The Best Feed for Gypsy Horses

The Gypsy horse is known for its placid disposition and its legendary versatility, and the breed has been garnering new interest in recent years. Hundreds of years ago, the horse was the center of Gypsy life, and it was important that the same horse be able to pull the family wagon and pack the kids around on trails. As more and more horse lovers discover the Gypsy horse, it is important for owners to understand the special nutritional requirements of this unique breed.

  1. Sweet Feed

    • Sweet feed derives its name from the molasses that is added to the mixture of oats, corn and other grains. Sweet feed is manufactured by many different companies, including such big players as Omelene and Purina, and it is widely available in 50- and 100-pound bags at feed mills and tack shops.

      When selecting sweet feed for a Gypsy horse, the most important consideration is the protein content. In Europe, these special horses are often used to pull formal carriages, attend shows and travel long distances on the trail. Gypsy horse owners who perform these strenuous activities with their equines should choose a high-protein food, as much as 16-18%, while Gypsy horses who are primarily pasture pets and trail horses will do quite well on a commercial feed with a 10-12% protein content. The protein content will be displayed on each bag of feed, both on the front of the package and on the nutritional analysis inset.

    Alfalfa Hay

    • Good forage is an essential nutrient for all horses, including the famous Gypsy horse. In fact, forage makes up the biggest portion of the equine diet in the natural world, and it is important for horse owners to re-create that natural diet as much as possible. Choosing the right hay is a vital part of horse ownership, and Gypsy owners in particular should take care to choose a top-quality hay.

      Gypsy horses that compete in trail rides or horse shows will need a quality alfalfa hay to give them the energy they need to compete effectively. Alfalfa is also a good choice for winter, since it has a higher energy content than other types of forage.

    Timothy Hay

    • Gypsy horses who do lighter work may not need the extra energy boost of alfalfa hay, although alfalfa can still be offered as a special treat. Timothy hay provides a cost-effective and very nutritious alternative to more expensive alfalfa forage, and Gypsy horses can be kept quite effectively on a diet of Timothy hay and a small amount of sweet feed.

      When choosing Timothy hay it is important to look for hay that does not contain a lot of stems and other inedible materials. When evaluating hay, be sure to cut open a sample bale and examine it closely. The hay should have a fresh smell, with no mold or foul odor present.