Introduce any new feed or forage gradually over 7 to 14 days, mixing in a little more of the new and less of the old each day. Watch droppings and appetite, and slow down if anything changes.
Why slow matters
A horse’s gut relies on a population of microbes tuned to its current diet. A sudden change disrupts them, causing gas, loose droppings or colic. Introducing new feed slowly lets those microbes adapt, which is why a staged switch is one of the golden rules of feeding.
Follow a schedule
Over about a week to two weeks, replace a small portion of the old feed with the new each day, gradually shifting the balance until the horse is fully on the new feed. The bigger the change, or the more sensitive the horse, the slower you should go.
Do not forget forage changes
The same rule applies to hay and haylage, and to moving onto spring grass. New hay, a different batch, or a sudden flush of rich grass can all upset the gut, so introduce forage changes gradually too, and slow grass turnout with a slow feeder or restricted grazing.
Watch the horse
Monitor droppings, appetite and behaviour through the change. Loose droppings, going off feed or signs of discomfort mean you are going too fast, so pause or step back and slow the switch. A steady, watchful approach avoids most problems.
Time changes well
Where you can, avoid changing feed at the same time as other stresses like travel, a new yard or hard work. Making one change at a time, slowly, gives the horse the best chance to adjust comfortably and keeps the gut healthy.
