What Should I Feed My Horse? 5 Rules Every New Owner Needs to Know
You've brought your horse home. You've mastered stall cleaning and daily health checks. Now comes a question that every new owner asks: "What do I actually feed them?"
Walk down the feed aisle at any tack store and you'll see rows of bags—hay, pellets, grains, supplements, treats. It's overwhelming. And getting it wrong can lead to colic, laminitis, or a very unhappy horse.
Here's what every new owner needs to know—5 rules for feeding your horse safely and well.
Rule 1: Feed at the Same Time Every Day
Horses are creatures of habit. Their digestive systems run on a schedule. Feed them at the same times daily and their bodies learn to expect it.
Why it matters: A consistent schedule prevents digestive upset and colic. It also reduces stress—your horse knows when food is coming and won't pace or fret.
What to do: Choose feeding times that work for you and stick to them. Most owners feed twice a day—morning and evening.
Rule 2: Make Changes Slowly
Horses have sensitive digestive systems. A sudden change in feed can cause colic—which can be fatal.
The rule: Any change to hay, grain, or supplements should take 7–10 days. Start with 90% old feed and 10% new. Slowly increase the new while decreasing the old each day.
What to do: If you're switching hay or grain, plan ahead. Don't run out of old feed and suddenly start something new. Transition slowly.
Rule 3: Feed Hay Before Grain
This one surprises many beginners. But it's important.
Why it matters: Hay provides the fiber that keeps the digestive system moving. Grain digests faster. If you feed grain first, it passes through quickly—and the horse may colic.
What to do: Always offer hay first. Wait at least 30 minutes before grain. This gives your horse time to eat slowly and start digesting properly.
Rule 4: Always Provide Fresh, Clean Water
Water is the most important nutrient—and the most overlooked.
How much: A 1,000 lb horse drinks 10–15 gallons a day in hot weather. They can survive weeks without food, but only days without water.
What to do: Scrub buckets daily—don't just top off. Check water temperature: cool, not ice-cold. Provide a salt block to encourage drinking. Monitor intake—a sudden drop is the first sign of illness.
Rule 5: Measure Everything—Never Guess
Obesity and malnutrition are both dangerous. Guessing amounts leads to both.
What to measure:
-
Hay: 1,000 lb horse eats 15–20 lbs per day (about 1.5–2% of body weight)
-
Grain: Start with 0.5–1 lb per 100 lbs of body weight for horses in light work
-
Supplements: Only add under your vet's guidance
What to do: Use a scale for hay. Use a measuring cup for grain. Keep a feeding log. Adjust based on your horse's weight and workload.
Hay: The Foundation
Hay is the most important part of your horse's diet. It provides fiber, prevents ulcers, and keeps digestion moving.
Types of hay:
| Type | Best For |
|---|---|
| Timothy | Most horses—low sugar, good fiber |
| Orchard grass | Picky eaters—soft and sweet |
| Alfalfa | Hard keepers—higher protein |
| Mixed grass | General use—balanced |
Quality check: Good hay is green, smells sweet, and is free of dust and mold. If it's brown or musty—don't feed it.
Grain: The Energy Source
Hay provides the foundation. Grain provides extra energy for horses in work, growing, or underweight.
How much to feed: Start with 0.5–1 lb per 100 lbs of body weight for light work. Always follow your vet's recommendation.
Types:
| Type | Best For |
|---|---|
| Oats | Easy keepers—low starch |
| Sweet feed | Hard keepers—higher sugar |
| Pelleted feed | Balanced and convenient |
Treats: Yes, But in Moderation
Safe treats: Carrots, apples, watermelon rind, sugar-free peppermints.
Treat rules:
-
Break into small pieces
-
Feed from a flat hand (not fingertips)
-
No more than 1–2 per day
-
Never feed from the stall door
Never feed: Chocolate, avocados, potatoes, lawn clippings, or moldy food.
Sample Daily Feeding Schedule
| Time | Meal |
|---|---|
| 7:00 AM | Hay (5 lbs) + Grain (2 lbs) |
| 12:00 PM | Hay (5 lbs) |
| 5:00 PM | Hay (5 lbs) |
| 9:00 PM | Hay (5 lbs) + Grain (2 lbs) |
Total: 20 lbs hay + 4 lbs grain per day.
Always adjust based on your horse's weight and workload.
Signs You're Feeding Correctly
| Good Sign | Bad Sign |
|---|---|
| Shiny coat | Dull, patchy coat |
| Healthy weight | Too thin or too fat |
| Good energy | Lethargic or hyperactive |
| Regular droppings | Runny or too dry |
Final Thought
Feeding your horse isn't complicated—but it does require consistency and attention.
Follow the five rules: same time daily, change slowly, hay before grain, always water, measure everything. Your horse doesn't need fancy supplements or expensive feeds. They need consistency, quality hay, and clean water.
When you get that right, everything else follows. Your horse will be healthy, happy, and ready to ride. 🐴
What's your biggest question about feeding your horse? Drop it below—I'd love to help!
