is an amino acid essential for your horse's health.

    • 2

      Feed your horse the correct amount of protein for its age. For example, according to the University of Missouri, a foal's diet should be composed of 18 percent of protein, whereas a yearling and a two-year old horse's diet should consist of 14.3 percent protein.

    • 3

      Feed an adult horse, as well as one in early stages of pregnancy, 11 percent of protein. A "maintenance level" for mature horses is considered to be 7.2 percent protein, according to the University of Missouri.

    • 4

      Tailor the recommended protein intake for your horse's individual needs, if necessary. For example, YoungRider.com recommends increasing a horse's protein intake if it appears to suffer a lack of energy. It may also need slightly more protein if it works hard, as is the case with show jumpers. Consult with your horse's vet about gradually increasing or decreasing protein intake.