Voerkeuzes voor je paard: de basis op een rij

Feeding choices for your horse: the basics at a glance

Feeding a horse isn’t just about filling up a hay net and walking away. It’s one of the most important ways to keep your horse healthy, happy, and thriving. And if we’re being honest, a bit of an art.

If you’re new to this, no worries. This guide walks you through the essentials: what horses are naturally designed to eat, when you might add extras, and how to put together a daily menu that makes sense for your horse.

Let’s get into it.


What Horses Are Actually Designed to Eat

Here’s the thing: horses are built to graze. Like, all day. Their digestive system isn’t made for two big meals, it’s made for nibbling on forage like grass or hay throughout the day.

So if you’re wondering what to feed your horse, the answer almost always starts with roughage. High-quality hay or access to pasture should make up the bulk of your horse’s diet. Why is that important? Because a horse’s digestive system is delicate. Give them too much grain or change feeds too fast, and you might end up dealing with colic, ulcers, or other problems you don’t want to see.


Your Horse’s Daily Menu: The Basics

Alright, so what should a typical day look like when it comes to feeding your horse?

1. Forage Comes First

Forage is your horse’s main food source, always. If your horse doesn’t have consistent access to pasture, you’ll want to provide plenty of hay. 

Horses with access to pasture may need less hay, but that depends on the quality of the grass. Not all green stuff is created equal.

If your horse tends to gain weight easily or has a history of laminitis, chat with your vet or an equine nutritionist. They can recommend the best diet for your hourse. 

Oh, and yes, horses may need additional hay in the winter, when pasture isn’t doing much.

2. Concentrates (Only If They Need It)

Let’s talk grains and pellets. Also called concentrates, these are your oats, barley, sweet feed, and those handy pelleted formulas that promise a little of everything.

Here’s the deal: not every horse needs hard feed. Horses in light work usually do just fine on forage alone. But horses with higher workloads, those recovering from illness, or those who struggle to keep weight on may need additional energy through concentrates.

A few things to keep in mind:

  • Oats are great for energy but high in starch
  • Barley is denser but usually needs to be processed
  • Pellets are a good all-in-one option, especially for picky eaters or seniors

But a little goes a long way. Feeding too much grain is a common cause of colic, ulcers, and weight gain or laminitis. Always introduce new feeds gradually, at least over a week, to avoid upsetting your horse’s gut.


Don’t Forget the Water and Salt

Let’s not skip the essentials. Your horse needs access to fresh water at all times. A horse will drink 20 to 40 liters a day. If they’re sweating, eating more hay, or it’s a hot day? Even more.

Also, don’t forget about salt. It helps with hydration and encourages your horse to drink. A simple salt block in the stall or paddock can go a long way..


Feeding Based on Your Horse’s Lifestyle

Now here’s where things get personal. The way you feed a horse depends on who they are and what they’re doing.

Young Horses (Foals, Yearlings, and the Wild Teen Phase): Growing horses have specific dietary needs. They need more protein, calcium, and minerals, but not too many calories too fast, or they’ll grow too quickly, which can cause joint issues. It’s a balance, so definitely check in with a nutritionist or vet for this stage.

Adult Horses in Light Work: Most average horses just hanging out or doing light riding? They’re good with hay and pasture. Maybe a vitamin and mineral balancer, but they probably don’t need grain.

Performance Horses: Working hard, sweating daily, burning energy? These horses may need additional fuel beyond hay. That could mean concentrates, fat sources, or specific blends.

 

Senior Horses: Older horses can’t always chew well or absorb nutrients like they used to. They may need soaked hay pellets, senior feeds, or extra time to eat in peace. Some older horses also get fussy or stressed when routines shift. 


Feeding Safely: A Few Golden Rules

Let’s make sure you’re feeding smart:

  • Keep a regular feeding schedule
  • Check hay and grains for mold, dust, or anything that smells off
  • Introduce new food slowly (like over 7–10 days)
  • Watch your horse’s body condition: if they’re gaining or losing unexpectedly, tweak the plan
  • Avoid feeding large grain meals all at once. Split them per feeding
  • Keep your feeding area calm and clean so your horse can eat in peace

Feeding seems easy until you realize your horse is a picky, sensitive, semi-feral food critic.


If you want to add extra support

Even with the best hay and a solid plan, sometimes you might feel your horse needs some extra support. 

That’s where the right feed additives make a difference. A few trusted options from equielite supplements:

These are easy-to-feed and FEI safe. 


Final Thoughts

Feeding your horse doesn’t have to be complicated, but it should be thoughtful. Start with forage, build around your horse’s body condition and workload, and adjust as needed.

Every bite your horse takes supports their mood, health, and performance. The better the diet, the better they feel, and the stronger your bond becomes.

Feed smart. Watch closely. And always give your horse the care they deserve.

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