Proper nutrition is crucial for your horse’s health and well-being. And because most of us don’t have acres of nutrient-dense pasture for our horses to graze on year-round, it can also be one of the main costs associated with horse ownership. The exact cost to feed a horse varies widely depending on the type of hay or feed he needs, its quality, whether he requires nutritional supplements, and other factors like location. To help you figure out how much it will cost to feed a horse, we’ve broken down the average expenses you can expect.
High-Quality Hay
Hay is the foundation of most horses’ diets, and you can purchase it by the bale, the round bale, or in bulk. Here are price ranges for each:
- $3-20 per bale.
- $30-100 per round bale.
- $100-200 per ton.
These figures fluctuate depending on the hay quality and variety, quantity purchased, and geographic region. Don’t fall into the trap of purchasing a cheaper but lower-quality hay; feeding a high-quality hay can actually save you money in the long run by providing your horse with the nutrients he needs and avoiding expensive supplementation. To determine a hay’s quality, ask the supplier to provide you with a nutrient analysis or pay a nominal fee (about $20-40) to have it tested yourself.
The average-sized adult horse consumes about 15-25 pounds (at least 2% of their body weight) in forage per day. Weigh your hay bales (or use the amount you purchased in tons) to calculate how much you’re spending on hay per day and how quickly you’ll go through your current supply.
If you board your horse, the facility manager might include the cost of hay in your monthly fee.
Concentrate Feed
Horses that need more calories than forage alone can provide—such as horses in work, senior horses, and growing youngsters—might also need a concentrate feed product (basically, the nonforage portion of the ration, including grains and protein) in their diet. While feed can range from $15 to more than $40 per bag, the true cost to you depends on the daily ration for your horse (which you can determine by reading the feed label instructions). Higher-quality feeds are often fed in smaller rations, stretching your dollar further.
Nutritional Supplements
Some horses need extra vitamins and minerals to meet their nutrient requirements, which you can supply in the form of supplements. Popular types of supplements include probiotics, joint health supplements, omega-3 fatty acids, and products designed to improve horses’ skin, coats, and hooves. They cost, on average, $0.50 to $10 per day. Not all horses need supplements, however, so ask your veterinarian or equine nutritionist for advice before adding this expense to your feed budget.
Take-Home Message
Factors such as type of hay, quality of feed, supplements, and geographic region all play important roles in calculating the cost to feed a horse. Do your research through local horse groups, word of mouth, and online searches, and comparison shop to find quality feed and forage in your area at the best price.
Related Reading: How Much Does a Horse Cost Per Month?
