A feeding program for a typical horse is described as the following:
There are many factors in determining which feed will be the best for the horse to maintain a healthy body weight or body condition score.
Things to consider when choosing the appropriate feed for your horse:
Forage: Grass pasture, Grass Hay, Legume Hay, Chopped Forage. What is the quality of the forage being fed?
Body Condition:
Under Weight: Require a high calorie, high digestible fiber feed to help gain weight to a desirable body condition
Over Weight: Require a lower calorie, low digestible fiber diet to decrease weight to a desirable body condition
Activity Level: Is the horse a maintenance horse or performing horse, (if performing, refer to page 25 for the National Research Council Performing Horse Classification)
Time of year: Environmental climate, hay/pasture quality and quantity
Management Tips