How to Select Appropriate Horse Feed

By cowgirljenn

Instructions

Step 1:
Evaluate your horse's work-load. If he's not being ridden or only being ridden very lightly, his feed needs will be different than a horse who is in heavy work.
Step 2:
Consider her age. Foals and very old horses often require different feed than adult horses.
Step 3:
Look at how much roughage he gets. Roughage includes hay and grass. Healthy horses who aren't ridden or who are doing light work may not need grain or other concentrates if they get plenty of pasture grass or hay. In general, horses need to eat about two percent of their body weight daily. If your horse is out on quality pasture with plenty of grass 24 hours a day, he may not need grain. Likewise, if he's getting at least two percent of his weight in hay per day, he may not need grain.
Step 4:
Look for a concentrate to feed her, if necessary. Take her age into consideration. Several feed companies offer feeds formulated for young horses or foals, working horses or senior horses.
Step 5:
Look at the feed ingredients. Some horses need extra fat to help them keep their weight, while others (such as growing horses or hard-working horses) need higher protein to build and maintain muscles.
Step 6:
Talk to your veterinarian and feed store manager for their input.
Step 7:
Look for a "complete feed" that will provide plenty of fiber and roughage if your horse can't eat hay because she has no teeth, is allergic, has COPD or some other reason.
Step 8:
Sart giving him just a little bit of the new feed, about half a pound, twice a day. Slowly increase the amount over several days (or even several weeks) to the recommended amount.
Step 9:
Keep a weight tape in the barn and measure your horse's weight weekly. If he starts losing weight, reevaluate your feeding program. You may need to give him more feed or change to a different type of feed.

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