How do the needs change in a horse's nutrition needs in winter? Chilly weather changes winter horse nutrition in a very real-world way: horses need more calories to stay warm, and some also need better feed management to maintain weight. A horse does not automatically need huge amounts of extra grain in winter, but its energy requirements often rise as temperatures drop, wind increases, and pasture quality falls. The first step is evaluating body conditi
What Is the Difference Between Horse Feed and Concentrates?
Horse feed compared with concentrates: the simple distinction A simple way to understand horse feed and concentrates is this: horse feed is the general term for anything you feed a horse, while concentrates are a specific type of feed designed to deliver extra energy , protein , or other nutrients in a smaller volume than forage. Forage is at the core of most equine diets. It includes grass, hay, haylage, and other fibrous feeds that provide roughage a
How Much Should You Budget for Horse Feed to Budget Per Month
Figuring out how much horse feed to buy each month is less about guessing and more about matching a horse’s daily ration to its body weight , exercise level, and forage intake. A practical budget starts with the basics: most horses should get the bulk of their calories from forage such as hay or pasture , while grain concentrate and other feeds fill in the gaps for energy, protein , fiber , and minerals . When you need a realistic horse feed co
Why might my horse thin? A lean horse is not necessarily underfed. Before selecting any horse feed, start by assessing the body condition score and looking for the reason behind the weight loss . A horse can lose condition for several overlapping reasons, and the best feeding plan depends on identifying them first. Common causes include dental problems , parasites , poor-quality forage, stress, reduced appetite, and underlying illness. If chewing is painful o
Choosing the Horse Feed Is Right for Senior Horses in 2026?
What changes in a senior horse’s nutrition needs? As senior horses age, their nutritional needs often vary in ways that affect body condition, appetite, and overall wellbeing. The most suitable horse feed for an older horse is rarely the same as the one that worked in younger years. Ageing can reduce digestible fibre use, lower digestibility , and make it harder to maintain weight and topline. For this reason equine nutrition for older horses focuses on more t
Horse Feed for Balanced Nutrition: How to Pick the Right Diet
What Balanced Nutrition Looks for Horses Selecting the right horse feed comes down with recognizing horse nutrition as a whole, not just picking a bag with a familiar name on it. A proper ration promotes energy, muscle function, gut comfort, and long-term soundness. For most horses, the foundation should be forage , including hay and pasture , with concentrates used only to make up for calories, protein , fiber , fat , and vitamins and minerals .
How to Choose Horse Feed According to Body Condition Score
What body condition score means for feeding horses A horse’s body condition score is one of the most practical tools in equine nutrition because it helps select horse feed to the horse’s actual needs instead of guessing. The body condition scoring system assesses how much fat covers key areas of the body, which indicates whether the horse is underweight , at an ideal body condition , or overconditioned . That makes it easier to build a balanced ration u
How Much Grain to Feed a Horse Per Day: Basic Calculator Guide If you are trying to figure out how much grain to feed a horse per day , a good starting point is a basic rule: grain should support the horse’s needs, not replace good forage. A balanced horse feed plan starts with hay or pasture, then adds horse feed grain only as needed for additional energy, protein, or body condition support. A basic horse feeding chart is helpful, but it should by no means be