Horse Feeding: Forage, Feed, and Water

Nutrition is the factor that most influences a horse's health, performance, and behavior. A horse is an herbivore adapted to eating small amounts frequently, not large, occasional meals. Understanding this principle changes the logic behind any domestic feeding plan.

The foundation is forage

Between 60% and 100% of the diet should be forage (hay or pasture). An adult horse needs between 1.5% and 2% of its body weight in dry matter daily. For a 500 kg horse, this means 8–10 kg of hay or pasture per day. Reducing this base below 1% of body weight significantly increases the risk of ulcers and stereotyped behaviors.

Hay quality

Good hay is identified by a light green color, a pleasant smell, an absence of dust, and leaves that do not fall off when handled. If a bale smells moldy, is dusty, or has dark areas when opened, it should not be fed. Hay analysis (protein, fiber, digestible energy) allows for ration adjustments based on actual data in stables where it is bought in bulk.

Concentrates: when and how much

Compound feed covers the energy and nutritional deficit that forage does not provide when work requires it. A well-foraged leisure horse may not need it. A sport horse in competition does. The rule of thumb: never more than 2 kg of concentrate per meal; large rations should be divided into 2-3 daily feedings. Exceeding 0.5 kg/100 kg of body weight/day of grain increases the risk of colic.

Water: the forgotten nutrient

A horse drinks 25–55 liters daily under normal conditions and up to twice that in summer or after exertion. Water must always be available, clean, and at a reasonable temperature. Mild chronic dehydration is the silent cause of many impaction colics. Automatic waterers without meters make it difficult to know how much each horse is actually drinking.

Frequent mistakes

Changing feed or hay abruptly without a 7-10 day transition. Giving large grain rations after intense work. Not providing continuous access to forage, forcing the horse to fast for long periods. Supplementing without a diagnosis. Wetting feed with hot water and letting it ferment.

Frequently asked questions

How many times a day should horses be fed?

The ideal approach is to offer forage in continuous access or frequent portions. Concentrate should be divided into 2-3 meals. Going more than 6 hours without forage increases the risk of gastric ulcers.

Is it good to give apples and carrots?

In moderate quantities, yes. They are well-tolerated treats. They should not replace basic feed nor be given in excess due to their sugar content.

How much does it cost to feed a horse per month in Spain?

It depends on the area and management, but it rarely drops below €150–200 for hay and concentrates. This is a figure to be clear about before acquiring a horse.