Horse diets vary significantly depending on the individual horse, their breed, age, workload, health and living conditions. A racehorse, for example, has very different nutritional requirements from a weekend leisure pony.
The following is intended as a basic guide. Every horse is different, so feeding should be adjusted according to their individual needs, body condition and workload.
Horses are grazing animals and are naturally designed to spend much of their day moving and foraging. Wild horses travel considerable distances in search of food and water and spend many hours each day eating relatively low-energy forage.
Domestic horses generally move much less and may have access to richer pasture and concentrated feeds. This combination can contribute to weight gain, metabolic problems, digestive issues and other health concerns in some horses.
Fibre Should Be the Foundation
The horse's digestive system is designed around a continuous supply of forage. Horses have a relatively small stomach and a large hindgut, where fibre is fermented by beneficial microorganisms.
This is why hay and other long-stem forage should form the foundation of a healthy horse's diet.
Long periods without forage can increase the risk of digestive problems and may contribute to stress and unwanted behaviours. Providing suitable forage throughout the day helps support healthy gut function and more natural feeding behaviour.
For many domestic horses, the challenge is not getting enough food, but getting the right type and amount of forage.
Grass and Pasture
Ideally, horses would graze a wide variety of natural vegetation. However, modern pasture management has produced grasses that can be much richer and more nutrient-dense than the forage horses evolved to eat.
Some horses cope perfectly well with these pastures, while others can become overweight, develop metabolic problems or become particularly sensitive to grass.
If your horse is showing signs of being grass affected, or has a history of laminitis or metabolic issues, pasture management becomes particularly important.
For more information, see our article Could It Be the Grass?.
Quick Feeding Guide
| What your horse needs | Start with | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Fibre | Good-quality hay, pasture and other suitable forage | The foundation of a healthy equine diet and essential for healthy hindgut function |
| Vitamins & minerals | A quality vitamin and mineral supplement such as Supreme MVA | Helps fill nutritional gaps that may not be met by hay or pasture |
| Salt | Plain sea salt or a suitable salt supplement | Helps maintain fluid and electrolyte balance, particularly in hot weather or when sweating |
| Additional protein | Linseed, lucerne or other appropriate protein sources | May be useful for horses with increased protein requirements |
| Extra energy | Linseed, copra, beet pulp, grains or other suitable feeds | Useful for horses that need additional calories to maintain or gain condition |
| Omega-3 fats | Chia seed, hemp, ground linseed or flaxseed oil | Provides a natural source of omega-3 fatty acids |
| Extra calcium | XtraCal where appropriate | Particularly useful when calcium requirements aren't being met, including for horses grazing some oxalate-rich pastures |
Not every horse needs all of these ingredients. The right diet depends on your horse's pasture, hay, workload, body condition, age and individual nutritional requirements.
Choosing Ingredients for Your Feed
A hard feed should complement your horse's forage rather than replace it. Choose ingredients according to what your individual horse needs.
Oaten or Wheaten Chaff
Oaten or wheaten chaff can be used as the basis of a feed mix. For horses with EMS or other metabolic concerns, however, the sugar content of chaff should be considered when selecting an appropriate feed.
Lucerne Chaff
Lucerne (alfalfa) is relatively high in protein and can be useful in small amounts for fussy eaters or horses requiring additional protein.
It is not necessary to feed large amounts simply because a horse enjoys it. For horses with specific metabolic or nutritional requirements, consider whether lucerne is appropriate as part of the overall diet.
Beet Pulp
Unsweetened beet pulp is a useful source of highly digestible fibre and can provide bulk in a feed without relying on grain.
It can be combined with ingredients such as copra, oats, bran or barley. Rinse thoroughly before soaking if reducing iron intake is a consideration.
Coconut and Copra
Copra meal is a palatable, energy-dense feed that can be useful for fussy eaters or as a carrier for supplements.
Small amounts of coconut oil can also be added to feed as an additional source of fat and energy.
Rice Bran
Rice bran can provide additional energy and nutrition and may be useful for horses that need to gain condition.
Use in moderation, as some horses may become more excitable when fed energy-dense feeds.
Wheat Bran
Wheat bran provides fibre and nutrients and can be included in small amounts as part of a feed mix.
As a general guide, around ¼–1 cup daily may be used depending on the individual horse and the rest of their diet.
Wheatgerm
Wheatgerm is a nutrient-rich ingredient that can be added in small quantities. Approximately 1–2 tablespoons daily can be used, and it should be stored in a cool place.
Linseed (Flaxseed)
Linseed is a rich source of omega-3 fatty acids and can be fed freshly ground, as linseed meal or as flaxseed oil.
Whole flaxseed should be ground before feeding. It can be stored in the refrigerator to help maintain freshness.
Whole Linseed can be ground using a coffee grinder or blender.
Cold-Pressed Flaxseed Oil can be added at approximately 1–2 tablespoons daily.
Ground Linseed Meal can be added at approximately ¼–½ cup once or twice daily.
Some horses may experience a laxative effect if fed larger amounts, so introduce gradually.
Sea Salt
Salt is an important part of a horse's diet and requirements increase when horses are sweating heavily.
Salt may also be particularly important when horses are consuming potassium-rich pasture. As a general guide, up to 10 g per 100 kg bodyweight daily may be appropriate, taking into account any salt already provided through feeds or supplements.
Black Sunflower Seeds
Black sunflower seeds provide protein, fats and vitamin E and can be useful for horses needing additional calories.
A general guide is around 30 g per 100 kg bodyweight daily. Introduce gradually, particularly with horses that become excitable on higher-energy feeds.
Sunflower seeds are higher in omega-6 fatty acids, so they can be balanced with omega-3-rich ingredients such as linseed.
What About Grains?
Grains are concentrated sources of energy and are not required by every horse. They should be considered according to workload, body condition and individual nutritional needs.
If additional energy is required, options include:
Oats
Oats are a commonly used grain for horses in regular work and can be fed whole or crushed.
Barley
Barley provides concentrated energy and can be fed rolled or cooked according to the type of barley used.
Millet
Millet is a nutritious grain that can be fed boiled, soaked or crushed. Around ½–1 cup daily may be used as a starting point, with smaller amounts for ponies.
Millet & Linseed Porridge
Millet and linseed can be combined to make a palatable, energy-rich feed for horses needing additional condition.
Combine approximately ¼ cup linseed and ½ cup millet with around 800 ml water. Bring to the boil carefully and simmer for approximately one hour. Allow to cool before feeding and adjust the quantity according to the size and needs of the horse.
What to Avoid
Avoid making highly processed feeds or large amounts of concentrated energy the foundation of your horse's diet.
In particular:
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Avoid excessive amounts of grain or high-energy feeds.
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Avoid feeding large amounts of concentrated oils or fats.
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Never feed sugar lumps or other high-sugar treats.
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Avoid dusty, damp or mouldy hay, chaff or grain.
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Check feeds regularly and discard anything that has become spoiled or contaminated.
Small amounts of fresh carrot or apple can be used as an occasional treat.
Don't Forget Vitamins and Minerals
Even when a horse appears healthy, their forage may not provide everything they require.
Domestic horses cannot select from the variety of grasses, herbs, shrubs, trees and other vegetation available to free-ranging horses. The nutritional value of hay and pasture can also vary considerably.
A quality vitamin and mineral supplement can help fill nutritional gaps.
We recommend Supreme MVA to provide vitamins, minerals and amino acids as part of a balanced diet.
If your horse is grazing oxalate-rich pasture, additional calcium may be required. XtraCal can be fed alongside Supreme MVA where appropriate.
For more information, see our guide to managing oxalate grass.
How Much Should I Feed?
There is no single feeding amount that suits every horse.
If your horse is in good condition and maintaining their weight, the hard feed may only need to provide a small amount of additional nutrition, with salt and vitamins and minerals added as required.
If your horse needs to gain condition, increase the amount and frequency of their feed gradually and provide suitable hay or other forage freely. ShipShape can also be considered where additional nutritional support is required.
The amount of hard feed should always be adjusted according to your horse's size, workload, body condition and the quality of their pasture and hay.
Feeding Grass-Affected Horses
Some horses are particularly sensitive to certain pasture conditions and may show changes in behaviour, energy, body condition or physical health when exposed to unsuitable grass.
If your horse becomes grass affected, simply adding more feed or supplements may not address the underlying problem. Managing their access to pasture and providing appropriate forage should be considered first.
For more information, see our guide to Feeding Grass-Affected Horses.
The Bottom Line
A healthy horse's diet should be based primarily on appropriate forage, with additional feed used to provide nutrients or energy that the forage alone may not supply.
Choose ingredients according to your horse's individual needs rather than simply feeding a large number of different products.
Some horses appear perfectly healthy on processed or grain-based diets, while others develop subtle changes in behaviour, weight, digestion, coat, hooves or overall wellbeing.
Learning to recognise what is normal for your horse and adjusting their diet when needed is one of the most important things you can do to support their long-term health.
For more advice, complete our complimentary Horse Questionnaire.