One of the most important (and sometimes confusing) aspects of horse care is figuring out what and how much to feed your new charge. That’s because there’s no one-size-fits-all formula and horse feeding rates will differ depending on a wide range of factors. Let’s start by identifying which category your horse fits into and how to feed him based on his life stage.
The Basics of Horse Feeding Rates
Feeding rates refer to the amount of food and nutrients your horse should get each day. This varies depending on:
- Horse age.
- Whether they’re pregnant or nursing.
- Workload and activity level.
- Metabolic health.
- Season and climate.
- Forage/hay quality.
As herbivores, horses’ digestive systems are designed for continuous grazing. So first and foremost, make sure your horse is consuming plenty of quality forage (pasture grass and hay). Most horses should eat 1.5-2.0% of their body weight each day in forage. That means a 1,000-pound horse needs to eat between 15 and 22 pounds of forage daily.
If you feed your horse a concentrate feed, pay attention to the directions on the bag’s label. Feed labels provide crucial information about the product’s nutritional content and recommended feeding rates.
Most feeds will list the recommended daily intake based on your horse’s weight or life stage. For example, the label might suggest something like, “Feed 1-2 pounds per 100 pounds of body weight for a maintenance horse.” If your horse is on the light or heavy side, you might need to adjust the amount you’re feeding.
Feeding Rates by Life Stage
Now, let’s talk about how feeding rates can vary depending on your horse’s type and needs.
1. Maintenance Horses
If your horse is healthy, in light work, and in good weight, he’s a maintenance horse. Feeding rates for maintenance horses are typically based on their weight and activity level. The average adult horse (weighing around 1,000 pounds) might need around 1.5-2% of his body weight in food each day. This can include hay, grain, and supplements. If your horse doesn’t get regular exercise, you might lean toward the lower end of that range. If you ride him every day, he might need more.
2. Pregnant and Lactating Mares
Pregnant mares require extra nutrition, especially in the later stages of pregnancy. They’re not only supporting their own body, but they’re also growing a foal. This means you’ll need to adjust their feeding rate and/or switch to a feed designed for lactating mares to provide more calories, protein, and minerals.
As a general guideline, increase your broodmare’s daily intake by about 15-20% during pregnancy. Once she’s lactating, she might need even more—sometimes up to 30% more than usual. Always work with your veterinarian to meet a mare’s specific nutritional needs during pregnancy and lactation.
3. Performance Horses
Performance horses in training or competition burn a lot of energy. Be it a racehorse, a jumper, or a barrel racer, these horses need higher-calorie diets to maintain their energy levels and muscle mass. We often adjust their feeding rates to ensure they have enough fuel for intense exercise, while still supporting recovery after workouts.
These horses typically need higher amounts of protein, fat, and carbohydrates compared to maintenance horses. Depending on their activity level, they might require 2-2.5% of their body weight in food, with the exact amount depending on the intensity of their work.
4. Growing Horses
Foals and young horses have different feeding requirements than adult horses. Because they’re actively growing, they need extra protein, vitamins, and minerals to support bone development, muscle growth, and overall health.
Foals and young horses might need higher protein and higher-calorie diets than adult horses, especially during rapid growth periods. By the time they reach about 6 months old, they’ll usually be eating roughly the same amount as a maintenance horse, but it’s important to monitor their growth to ensure they’re not gaining weight too quickly or slowly. Feeds designed specifically for growing horses can ensure you’re meeting these needs.
5. Senior Horses
As horses age, their metabolism, teeth, and digestive systems change. Many owners opt to switch to a senior feed to combat these challenges.
Older horses might need higher-quality hay that’s easier to chew (such as alfalfa or soft grass hay). You might need to switch to soaked hay or hay cubes if they have dental issues. Their calorie needs can also vary—some older horses might need more calories to maintain weight, while others need fewer because they’re less active. You might also need to increase their protein levels to maintain muscle mass. Additionally, it’s common for senior horses to benefit from supplements to help with joint health and digestion.
If your senior horse has a condition such as arthritis, metabolic disease, or pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction (aka Cushing’s), his feeding rates might need to be customized. Regular veterinary check-ups are essential for determining the best diet and ensuring your senior stays healthy.
Special Considerations
Some horses have special dietary needs. For example, older horses or horses with certain health conditions, such as laminitis or metabolic disorders, might require customized feeding plans. This could mean special low-sugar feeds, different hay types, nutritional supplements, or a slower feeding schedule. In these cases, it’s always a good idea to consult with your vet to ensure you’re feeding your horse properly.
Monitoring Your Horse’s Condition
Even with the right feeding rates, it’s essential to keep an eye on your horse’s body condition. Is he gaining too much weight? Is he losing weight? Does he look dull and unthrifty? These are all signs you might need to adjust your feeding rates. Check your horse’s body condition score (BCS), which ranges from 1 (too thin) to 9 (obese), regularly, and adjust rations as necessary.
Take-Home Message
Think of feeding your horse like preparing a personalized meal plan. Just like humans, every horse is unique. What works for one might not work for another.
The key is matching your horse’s diet to his specific life stage and observing his energy levels, body condition, and overall health. Be ready to make adjustments, and don’t be afraid to ask for help from experienced professionals.
Related Reading:
- Retired and Thriving: What to Feed Nonworking Horses
- Wise Weight Management: Feeding Metabolic Horses
- Feeding Senior Horses: Everything You Need to Know
This article is brought to you by Sentinel Horse Feeds. Use Sentinel’s interactive feed finder quiz to find a feed specific to your horse.
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