Many horse owners unknowingly make feeding mistakes that can affect their horses’ health. Let’s review some of the most common pitfalls and how to avoid them, so you can ensure your horse gets the nutrients he needs and remains in great condition.
Mistake #1: Measuring Feed by Volume. Feeding by weight ensures your horse gets the correct ratio of essential micronutrients. Use a kitchen or luggage scale to measure out the recommended amount of concentrate or complete feed according to the feed bag label.
Mistake #2: Underfeeding forage. Horses need constant access to quality hay or pasture. Forage should make up the bulk of their diet—ideally 1.5 to 2% of their body weight per day.
Mistake #3: Overfeeding grain. Overloading on concentrated feed can lead to obesity, colic, and other health problems, such as laminitis. Most horses don’t need a lot of grain unless they’re in heavy work.
Mistake #4: Feeding the wrong feed. Most feeds are specifically formulated for a horse’s life stage, nutritional needs, and activity level. Choose one designed for your type of horse to avoid nutritional imbalances.
Mistake #5: Not following a routine. Horses thrive on consistency. Try to feed at the same times each day, and avoid sudden diet changes. Changes should happen gradually over 7–10 days to avoid digestive upset.
Mistake #6: Oversupplementing. Too many supplements can be wasteful, harmful, and might interact negatively with each other. Always consult your vet or equine nutritionist before adding anything new.
Mistake #7: Not monitoring intake. Make sure fresh water is always available, and monitor trough and bucket levels for water intake. Also check your horse’s feed tubs and hay piles for signs of reduced appetite. A horse that’s not eating and drinking normally might be showing early signs of illness. If you need help designing an appropriate diet for your horse, talk to your veterinarian or an equine nutritionist.
Related Reading: Avoid These 8 Horse Feeding Mistakes
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