How to Compare Horse Feed

Hay is for horses

There are more types of horse feed than most people realize and each type has different qualities that make it either appropriate or inappropriate for specific horses. You can't rely on what your friend or neighbor feeds his horse, so learning how to compare horse feed makes the decision much easier.

Instructions

1. Determine the age of the horse to decide if he needs foal, junior or senior horse feed. In many cases, these specialty grains can provide essential nutrients, and it is important to know that horses' needs change as they age.

2. Know that horse feed comes in three basic classifications: pellet, grain and sweet feed. Hay is another type of feed, but it isn't sufficient on its own to sustain your horse's dietary requirements.

3. Consider sweet feed if your horse seems to lack energy or if he has trouble maintaining weight. Although sweet feed isn't much different from pellets, it does contain more sugar and provides a boost of energy and also encourages weight gain.

4. Switch to pelleted horse feed if your horse is a performance animal or if he is an easy keeper. Pellets are a concentrated feed that provide carbohydrates, fat, sodium and other nutrients in different levels.

5. Realize that older horses often respond best to grains, such as oats or corn, because they are easily digestible and easier on the gastrointestinal system. You can also give grains to horses as a supplement to sweet feed or pellets, as a sprinkling on the top or bottom of the bucket.

6. Read the labels on the different brands of horse feed. Your horse might need additional fat content if he doesn't gain weight easily, or more protein if he needs extra energy.

Tips & Warnings

• Consider off-brand horse feed if you need to save money. It's the content that counts.

• Ask your veterinarian for advice on feeding a "hard keeper."